“KPop Demon Hunters” Star’s “Golden Globes” Speech Triggers Backlash Towards The K-Pop Industry
EJAE delivered one of the most talked-about speeches at the 2026 Golden Globes after winning “Best Original Song, Motion Picture” for KPop Demon Hunters hit track “Golden.”
Rather than focusing only on the win, EJAE used her moment to reflect on a painful chapter of her past.
When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fulfill one dream: to become a K-pop idol. I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn’t good enough, so I leaned on songs and music to get through it. Now, I’m here as a singer and a songwriter.
It’s a dream come true to be part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys, and everyone of all ages to get through hardship and accept themselves. So thank you, Golden Globes, for accepting my voice and our voice.
This award goes to the people who have had their doors closed on them. I can confidently say that rejection is redirection. Never give up, it’s never too late to shine like you’re born to be.
— EJAE accepting the award for “Best Original Song, Motion Picture” at the 2026 Golden Globes
EJAE’s acceptance speech for her first Golden Globe for her original song “Golden” from ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’
“Rejection is re-direction. It's never to late to shine like you were born to be”
See the full winners list: https://t.co/u8RneFY12F pic.twitter.com/5sEce5VGh2
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 12, 2026
Her words — especially the line “rejection is redirection” — quickly went viral. While many praised her honesty and resilience, the speech also ignited strong backlash toward the K-Pop industry, with much of the criticism aimed at SM Entertainment, where EJAE was previously a trainee.
Honestly fuck the kpop industry. No freedom and everything controlled by the company. Her being rejected was a blessing in disguise and she would have never come this far if she was an idol https://t.co/hQ4nJ1qpZ9
— Yedits (@Yedits30) January 12, 2026
the good thing is ejae has rights while kpop idols don't https://t.co/7XDyvMv9bh pic.twitter.com/qEtz2XaAkl
— soy // NEWJEANS IS FIVE (@soyamoyas) January 12, 2026
"rejection is re-direction" oohhh the sment shade 👏👏 https://t.co/sjLWaD1jY3
— 卌 𝓵𝓞𝓾 🎸𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀 🤘 (@enjieLou) January 12, 2026
I’m still confused as to why SM had her locked up for 10 yrs like shit is crazy https://t.co/i8RugKHlxO
— hany 🍀 (@elee_bxbyy) January 12, 2026
my princess 🥺 she’s so deserving of all the recognition in the world. i’m so glad her talent is finally being recognised. and fuck that wretched ass company SM for wasting 10 years of her life and calling her “too old to debut” at the age of 22 (!) https://t.co/c4FQ7KifTE
— mel ♡ 🐾 (@missmoroccana) January 12, 2026
"Rejected bc my voice wasn't good enough".
I dont understand a thing about Kpop idols but that is criminal.
EJAE voice is everything. Glad this amazing woman is getting her recognition as a singer and song writer. Oscar inbound. https://t.co/0HC5DTy8gj pic.twitter.com/Q4M3iWVGZr
— Mardres (@Mariusande) January 12, 2026
