‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Songwriters Complete Cut-Off Oscars Speech Backstage After Historic Win

It was a moment the global K-pop community had been waiting for, but the orchestra nearly stole the show. When the songwriting team behind KPop Demon Hunters‘ hit “Golden” took the stage to accept the first-ever Oscar for a K-pop original song, only one member got a full sentence out before the Academy’s infamous play-off music began. What followed backstage became a poignant coda to a night of historic firsts.

A Historic Win Cut Short

EJAE, the singer and co-writer, managed a heartfelt speech during the televised ceremony. “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone’s singing our song in all the Korean lyrics. I’m so proud,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “This award is not about success, it’s about resilience.”

But as her fellow writer Yuhan stepped to the mic, the lights dimmed and the orchestra jumped in. He barely uttered “Thank you” before the broadcast cut away. The Academy’s official YouTube upload omitted the interruption, but backstage in the press room, Yuhan received a warm ovation as he finally finished his speech.

“I’d like to thank our families, [co-writer and producer] 24, my fellow IDO members, and Teddy Park,” Yuhan said, visibly moved. “This is an incredible honor.” Mark Sonnenblick, another writer who never got a moment on air, added, “A movie is like a village, and we’re lucky to be up here right now.”

K-Pop’s Long-Awaited Oscar Breakthrough

For decades, K-pop has conquered charts, stadiums, and streaming platforms, but an Academy Award remained elusive. “Golden” shattered that glass ceiling, marking the first time a song primarily performed in Korean won the Best Original Song Oscar. The win reflects the genre’s unstoppable global ascent—a journey that began with Psy’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012 and accelerated through BTS, Blackpink, and countless acts that made K-pop a lingua franca of pop culture.

Yet the Academy has historically been slow to embrace non-English music. This victory, alongside KPop Demon Hunters‘ Best Animated Feature win, signals a broader shift toward inclusion. Industry insiders note that the film’s soundtrack, blending traditional Korean instrumentation with modern pop production, proved that linguistic barriers don’t limit emotional impact.

Inside ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and Its Cultural Impact

The animated film, co-written and co-directed by Maggie Kang, has become a cultural touchstone. Set in a world where K-pop idols battle supernatural forces, the movie resonated with audiences worldwide for its vibrant visuals and heartfelt story about identity and belonging. Kang’s acceptance speech for Best Animated Feature was equally moving: “Thank you to the Academy and to all the fans who got us here. For those of you who look like me—I’m sorry it took so long to see us in a movie like this. But it is here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”

The film’s success also highlighted the growing influence of Asian creators in Hollywood. Kang, a former animation director at DreamWorks, spent years championing diverse stories. “KPop Demon Hunters is proof that authentic representation isn’t just a box to check—it’s a commercial and critical powerhouse,” says a senior analyst at Box Office Pro.

The Songwriting Collective Behind ‘Golden’

The “Golden” team is a microcosm of K-pop’s collaborative ecosystem. EJAE, Yuhan, Mark Sonnenblick, producer 24, and longtime YG Entertainment hitmaker Teddy Park brought together Korean and Western sensibilities. The track’s infectious melody, layered with rap verses and a soaring chorus, became an anthem for resilience.

Yuhan, a member of the K-pop group IDO, has long championed genre fusion. “We wanted to prove that K-pop can carry the emotional weight of a film’s climax,” he said backstage. The song’s victory also underscored the role of YouTube and streaming in globalizing K-pop—the official video for “Golden” has amassed over 300 million views.

A Backstage Encore

EJAE, who also performed “Golden” live during the ceremony with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami while the audience waved light sticks, later reflected on the cut-off. “It’s okay—we finished what we started backstage,” she told reporters. The moment sparked conversations about the Oscars’ often harsh timing constraints. Many fans and industry figures called for the Academy to allow more flexibility for historic speeches, especially given the emotional weight of first-time wins.

Sonnenblick, a seasoned songwriter who has worked with top pop acts, noted, “We didn’t get our full moment on TV, but the message still got out. That’s what matters.”

What This Means for the Future of K-Pop and Animation at the Oscars

With two major Oscars in one night, KPop Demon Hunters has opened the floodgates. Expectations are high that future K-pop soundtracks will receive serious Academy consideration. Already, several major studios are developing animated projects with K-pop crossovers.

For the broader entertainment industry, the night underscored that audiences crave authenticity and global perspectives. As Maggie Kang said, the next generations won’t have to go longing. The stage is now set for a new era of storytelling—one where the music plays on, even after the orchestra has stopped.

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