The 98th Academy Awards featured a memorable musical moment when the singers behind the animated group Huntr/x performed the hit track Golden from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. The performance, delivered by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, blended K-pop energy with elements inspired by Korean culture and folklore.
The trio provided the singing voices for the fictional K-pop group Huntr/x in the animated film. Their appearance on the Oscars stage was one of the night’s most visually dynamic segments and was widely anticipated before the ceremony.
Before the telecast began, producers hinted that the performance would incorporate traditional Korean instruments and choreography inspired by the folklore that influences the film’s story. When the segment began, a narrator introduced the performance with the line: “Our music ignites the soul and brings people together.”
As the curtains lifted, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami appeared standing on a staircase positioned at the back of the stage. The singers gradually descended while the camera moved across the venue, revealing members of the audience waving illuminated orbs that lit up the theatre.
The staging created a dramatic atmosphere that combined the theatrical style often associated with K-pop performances with a more cinematic presentation suited to the Oscars stage. The trio performed a shortened version of “Golden,” but the performance retained the song’s energetic choreography and powerful vocals.
The full performance of “Golden” from ‘KPOP DEMON HUNTERS’ at the Oscars.
See the full winners list: https://t.co/2LO8EZqZIM pic.twitter.com/MuArqgIU27
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 16, 2026
As the song reached its conclusion, the singers posed at the front of the stage, surrounded by backup dancers holding large flags behind them. The visual arrangement provided a striking finale that drew applause from the audience.
Shortly after the performance, “Golden” went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The victory marked a historic milestone: it became the first K-pop song ever to receive the Oscar in that category.
The achievement added to the track’s growing list of accolades. Earlier in the year, the song also won at the Grammy Awards in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media, becoming the first K-pop track to claim that honour as well.
The recognition at both ceremonies highlighted the increasing global influence of K-pop and its expanding role in film and television soundtracks.
“Golden” was written by EJAE along with songwriter Mark Sonnenblick and producers IDO, 24 and Teddy Park. The track was released in June 2025 as part of the soundtrack for KPop Demon Hunters.
Following its release, the song achieved major commercial success. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and later climbed to the top position, where it spent five non-consecutive weeks at number one. The achievement made it the longest-running chart-topping single by an animated act in the chart’s history.
The song’s popularity was fueled by streaming platforms, viral social media clips and the growing international fanbase for K-pop.
In the months leading up to the Oscars, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami were heavily involved in promotional events and live performances tied to the film’s soundtrack. The singers performed at several high-profile gatherings during Grammy week, including the well-known event hosted by music executive Clive Davis.
They also delivered performances of “Golden” at major film and music ceremonies such as the BAFTA Film Awards and the BRIT Awards. These appearances helped build anticipation for their Oscars performance and introduced the song to broader audiences beyond the K-pop fan community.
Despite the song’s current success, the performers have spoken openly about the challenges they faced earlier in their careers. In a recent interview, Rei Ami described the recognition as both validating and long overdue.
She explained that the artists had faced rejection and criticism in the past, often being told they did not fit industry expectations. The success of “Golden,” she said, reflects years of hard work and persistence.
With a Grammy win, an Academy Award and strong global chart performance, “Golden” has become one of the most successful songs to emerge from an animated film soundtrack in recent years—while also marking a major milestone for K-pop in international awards history.
