Golden Globes 2026: “Golden” From ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Best Original Song

“Golden” won Best Original Song at the Golden Globes 2026 and immediately took over the night. Fans who have followed “KPop Demon Hunters” since its debut celebrated the win like a long‑awaited victory. When the presenters opened the envelope and announced the title, the room erupted. EJAE — the Korean American singer‑songwriter behind the character Rumi — stepped forward with tears in her eyes and a voice that shook just enough to pull everyone closer.

The win hit fans across generations. Teens, parents, grandparents, longtime K‑pop followers, and casual viewers flooded social platforms with emotional reactions. People cried, screamed, and posted shaky videos of their TVs because the moment felt earned. The film built its global following through passion and community, and this award finally recognized that impact.

“Rejection Is Redirection”

EJAE delivered the night’s most powerful moment. She didn’t use the exact phrase “Rejection is Redirection,” but fans adopted it instantly as a summary of her message. Her real words carried the same weight.

“When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream, to become a K‑pop idol, and I was rejected, and disappointed that my voice isn’t good enough,” she said onstage. She went on to say she now feels proud to be part of a song that helps “other girls, other queens and everyone all get through their hardship to accept themselves.”

Her story explains why the moment resonated so deeply. Before joining “KPop Demon Hunters,” she spent a decade auditioning for trainee programs and hearing no. She spoke openly about feeling behind her peers and questioning whether she belonged in the industry at all. She nearly walked away before shifting toward songwriting — a decision that led her to the project that changed everything.

“Golden” became the first major song she ever recorded for a global release. The track supports the film, and the message so well. Fans connected to its themes of resilience, destiny, and chosen family, and they connected to her journey just as deeply. When she held the Golden Globe and shared her story, she created a full‑circle moment for anyone who has ever felt overlooked.

Reactions From Around the World

• Fans posted tear‑filled reaction videos within seconds of the announcement and called the win “the most deserved moment of the night.”
• K‑pop communities on TikTok and X amplified EJAE’s speech and said her message felt like “a reminder to anyone who has ever been told no.”
• Parents and older viewers shared how they watched the film with their kids and felt proud of the cast’s growth.
• Music critics praised the win as a milestone for global songwriting, noting how rarely an animated K‑pop action film breaks into major award categories.
• International viewers said the win made them feel “seen, represented, and part of something bigger.”
• Memes, fancams, and edits of the acceptance speech flooded timelines, and “Rejection is Redirection” became the unofficial motto of the night.
• Casual viewers who had never seen the film admitted they felt unexpectedly emotional watching EJAE speak.

Where the Light Lands Now

This win marks more than a trophy. It marks a shift. “Golden” didn’t just take home Best Original Song; it opened a door. The moment reminded people why they fall in love with stories, why they root for underdogs, and why they hold on to songs that make them feel braver than they did the day before. EJAE carried years of rejection, resilience, and reinvention onto that stage, and when fans echoed her message as “Rejection is Redirection,” they carried that strength with them.

The fandom continues to celebrate. The industry continues to pay attention. And the world keeps replaying a moment that felt honest in a room that doesn’t always reward honesty. Fans have said it since day one: “KPop Demon Hunters” isn’t just entertainment. It’s a movement. And tonight, that movement claimed its golden moment.