Rising K-pop star Ejae says her number one hit from KPop Demon Hunters “feels like a dream,” after the film’s breakout track Golden topped the UK Singles Chart this week.
Golden, featured in Netflix’s animated fantasy film KPop Demon Hunters, overtook Justin Bieber to become the No.1 song in the UK. It marks the first time a K-pop track has topped the chart since PSY’s Gangnam Style in 2012.
Ejae, who co-wrote and performed the track, told BBC Newsbeat the song’s runaway success has been both surreal and overwhelming. “It’s like I’m surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through,” she said. “And I’m trying my best to get through it.”
The film follows fictional girl group HUNTR/X — Rumi, Mira, and Zoey — who balance pop stardom with secretly fighting supernatural threats. Ejae provides the singing voice for Rumi and also co-wrote several other songs from the soundtrack, including Your Idol, How It’s Done, and Hunter’s Mantra.
While originally intended as demo vocals, Ejae said she ended up on the final version of the tracks naturally. “I guess we got used to me singing it,” she said. “And they were like: ‘Hey, do you want to sing?’ I was just like: ‘Why not?’”
According to the Official Charts Company, Golden’s hopeful and uplifting message may have struck a chord with listeners. Ejae agrees. “We’re in a time right now where we need hope… and this song just lifts your voice.”
KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix’s most-watched animated film ever, and the soundtrack is gaining momentum globally. Another track, Your Idol, reached No. 10 on the UK chart, while the film has spent two weeks as the most-watched movie on UK Netflix.
Carl Smith, editor of the Official Charts Company, said the songs are “amazing pop tracks with great melodies,” adding that the film has helped fans “visualise their new favourite band.”
Music experts say Golden could be this year’s song of the summer, with popularity spanning generations — much like Disney’s Encanto hit We Don’t Talk About Bruno, which led the chart in 2022.
Ejae, who has gained nearly 100,000 followers in a month, is now adjusting to life in the spotlight after years behind the scenes. “It’s been overwhelming,” she said, but the love from fans has made it all worth it.
