Netflix animated film ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ achieved a major milestone at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, as its original song ‘Golden’ won the Best Original Song award, marking a historic first for a Korea-related animated project at the ceremony.
The Golden Globe Awards were held on January 12 in Los Angeles, where ‘Golden’ was announced as the winner among global contenders. The song serves as a central theme for ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ and has been widely praised for blending emotional storytelling with K-pop sensibility.
EJAE Takes the Stage With a Personal Message
EJAE, who co-wrote, co-composed, and performed ‘Golden,’ accepted the award on stage. Visibly emotional, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her personal journey in music. “This is such an honor. Thank you so much,” she said, holding back tears.
EJAE went on to share that she once dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol but was unable to achieve that goal despite years of preparation. Music, she explained, became a way for her to overcome disappointment and continue pursuing her passion in a different form. “I’m standing here today as a singer and songwriter,” she said. “Please don’t give up on your dreams. It’s never too late to shine just the way you are.”
Her remarks resonated widely, turning the acceptance speech into one of the ceremony’s most talked about moments.
A Historic Win for Korean Animation
This marks the first time a Korea-related animated work has won a Golden Globe. Beyond Best Original Song, ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ was also nominated for Best Animated Feature and Box Office Achievement, underscoring its broad impact across both artistic and commercial categories.
The film has already demonstrated strong momentum this awards season, having previously earned two wins at the Critics Choice Awards, further solidifying its status as a global success.
A Step Closer to the Academy Awards
Often described as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes victory has raised expectations for ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ ahead of the Oscars. Industry observers note that recognition in music categories frequently strengthens a film’s overall awards campaign.
By combining K-pop aesthetics, animation, and emotionally grounded storytelling, ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ has emerged as a standout example of how Korean inspired content continues to expand its influence on the global entertainment stage.
With ‘Golden’ now a Golden Globe winning song, the film’s journey appears far from over.