In a recent highlight in the world of animated films and music, Ejae, a prominent star from the animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” expressed her disbelief regarding the film’s staggering success. The film has quickly gained acclaim, becoming Netflix’s most-watched animated feature since its debut in June. Ejae described her experience of the sudden rise to fame as surreal, likening it to “surfing for the first time and a big wave just came through.”
“KPop Demon Hunters” revolves around a fictional girl band that balances their lives as performers with their secret mission of defending the world from supernatural beings. The film has resonated with audiences, in part due to its engaging narrative and catchy songs. Notably, the upbeat anthem “Golden,” which Ejae co-wrote and performed, recently skyrocketed to the number one position on the Official UK Singles Chart, famously dethroning Justin Bieber in this week’s top 40. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as it is the first K-pop single to top the UK chart since PSY’s iconic “Gangnam Style” in 2012.
Ejae, who lends her voice to the character Rumi in “KPop Demon Hunters,” shared her feelings with BBC Newsbeat, saying she was “honoured” by the success of the film and its soundtrack. She performed several songs for the film, including “Your Idol,” “How It’s Done,” and “the Hunter’s Mantra.” Reflecting on how she ended up singing in the production, Ejae mentioned that it felt like an organic progression. She revealed, “I’ve been singing all the demos while writing the songs,” and ultimately, they decided to feature her voice in the final recordings.
The song “Golden” is performed in the film by the girl band HUNTR/X, which comprises characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. Ejae’s involvement in its creation and her subsequent rise in popularity, with nearly 100,000 new followers on Instagram within a month, showcases the overwhelming response to both her talent and the film itself. Ejae emphasized how she is adapting to being in the spotlight rather than working behind the scenes as she had previously.
As the film’s popularity continues to grow, Ejae speculated on its cultural relevance. She remarked, “I think we’re in a time right now where we need hope and people are wanting that,” attributing the song’s appeal to its hopeful message and powerful melody. Ejae believes that these resonate deeply with audiences today.
The film portrays a rivalry where HUNTR/X competes against the demon boy band Saja Boys, whose single “Your Idol” also made waves, reaching number 10 in the charts this week. This concurrent success of both the songs from the movie signals a robust interest in K-pop music, which is reflected in the comments from the Official Charts Company editor, Carl Smith. He remarked on the popularity of both tracks, emphasizing how fans are eager to visualize their new favorite band through the film.
Interestingly, the last animated film soundtrack that captured the number one spot belonged to Disney’s “Encanto,” and predictions indicate that “Golden” might have similar staying power, potentially becoming the song of the summer.
In addition to the spikes in K-pop visibility, other musical trends are emerging, such as the recent collaboration between Drake and Central Cee, which debuted at number four with their track “Which One.” Meanwhile, the legacy of the late Ozzy Osbourne continues to climb the charts posthumously, with several of his tracks, including “Paranoid” and “Crazy Train,” seeing renewed interest after his passing.
In conclusion, Ejae and the “KPop Demon Hunters” team are at the forefront of a new wave in music and animated storytelling, bridging the visible and the audible in a way that captivates a diverse audience. The cultural interplay of K-pop, animation, and the emotional themes encapsulated in songs like “Golden” continue to inspire not only fans but also those who may be new to the genre. The collaborative spirit within K-pop distinguishes it, not barely as a trend, but as a phenomenon reshaping the musical landscape across the globe.
