EJAE, celebrated for her contributions as a songwriter and vocalist on the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack, has recently launched a new solo track titled "Time After Time." This pop anthem delves into themes of past relationships and the enduring memories that follow a breakup. The release comes on the heels of her significant achievement at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she made history.
The artist expressed that the melody for "Time After Time" had lingered in her thoughts for an extended period, much like the individual who inspired the song. This personal connection underscores the emotional depth woven into her latest offering.
Her Grammy triumph was particularly noteworthy, as "Golden," a prominent song from the Netflix animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," secured the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media. This marked a monumental occasion, as it was the inaugural Grammy win for a K-Pop track. EJAE, a Korean American, highlighted the cultural significance of this award, noting its representation of Korean heritage on an international platform.
The acclaim for "Golden" extends beyond the Grammys, having previously earned a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award. It is also nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars, further solidifying its critical recognition. The film itself tells the story of HUNTR/X, a fictional K-Pop girl group comprising Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, who utilize their music to safeguard humanity from malevolent forces. EJAE, alongside Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, provides the singing voices for these characters.
The trio is scheduled to perform "Golden" live at the BAFTA Film Awards in London on February 22, marking their first international performance of the acclaimed song. EJAE's talent is not limited to "Golden"; she has penned and performed several other tracks for the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack and has written for numerous prominent K-Pop groups, including AESPA, Red Velvet, Le Sserafim, TWICE, Taeyeon, NMIXX, and FiftyFifty.
In a prior interview, EJAE shared insights into the creation of "Golden," revealing its profound personal impact. She confessed to shedding tears while recording the demo, indicating the song's deep resonance with her own experiences of hardship. She speculated that this emotional authenticity might be a key factor in the song's widespread appeal, offering solace and hope to listeners navigating their own challenges.
This new release and her recent accolades highlight EJAE's growing influence and artistic versatility within the music industry. Her ability to craft deeply personal and universally resonant music, combined with her historic achievements, firmly establishes her as a significant voice in contemporary pop and K-Pop.