Netflix has confirmed that “Golden,” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, will be submitted for Academy Award consideration for best original song. The upbeat pop track was co-written by Kim Eun-jae, known professionally as EJAE, and Mark Sonnenblick.
If nominated in January, EJAE would become the second songwriter of Korean descent to receive an Oscar nomination. Karen O, whose mother is Korean, was nominated in 2013 for co-writing “The Moon Song” with Spike Jonze for the film “Her.” Karen O performed the song at the ceremony with Ezra Koenig.
In “KPop Demon Hunters,” EJAE performs “Golden” as part of the fictional K-pop girl group Huntr/x, alongside characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, voiced by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, respectively. The film debuted on Netflix on June 20.
“Golden” is set to rise from No. 81 to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest-ranking of seven songs from the soundtrack. It also jumped from No. 52 to No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 and from No. 51 to No. 5 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
The song is aiming to become the first from an animated film to receive an Oscar nomination since “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, which was nominated four years ago.
EJAE, a South Korean and American singer-songwriter and record producer, is noted for her work with artists such as Red Velvet, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, TWICE, and Kard.
Mark Sonnenblick previously co-wrote lyrics for the musical adaptation of “The Devil Wears Prada.”
The Oscar submission deadline for best original song is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Shortlists in 10 categories, including best original song, will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 16. Nominations will be announced Thursday, Jan. 22. The 2026 Oscars will take place Sunday, March 2.
The six other songs from “KPop Demon Hunters” on this week’s Hot 100 include “Your Idol,” which jumps from No. 77 to No. 31, and five debuts: “How It’s Done” (No. 42), “Soda Pop” (No. 49), “What It Sounds Like” (No. 55), “Free” (No. 58), and “Takedown” (No. 64).