EJAE, along with Mark Sonnenblick, Jong Gyu Kwak, Yoo Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park Golden, became Oscar-winning songwriters, winning Best Original Song at this year’s Academy Awards. This is the first time that a K-pop track has been able to win praise and it’s a huge win for the writers who worked hard. For their contributions to Kpop Demon Hunters, the team came on stage to give an acceptance speech and were suddenly shut down, only EJ got the chance to speak. The stars said their notes backstage while the rest of the songwriters watched in disbelief and the audience booed.
kpop demon hunters golden team finished speech after being cut
As reported by DEADLINE, AJ responded by saying, “We feel very grateful and very honored. We all worked so hard, and it’s such a collaborative effort; we just need to thank our directors. They made a beautiful movie. Everyone was a part of it, and we’re so happy that the hard work paid off.” She went on to thank Golden’s fellow singers Ri Ami and Audrey Noona.
Yoo Han Lee, who was the person to speak when the Oscars decided to move to commercials, said, “I want to thank all of our families, my fellow Idol members, and Teddy Park. This is an incredible honor.” Meanwhile, Sonnenblick, who had no chance to express his gratitude at all, thanked all of the film’s contributors. He quoted the song with the words, “(The lyrics are not) ‘I’m going up, up, up.’ It’s ‘We’re going up, up, up.’ And that’s why we’re (here) now. So, thanks also to the fans who loved this film and made it what it is and created its soundtrack.
Kpop Demon Hunters also took home the award for Best Animated Feature, with director Maggie Kang thanking all ‘those who look like them’, dedicating the win to Korea and Koreans everywhere, and apologizing for how long it took.
The Netflix production recently confirmed its second film, which is set for release in 2029.
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