Korean American singer Ejae has gone from aspiring K-pop trainee to global music sensation, after her voice brought the animated film KPop Demon Hunters to life.

The Netflix original, its most-watched ever, tells the story of a Korean girl group defeating demons with their songs.

Ejae co-wrote and recorded several tracks, including the Golden Globe-winning anthem Golden, which is also up for multiple Grammys and an Oscar.

She provides the singing voice for the film’s protagonist, Rumi.

Ejae’s path wasn’t easy. Signed to one of South Korea’s largest agencies at age 11, she endured over a decade of intense training, but never debuted. “I worked hard… but I just didn’t make my mark,” she told CNN.

After leaving the agency, she felt hopeless, having devoted her youth to a dream that hadn’t materialised.

Determined to stay in the industry, she reinvented herself as a songwriter.

Returning to New York, she taught herself music production and began writing songs professionally, eventually working with K-pop acts like Twice, Suzy, Aespa, and Red Velvet.

Her journey mirrors the film that made her famous.

KPop Demon Hunters reflects the highs and pressures of the K-pop industry — the strict schedules, intense training, and high stakes of stardom.

“Rejection is redirection, so never give up,” Ejae said during her Golden Globe acceptance, celebrating a career that turned disappointment into global success.

Today, her songs are heard worldwide, from streaming platforms to diplomatic events, proving her resilience and creative vision.