“Golden,” the wildly popular track featured in KPop Demon Hunters, successfully took home the Oscar for Best Original Song. This win represents a historic milestone, as it is the first K-pop track to receive an Academy Award. Penned by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, 24, and Teddy Park and brought to life by the fictional group HUNTR/X for the hit Netflix animated feature, the song had previously earned a Golden Globe in that same field earlier this January.

“I am incredibly thankful to the Academy for this amazing honor,” Ejae remarked during her acceptance speech, as she struggled to hold back emotions. “During my childhood, I was mocked for my passion for K-pop, yet today, everyone is singing along to our track and the Korean verses. It fills me with pride. I’ve come to realize that, much like the song itself, this trophy represents endurance rather than mere achievement, and I’m deeply appreciative of our entire crew.”

Regrettably, the orchestra began playing to usher the winners away just as Yu Han Lee started her address. Later that night, during a press conference, fellow writer Mark Sonnenblick managed to share further words of gratitude and reflected on the deeper message behind “Golden,” according to EW reports.

“The film explores the journey of viewing someone you were raised to fear or despise, and choosing to open up, build trust, or perhaps even find love for them,” he explained.