'KDH' EJAE, 10 Years as a K-pop Trainee, Turning Setbacks into Fuel for Growth... "Rejection is Redirection"

[Financial News] EJAE, who voices the main character Rumi in the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters'—which has become Netflix's top-grossing title across both films and dramas—and who composed and performed the OST 'Golden', held her first press conference in Korea on the 15th at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Having previously composed songs for K-pop groups such as Twice and LE SSERAFIM, she became the driving force behind 'Golden', which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks.
She shared her thoughts: "It still doesn't feel real. I'm so happy and grateful. Just two months ago, I was simply a songwriter, and now, suddenly, so many people love me. It's all very unfamiliar and amazing. I'm trying to adjust to this popularity."

EJAE spent ten years as a trainee at SM Entertainment before giving up her debut as a singer and returning to the United States—a unique background. She later transitioned to songwriting, and by being cast as the voice actor for 'KPop Demon Hunters', she was able to fulfill the dreams she couldn't achieve in her teens, albeit in a different way.
"At the time, I was very disappointed and discouraged. But looking back now, I realize that period was necessary for me. Everything happens for a reason. I was hurt a lot as a child, but I learned that growth ultimately comes through those wounds."
K-pop trainees face daily competition and constant evaluation. Criticism of one's weaknesses and rejection are part of everyday life.
She recalled, "I was rejected many times, but I didn't take it negatively. I believed that everything happens in its own time, and I convinced myself that it was okay to fail."
EJAE said her mother's advice played a crucial role in helping her turn failures—something everyone experiences—into moments of growth.
"My mom always said, 'Words have power.' If you say you can't do it, you really can't, but if you say you can, it becomes possible. I believed those words. I think convincing yourself is the most important thing."
She added that music was the driving force that helped her get back up. "At the time, I lived in Yeonhui-dong and would walk to cafes in Hongdae. I made beats there from noon until 11 p.m. Expressing what was inside me brought me peace. In the end, music saved me."
Being honest about her struggles and seeking help from her beloved family also helped her overcome setbacks. While Rumi in 'KPop Demon Hunters' hides her secrets from her teammates, EJAE chose not to do so.

EJAE's maternal grandfather is Shin Young-kyun, an actor who dominated the Korean film industry in the 1960s and 70s. She said she learned the 'attitude of an artist' from her grandfather.
"Grandpa always said, 'Singing is also acting.' When you sing, you have to immerse yourself in the lyrics to truly move the listener. Even now, he tells me to work harder. He earned his place through hard work, and that attitude has always inspired me."
EJAE is now expanding her career from songwriter to singer, with a new song set to be released on the 24th. She was asked for advice for aspiring singers.
EJAE replied, "Rejection is redirection." She explained, "Rejection isn't the end; it's a chance to find a new direction. There's always a reason, so don't be too afraid." She also emphasized, "You have to be proactive."
"Even for the smallest opportunity, you have to give your 100% for the next door to open." She added that being chosen for the OST of 'KPop Demon Hunters' was "the result of putting my heart into a small opportunity," and concluded, "Someone will always recognize your efforts."


jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter