In a realm dominated by K-pop’s larger-than-life idols, EJAE stands out as a relatable underdog, captivating audiences with both her artistry and authenticity. With her role as Rumi, a half-demon diva in the popular Netflix animated film KPop: Demon Hunters, EJAE is not only slaying fictional demons but also challenging typical industry narratives.
At 34, EJAE, born Kim Eun-jae on December 6, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, has carved her niche in the music scene. She is more than just a name on the rising charts; she is the creative force behind hits like “Golden,” which recently soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Her humble demeanor, coupled with immense talent, makes her the epitome of the anti-diva, shining without the drama often associated with celebrity life.
EJAE’s journey mirrors that of a K-drama plot. As a member of a showbiz family—she is the granddaughter of renowned actor Shin Young-kyun—she entered the entertainment world early. After being recognized by SM Entertainment at just 11, she dedicated nearly a decade to intense training, hoping to debut as a K-pop idol. However, the reality was a difficult one; when she did not debut, she expressed resentment towards the industry yet chose to transform that disappointment into determination.
Instead of giving up, EJAE relocated to the United States to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Graduating in 2014, she refined her songwriting capabilities and creative vision, understanding how music translates to choreography and visuals. This education was pivotal, as she noted in an interview, it shaped her approach to writing songs.
Her breakthrough in the music industry occurred after she graduated, thanks in part to her mentorship with producer Andrew Choi. At an SM songwriting camp in 2017, her talent shone through, leading to her co-writing “Psycho” for Red Velvet, a gold-certified track that received numerous accolades.
EJAE swiftly became a sought-after songwriter for significant K-pop acts, contributing to songs for Aespa, TWICE, LE SSERAFIM, and NMIXX, while maintaining a grounded attitude. She views songwriting as a therapeutic outlet rather than a means for self-aggrandizement, a perspective she cherishes.
The year 2025 marked EJAE’s ascent into the spotlight. Initially joining KPop: Demon Hunters as a songwriter, her demos impressed the directors to the extent that they offered her the opportunity to be the singing voice for Rumi. The animated film, portraying idols navigating battles with demons, quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film, boasting a soundtrack that achieved remarkable success. The single “Golden” not only attained the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 but also garnered four Grammy nominations, indicating her growing influence in the music scene.
With other tracks like “How It’s Done” and “What It Sounds Like” also achieving commercial success, EJAE is solidifying her status in K-pop and beyond. She represents a new wave of talent that values authenticity and hard work, proving that dreams can evolve and flourish, even when the initial path seems rocky.