For K-pop lovers, the melody of “GOLDEN” is unmistakable — a song that has gone viral across social media since this summer. It is the OST of the globally popular Netflix film K-Pop Demon Hunters. “Golden” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. — becoming the first K-pop song by a female act (girl group) to achieve this milestone (even though the group is virtual).
On the charts of many other countries around the world, the song has also achieved remarkable results. Notably, it нιт No. 1 on the UK’s Official Singles Chart and held the top position for several weeks. On נαραи’s Oricon charts, “Golden” ranked No. 1 on the Rapid Streaming Growth chart, with a growth rate of ~67.9% for the week of July 21–27, 2025.
And the person behind this song’s success is the кσяєαn–αмєяι¢αn singer EJAE. She not only co-wrote the track but also provided the singing voice for Rumi, one of the main characters in the нιт Netflix film, delivering a standout performance of the song.
With the rising popularity of GOLDEN and K-pop Demon Hunters, EJAE has been receiving significant public attention. Recently, she has appeared in multiple interviews, allowing au∂ιєnces to learn more about the talented artist. One of these was an interview with Vulture, where she was υиєχρє¢тє∂ly asked about the awkward moment when she sent a video message to Jungkook during a previous JTBC interview.
Specifically, the interviewer mentioned that: “I did see when JTBC News asked you to record that video message for Jung Kook. You looked shy.”
After that, EJAE expressed her worries and explained the situation in detail: “I just feel bad. I don’t want to pressure anybody. If you’re going to write about this, can you please write that EJAE said, “No pressure, truly”? I genuinely respect him as a singer. And it’s not about just being a really good singer, it’s about delivering the lines. Even though English isn’t his first language, he кιℓℓed it with “Seven” and everything. I look up to him.”
For those who may not remember, during a JTBC interview a few months ago, EJAE was asked which artist she most wanted to work with or produce music for in the future. At that time, she mentioned Jungkook: “He sings so well. I want to write a good melody for him. It would be an honor to collaborate with him. Being a good singer is important, but lyrical delivery is the most important when you sing and he’s good at it too. The way he’s able to pull off melo∂ιєs and emote with his voice.”
Before rising to global fame with “Golden,” EJAE was already a talented producer who contributed to major нιтs by various K-pop idol groups, including Red Velvet (“Psycho”), aespa (“Drama”, “Armageddon”), TWICE (“Last Waltz”), LE SSERAFIM (“So Cynical (Badum)”), …
Seeing how much EJAE genuinely admired Jungkook, the reporter asked her to send a video message to the superstar, potentially opening the door for a future collaboration. The voice behind K-pop Demon Hunters then looked into the camera and said: "Jungkook, please do a collab with me. Thank you. Oh, God!"
Although it was just a cute message that fans thoroughly enjoyed, EJAE later felt worried that she might have been a bit too “forward” by making that request. That’s why she shared her “bad” feeling when the Vulture reporter brought the situation up again.
In contrast to the K-pop Demon Hunters vocalist’s worries, fans were delighted to see how she tried to ease any pressure on Jungkook by rephrasing her earlier comments and continuously praising him. ARMYs could clearly feel how much she admires Jungkook’s voice and how strongly she hopes for a chance to work with the K-pop superstar. Fans have been fully supportive of EJAE, calling for a joint project between the two talented artists:
- EJAE speaking about Jungkook with so much respect is honestly beautiful .The way she says ‘no pressure’ and still praises JK’s talent, delivery, and impact ,it shows how much artists admire him too. Jungkook truly earns respect, not just with vocals but with heart
- She is so sweet when she said ' can you write that Ejae said no pressure truly. How sweet. Please make a collab soon
- She’s an amazing artist and you can tell she admires Jungkook as much as we do. I hope she gets the chance to work with him.
- I get so happy when someone talks about him — always with respect and admiration. Because that’s exactly who he is: kindness, love, and respect
- “No pressure, truly” The respect she has for Jungkook as an artist, we love talent recognizing talent
- My forever singer Jungkook is so loved and admired by his fellow artists too, esp top vocalists like talent recognizing talent!There's absolutely no pressure yeah but this is the second time she praises him and a collab would be absolutely amazing and golden!
- I ADORE HER and the way she always refers Jungkook with so much respect, with so much appreciation for him and his music, his super talented charismatic voice. It’s so sweet how she highlighted she doesn’t want to pressure. How kind that is?! Huge respect for EJAE! Please go singing GOLDEN together
- I love how she keeps praising Jungkook with so much respect. Her love for Jungkook is so genuine. Thank you girl
- The way she talks about Jungkook nonstop but always with sincerity and respect is so refreshing. I’d love to see what magic they could create if they ever worked on a song together
- She genuinely adores his voice and you can feel the respect in every word she says. Now I’m curious what would a ‘Golden’ duet or an original English collab between them sound like?
