outh Korean composer EJAE, who contributed to the original soundtrack of the hit K-pop project K-Pop Demon Hunters, recently shared stories about the massive royalties he earned from the song Golden.
EJAE appeared on a popular Korean talk show on October 22, where he discussed his work on the soundtrack. Host Jo Se-ho joked, “Many people are speculating that the royalties from Golden are comparable to the Squid Game prize money — roughly $35 million.” Fellow host Yoo Jae-suk added with a laugh, “Why don’t you just show us your bank account?”
EJAE responded, “In the U.S., it takes longer to collect royalties — about a year,” highlighting the differences in how music revenue flows internationally.
The broadcast also revealed EJAE’s behind-the-scenes experience on NBC’s popular late-night talk show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “I was exhausted from my schedule, and my voice went hoarse. On the morning of the performance, I had completely lost my voice,” EJAE recalled. He added, “Just two months ago, I was a regular composer. Now, my life has completely changed. Golden became a global hit, and performing on The Tonight Show was my first-ever stage. The pressure was so intense, I was moved to tears.”
EJAE not only wrote, composed, and performed Golden for K-Pop Demon Hunters, but also contributed to multiple other OST tracks, including How It’s Done, Takedown, and Your Idol. Golden achieved unprecedented success shortly after its release, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks.
The track also earned international acclaim, being submitted for the Grammy Awards’ Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories, cementing its status as a global hit.
EJAE’s story highlights the growing international influence of K-pop composers, who are increasingly gaining recognition — and significant royalties — on the world stage.
