The global success of Netflix's animated feature K-pop Demon Hunters can be credited to its dazzling visuals, captivating storyline, and, above all, its gripping original soundtrack. At the heart of the production is Korean-American composer EJAE (real name Eunjae Kim), who not only voiced the protagonist Lumi but also composed several main songs, rapidly capturing the hearts of K-pop fans and music lovers worldwide.

EJAE, who devoted over a decade of her youth as a trainee at SM Entertainment with hopes of debuting, is now making a dazzling comeback as she prepares to solidify her presence as the next-generation global musician through K-pop Demon Hunters.

Dreaming of becoming the “Beyoncé of Korea” as a child, Eunjae Kim’s journey began as an SM Entertainment trainee in 2003, where she trained alongside future Girls’ Generation members. Despite years of preparation, multiple failed debut attempts brought heartbreak. Driven by a passion for learning, she went on to earn degrees in music business and psychology at New York University. After graduation, EJAE made one last attempt to debut, but differences in musical direction with SM—as well as her age—ultimately led her to set aside her dreams of idol stardom. Though deeply disappointed, she forged a new path as a songwriter.

Her talent as a K-pop composer soon stood out. The song “Psycho,” inspired by an argument with her boyfriend and selected as Red Velvet’s 2019 title track, left a strong impression on the K-pop scene. Despite her limited experience at the time, the success of “Psycho” propelled her into the spotlight; she continued to excel as a top-liner, penning hits like aespa’s “Armageddon.” A connection from her SM days—singer-songwriter Andrew Choi—also provided opportunities for collaboration. Interestingly, it was EJAE’s recommendation that led Andrew Choi to voice the male lead, Jinwoo, in K-pop Demon Hunters.

EJAE joined the creative team of K-pop Demon Hunters in late 2020 through a colleague’s introduction, and was later chosen to be the singing voice of Lumi around 2023. Her initial audition tape caught the ear of director Maggie Kang, earning her not just the role of Lumi’s singing voice but the chorus parts as well. Particularly notable is “Hunters Mantra,” an early background piece in the film where EJAE drew from her own studies in pansori and Korean lyrics, infusing the work with a distinctively Korean flavor.

Reflecting on her work in film music, Eunjae Kim said, “It needed to be both K-pop and glamorous.” She explained that her preferred style—layering rich harmonies—fit seamlessly with the cinematic soundtrack. Working alongside seasoned musical theater writers, she focused on the pop elements that linger in listeners’ minds, striving to maintain a harmonious musical flow with the narrative.

Among the film’s standout tracks, composed in collaboration with THEBLACKLABEL, is “Your Idol,” performed by the charismatic grim reaper group Saja Boys. The song’s provocative lyrics sparked conversation even outside the film. EJAE revealed that she drew from the darker sides of idol culture—such as witnessing fans throw trash at female trainees outside the SM Entertainment building. She also blended themes like the Christian taboo on idol worship, drawing reference from songs like EXO’s “MAMA” and hymns her father enjoyed, incorporating these varied influences into the lyrics.

The main theme, “Golden,” holds special significance for EJAE. The song reflects her personal journey: the pressure to hide her insecurities as a trainee, and the pain of being overshadowed as a songwriter. She recalls being moved to tears while recording the demo, confessing that giving voice to Lumi’s story also brought her healing. Like the lyrics of “Golden”—“I’ll shine instead of hiding”—she hopes the song will offer hope to listeners as well.

Though she no longer aspires to be a famous singer, EJAE still dreams of winning a Grammy for songwriting, hoping to prove that Asian musicians can thrive in the American music industry. Despite countless setbacks at the doorstep of debut, she has relentlessly honed her craft and, through the global hit K-pop Demon Hunters, finally gained international recognition. As she soars beyond adversity, anticipation grows for the impact her music will have on K-pop and the global music scene.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, EJAE SNS, Netflix