Brief Introduction of Ejae
Ejae, born Kim Eun-jae, is a Korean-American singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become a significant force behind the scenes in the K-pop industry. She is widely recognized for her songwriting contributions to major K-pop artists, including Red Velvet, Aespa, Twice, and Le Sserafim. In 2025, Ejae gained global acclaim for her vocal performance as the singing voice of the main character, Rumi, in the hit Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Her work on the film’s soundtrack, particularly the chart-topping song “Golden,” propelled her from a respected industry professional to an international star, celebrated for both her powerful vocals and her poignant songwriting. Her journey from a decade-long trainee at a major entertainment company to a celebrated musician has resonated with a global audience.
Ejae Overview
| Full Name | Kim Eun-jae |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Husband/Wife | Information not publicly available; previously mentioned a fiancé. |
| Family | Shin Young-kyun (Grandfather) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed. |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Ejae
Ejae was born Kim Eun-jae in Seoul, South Korea. Her artistic roots run deep, as she is the granddaughter of the prolific South Korean actor and arts patron, Shin Young-kyun. Her journey in music began at a young age when she joined SM Entertainment as a trainee around 2003, at approximately eleven years old. For nearly a decade, she underwent the rigorous training regimen typical of aspiring K-pop idols, honing her skills in singing and dancing. During this formative period, she balanced her training in South Korea with her education in the United States, frequently traveling between the two countries. After her extensive training period did not result in a debut with the agency, she made the pivotal decision to leave SM Entertainment in 2011. Shifting her focus from performance to creation, she moved to the U.S. full-time and enrolled at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts to study music production and psychology. This academic pursuit laid the foundation for her future career as a songwriter and producer.
Ejae’s Career
After parting ways with SM Entertainment and graduating from NYU, Ejae transitioned her career focus to songwriting and music production. She found a mentor in composer Andrew Choi, who was instrumental in her development and provided her with crucial opportunities. A significant turning point came in 2017 when she attended an SM Entertainment songwriting camp. There, she co-wrote the topline for what would become Red Velvet’s critically acclaimed hit, “Psycho.” Released in 2019, the song’s massive success, including achieving gold certification in the U.S., firmly established Ejae as a sought-after songwriter.
This breakthrough opened the doors to collaborations with some of K-pop’s biggest names. Her portfolio rapidly expanded to include songwriting credits for top-tier groups like Twice, Aespa (“Drama,” “Armageddon”), Le Sserafim, and NMIXX. Her versatility was further demonstrated through her work on the soundtrack for the K-drama “Woman of 9.9 Billion” in 2019 and another collaboration with Red Velvet for their 2022 single “Birthday.”
The year 2025 marked a monumental shift in Ejae’s career and public profile. She joined the production of the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” in its early stages around 2020. Initially brought on as a songwriter, she recorded the demo vocals for many of the key tracks. The film’s director, Maggie Kang, was so impressed by her vocal delivery and the emotion she brought to the demos that she was chosen to be the official singing voice for the main character, Rumi. The film and its soundtrack became a global phenomenon. The lead single, “Golden,” which Ejae co-wrote and performed, topped numerous international charts, including the Billboard Hot 100. The soundtrack’s success propelled Ejae into the international spotlight, transforming her from a behind-the-scenes creator into a recognized artist in her own right. Following this massive success, she signed with the independent music publisher Prescription Songs and announced the release of her debut solo single, “In Another World,” on October 24, 2025.
Ejae Personal Life & Family
Ejae maintains a relatively private personal life, though some details are known. She was born into a family with a strong connection to the arts; her grandfather is the legendary South Korean actor Shin Young-kyun, who has starred in over 300 films. She holds dual South Korean and American citizenship and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. In a 2025 interview, she mentioned a then-fiancé, indicating she was in a serious relationship, though further details about her marital status are not publicly disclosed. Ejae has spoken about the emotional challenges she faced after her dream of debuting as a K-pop idol did not materialize, channeling those experiences into her songwriting. She has described her songwriting process as a form of therapy, allowing her to process her feelings and experiences.
Awards and Achievements of Ejae
- Co-wrote Red Velvet’s “Psycho,” which was certified Gold in the United States.
- Co-wrote and performed “Golden” from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Global 200, and the UK Official Singles Chart.
- The “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, featuring her vocals and songwriting, reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ejae Net Worth and Income
Detailed information regarding Ejae’s net worth is not publicly available. Her income is derived from multiple streams within the music industry. As a successful songwriter, she earns royalties from her extensive catalog of songs written for prominent K-pop artists. Her work as a record producer also contributes to her earnings. Following the global success of “KPop Demon Hunters,” her income has likely seen a significant increase from her contributions to the film’s soundtrack, both as a songwriter and a featured vocalist. The announcement of her solo music career in 2025 suggests a new and potentially lucrative revenue stream through record sales, streaming, and live performances.
Legacy and Influence
Ejae’s career has had a significant impact on the music industry, both in K-pop and globally. Initially making her mark as a songwriter, she has been a key creative force behind numerous hit songs that have shaped the sound of modern K-pop. Her work is characterized by its emotional depth and strong melodic structure. The narrative of her career—from a long-term trainee who was told she was “too old” to debut, to a globally recognized singer and songwriter—has become a source of inspiration. It challenges traditional industry narratives about age and pathways to success, resonating with many who have faced setbacks in their own careers. Her success with “KPop Demon Hunters” has broken new ground for music from animated films and has further bridged the gap between K-pop and the global music market. Ejae has expressed a desire for her journey to serve as a message of hope and perseverance, particularly for Asian-American women in the creative industries.
Interesting Facts about Ejae
- She was a trainee at SM Entertainment for nearly 10 years, starting from around the age of 11.
- Her grandfather is the famous South Korean actor Shin Young-kyun.
- The directors of “KPop Demon Hunters” credited her demo recordings as a major reason the film was greenlit by the studio.
- She studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts after leaving her trainee life in Korea.
- She co-wrote the hit song “Psycho” by Red Velvet on the very first day of an SM Entertainment songwriting camp.
- She has named winning a Grammy as a major career goal, not just for personal achievement but to inspire other Asian-American artists.
Controversies
Ejae has not been involved in any major public controversies. Much of the public discussion surrounding her career has been positive, particularly focusing on her perseverance after being unable to debut as a K-pop idol despite a decade of training. This aspect of her story has generated commentary on the demanding and often rigid nature of the K-pop industry, but this is a broader industry critique rather than a controversy directly involving Ejae herself.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@ejae_k) – follower count has grown significantly since the release of “KPop Demon Hunters.”
- Twitter – Not publicly available or active.
- YouTube – Not publicly available.
Final Words about Ejae
Ejae’s career is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of finding a new path. After the initial disappointment of not debuting as a K-pop idol, she successfully redefined her role in the music industry, becoming an influential songwriter. The unexpected global success of “KPop Demon Hunters” has brought her own voice to the forefront, creating a full-circle moment in her artistic journey. Now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist with her single “In Another World,” Ejae is poised to build upon her newfound global platform. Her story continues to unfold, but her legacy is already one of artistic integrity and inspiring perseverance, proving that a dream deferred is not a dream denied. Her journey from the shadows of a songwriting studio to the top of the global charts has been nothing short of remarkable.
