EJAE Kim Eun-jae: Netflix KPop Demon Hunters Star Is Legendary Actor Shin Young-kyun's Granddaughter
The breakout voice behind "Golden" carries on her grandfather's entertainment legacy as the song heads to Oscar consideration
The global phenomenon "KPop Demon Hunters" has an unexpected family story behind its success. Kim Eun-jae, known professionally as EJAE, who provides the singing voice for lead character Rumi, is the granddaughter of legendary Korean actor Shin Young-kyun.
Released on Netflix on June 20, 2025, "KPop Demon Hunters" has shattered entertainment industry expectations. The soundtrack's lead single "Golden" topped both Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 - making it the first track by a virtual K-pop artist to break into the chart's upper tier.
Seven songs from the soundtrack currently appear on the Billboard Hot 100, while Netflix has submitted "Golden" for 2026 Academy Awards consideration in the Best Original Song category.
Born December 6, 1991, the 33-year-old Korean-American spent 10 years as an SM Entertainment trainee before pivoting to songwriting after her debut attempts failed. Her breakthrough came in 2019 with Red Velvet's hit "Psycho," which she co-wrote.
EJAE has since worked with major K-pop acts including Red Velvet, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, TWICE, and KARD. Her transition from failed trainee to top producer mirrors the resilience themes in "KPop Demon Hunters."
The entertainment connection runs deep in EJAE's family. Her grandfather Shin Young-kyun was a dominant figure in Korean cinema during the 1960s-70s, appearing in 294 films including classics like "The Red Muffler" and "Love Me Once Again".
In 2010, Shin Young-kyun made headlines by donating 500 billion won ($40 million) worth of assets to support Korean film development, including the historic Myungbo Theater and Jeju's Shin Young Film Museum. He also donated land worth 10 billion won to Seoul National University.
EJAE's involvement in "KPop Demon Hunters" began in late 2020 when she joined as both songwriter and vocalist. Director Maggie Kang attributed EJAE's demos as one reason the film was greenlit.
The soundtrack features contributions from top K-pop producers including Teddy Park (BLACKPINK) and BTS collaborator Lindgren. If "Golden" receives an Oscar nomination, EJAE would become only the second songwriter of Korean descent to achieve this honor, following Karen O's 2013 nomination for "The Moon Song".
The family connection came to light through a 2011 KBS variety show appearance where both grandfather and granddaughter appeared together. EJAE, then studying at New York University, described her grandfather as a "perfect 100-point stylish grandfather".
"Golden" achieved a perfect all-kill on Korean charts in 2025, while the soundtrack became the highest-charting animated film album since "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse".
Currently based in Brooklyn and signed with Prescription Songs, EJAE represents a new generation of Korean-American artists bridging cultures through music. Meanwhile, her grandfather's Shin Young-kyun Film Arts Foundation continues supporting Korean cinema through scholarships and film production grants.
As "KPop Demon Hunters" continues dominating global charts and heads toward potential Oscar recognition, the convergence of two generations of Korean entertainment excellence showcases how artistic passion transcends time - from classic cinema to virtual K-pop stardom.