Inspiring story of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' rising star EJAE; reveals how she landed lead role in director Maggie Kang's blockbuster
The world of
K-pop
and animation just got a lot more interesting! The smash hit animated series "
K-pop Demon Hunters
" has been breaking records, and now we've discovered something absolutely mind-blowing about its star performer.
The series follows three K-pop superstars - Lumi, Mira, and Joy - who secretly battle demons when they're not busy being global sensations. It's like if your favorite girl group also happened to be supernatural warriors (which, let's be honest, explains a lot about how they manage those crazy schedules). Since its release last month, it's been sitting pretty at number one on streaming platforms worldwide.
Voice That Conquered the Billboard
Here's where it gets really exciting for all you music lovers out there. The main theme song "Golden" by the fictional group
Huntrix
has climbed all the way to number 6 on the US
Billboard Hot 100
chart. That's not just impressive - that's absolutely insane for an animated series soundtrack!
But here's the kicker - the person behind this chart-topping magic is EJAE, a composer-singer who not only performed the track but also wrote it. The path to this success wasn't exactly smooth sailing though.
EJAE
spent nearly a decade as a trainee at SM Entertainment, one of Korea's biggest agencies, but unfortunately never made it to debut. Instead of giving up (which honestly, many of us would have), she pivoted and headed to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts to study music industry and psychology. Talk about turning a setback into a comeback!
Family Legacy Meets Modern Success
Now here's where this story gets absolutely fascinating. Turns out, EJAE (whose real name is Kim Eun-jae) is the granddaughter of legendary Korean actor
Shin Young-kyun
. He starred in classics like "
Red Muffler
" and "Hate Once Again," films that defined an entire generation of Korean moviegoers.
But wait, it gets even more impressive. This isn't just any regular celebrity grandfather - Shin Young-kyun is known for his incredible philanthropy. We're talking about someone who donated around ₹400 crores (500 billion won) worth of theaters and cultural facilities to the film industry, plus another ₹80 crores (100 billion won) in land to Seoul National University.
Back in 2011, when EJAE was just 19 and studying in New York, she appeared on a Korean morning show with her grandfather. Even then, Shin Young-kyun was incredibly supportive, saying his granddaughter had real talent for music and would definitely make it big someday. Thirteen years later, his prediction has come true in the most spectacular way possible!
The Magic Behind the Music
What makes this story even more beautiful is how EJAE's journey mirrors so many of our own experiences. She started as a trainee with big dreams, faced rejection, adapted by getting proper education abroad, and slowly built her reputation by working with major K-pop acts like
Red Velvet
, aespa, TWICE, and NewJeans. It's like watching someone methodically build their empire, one song at a time.
The really cool part? She originally joined "K-pop Demon Hunters" just as a composer, but director Maggie Kang was so blown away by her demo vocals that she immediately cast her as the voice of main character Lumi. Sometimes the universe just has perfect timing, doesn't it?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Yunho's Journey: From K-Pop Superstar to Life Coach and Acclaimed Actor
When Your 4-Year-Old Song Suddenly Becomes Everyone's Life Manual Imagine releasing a song in 2021, thinking it's done its job, and then BAM! Four years later, it's trending worldwide because people are obsessed with your "life lessons." That's exactly what happened to TVXQ's Yunho with his track "Thank U. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " The whole madness started when streamer LookSam reacted to the song, and fans became absolutely fascinated with the three structured life lessons in the lyrics: "Keep good things to yourself," "Bear sadness alone," and "Don't be swayed by trivial things." But here's where it gets hilarious - there was no "lesson 4," and the internet collectively lost its mind demanding to know what it could be. When Arena Homme Plus finally asked the burning question, Yunho's answer was both profound and brutally honest: "Endure and endure again." He explained, "I've been doing the same work for 20 years, and it's still difficult and exhausting. But when you endure, good things definitely come back to you." Talk about wisdom earned through experience! The viral moment caught Yunho completely off guard. "When I first heard the news, I was actually in Japan. I was pretty taken aback. Honestly, I'm still a bit dazed," he admitted. Sometimes the universe has the weirdest timing, doesn't it? Plot Twist: The K-Pop Star Who Mastered Gangster Dialect Like a Pro While the internet was going crazy over his life philosophy, Yunho was quietly proving his acting chops in a completely different arena. His role as Jang Beol Gu in the 1977-set crime drama "Low Life" has been earning serious critical acclaim, and honestly, it's a transformation nobody saw coming. On paper, Beol Gu might sound like your typical "all style, no substance" gangster character, but Yunho saw something deeper. "Beol Gu has circumstances that others don't know about. He has been treated like a scoundrel in the neighborhood his whole life," he explained. The character's stubborn belief that "someday I'll succeed no matter what and prove myself" clearly resonated with the actor. This wasn't just another role for Yunho - it was a deliberate challenge. "I've shown many sides of myself as an actor, but I wanted people to think, 'Yunho can do this too?' In that sense, 'Low Life' was a necessary challenge for me." Mission accomplished, we'd say! The Dedication Game: Flying to Mokpo Just to Perfect an Accent Here's where Yunho's commitment level goes from impressive to absolutely legendary. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The drama required him to master the distinct Jeolla Province dialect, and this man didn't just watch YouTube tutorials or practice with coaches (though he did that too). No, he literally traveled to Mokpo for field research. Picture this: Yunho taking random taxi rides specifically to befriend local drivers and learn regional speech patterns. He maintained regular phone conversations with friends from Jeolla-do, working tirelessly to perfect not just the accent but the authentic feel of 1970s small-town Korea. The result? Viewers have been raving about his "spot-on" dialect work, with many noting how natural and authentic his performance feels. "Though he's a gangster, the character has a lot of warmth," Yunho shared, and that warmth clearly comes through in his portrayal. The Philosophy That Ties It All Together The convergence of "Thank U's" viral success and "Low Life's" critical acclaim isn't just a coincidence - it's the perfect example of Yunho's fourth life lesson in action. His philosophy of persistence has clearly shaped both his unexpected social media moment and his acting evolution. "I'm convinced that everyone gets their golden moment eventually. If things get tough, it's okay to rest - as long as you come back. And to do that, you have to take good care of yourself," he reflected. From facing early criticism about his acting abilities to now earning praise for nuanced dramatic work, Yunho's journey is literally his own advice playing out in real time. The fact that a 2021 song became a 2025 internet sensation while he simultaneously earned acting acclaim just proves his point about endurance paying off in unexpected ways. Sometimes the rewards come in forms you never anticipated - like becoming an accidental life coach while showcasing your dramatic range. Whether through viral wisdom or compelling performances, Yunho continues proving that genuine artistry comes from authentic experience and unwavering dedication to craft. Who knows what surprise he'll pull next?
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Han Ji-min's Minimalist Fashion Inspires Young Women to Embrace Sustainable Style
Korean actress Han Ji-min's effortless cream and khaki styling becomes the ultimate fashion bible for young Indian women seeking chic minimalism. Picture this: you're scrolling through Instagram at 2 AM (we've all been there), and suddenly you see an outfit that makes you go "OMG, I NEED this entire look!" That's exactly what happened when Korean actress Han Ji-min dropped her latest fashion moment - a dreamy cream setup with a perfectly tailored khaki jacket that's giving us ALL the feels. The 42-year-old actress, who's been serving looks since forever and is currently dating Jannabi's vocalist Choi Jung-hoon (who's 10 years younger - talk about relationship goals!), just proved that age really is just a number when it comes to slaying the fashion game. Her recent Instagram posts showcase this gorgeous cream-colored ensemble paired with a muted khaki jacket that's basically screaming "effortless elegance" in every possible way. But here's the thing - this isn't just another celebrity showing off expensive clothes. Han Ji-min's styling philosophy is like that cool older sister who actually gives you wearable advice instead of telling you to buy ₹50,000 designer pieces. Her approach to fashion is refreshingly realistic, especially for young Indian women who want to look put-together without breaking the bank or spending hours getting ready. The Art of Looking Expensive Without Spending Lakhs Let's talk about why Han Ji-min's minimal approach is basically a masterclass in smart dressing. While she does wear pieces from luxury brands, the real magic happens in HOW she styles them. The actress has mastered the art of making expensive pieces look effortlessly thrown together - and that's a skill you can totally replicate with budget-friendly alternatives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Her natural hairstyle and barely-there makeup let the outfit do all the talking. This is especially genius for Indian weather where heavy makeup can feel suffocating by noon. Instead of layering on multiple accessories that might look overwhelming, she opts for just one statement piece - a classic watch that anchors the entire look without competing for attention. The beauty of her cream and khaki combination lies in its versatility. These colors work beautifully with Indian skin tones and can easily transition from office meetings to coffee dates with friends. For young women juggling college, internships, or their first jobs, this approach saves precious morning time while ensuring you always look polished and intentional. What's even more impressive is how she makes seasonal dressing look effortless. The way she casually rolls up her jacket sleeves and layers the khaki piece over her cream setup shows exactly how to adapt your wardrobe to different weather conditions - something every Indian woman needs to master given our diverse climate zones. Fashion Secrets Every Young Woman Needs to Steal Master the Neutral Game: Han Ji-min's cream and khaki combo works because these colors naturally complement each other. For young Indian women building their first professional wardrobe, investing in neutral shades like beige, cream, khaki, white, and soft browns ensures everything in your closet works together. You can literally grab any two pieces and know they'll look coordinated. Fit is Everything: Notice how her clothes fit perfectly - not too tight, not oversized, just right. The actress proves that well-fitted basics will always look more expensive than ill-fitting designer pieces. Her jacket sleeves are casually rolled up, adding personality to a structured piece while keeping things comfortable. One Hero Accessory Rule: Instead of piling on jewelry (which can look overwhelming in Indian humidity), Han Ji-min chooses one standout piece - her watch. This approach is perfect for daily wear and prevents that "trying too hard" look that's easy to fall into. For Indian women, this could be a statement watch, elegant earrings, or a beautiful bracelet - just pick one and let it shine. Quality Over Quantity Philosophy: While Han Ji-min can afford luxury pieces, her styling teaches us that it's better to have fewer, well-made items that last and look good after multiple wears. For young women starting their careers, this means investing in a few key pieces rather than buying tons of fast fashion that falls apart after a few washes. Seasonal Transition Magic: The way she layers her khaki jacket over the cream setup is genius for Indian weather. You can wear the cream pieces alone during hot days and add the jacket for air-conditioned offices or cooler evenings. This versatility is essential for Indian wardrobes where you might experience three different climates in a single day. Effortless Styling Tricks: Her slightly rolled sleeves and relaxed posture show that perfection isn't the goal - confidence is. This is particularly important for young Indian women who often feel pressure to look "perfect" all the time. Han Ji-min's approach says it's okay to look comfortable and natural while still being stylish. Beyond the Clothes - The Heart Behind the Style What makes Han Ji-min truly inspiring goes way beyond her impeccable fashion sense. The actress has consistently donated ₹27 lakhs (50 million KRW) annually to various charitable causes, from supporting children's education to helping disaster victims. Her generosity extends to street fundraising campaigns where she participates actively while looking effortlessly chic - proving that style and substance can coexist beautifully. Her relationship with Choi Jung-hoon is another reason to love her. What started as a fan-artist connection blossomed into a genuine romance that defies age-gap stereotypes. Both partners are actively involved in charity work, with Choi Jung-hoon also contributing ₹3.7 lakhs (10 million KRW) for wildfire relief efforts. Their relationship shows young women that authentic connections matter more than societal expectations or age differences. Whether she's quietly supporting vulnerable communities or participating in public charity events, Han Ji-min demonstrates that true elegance comes from how you treat others, not just how you dress. For young Indian women navigating social media pressure and fast fashion culture, this perspective is incredibly valuable. Her minimalist approach to fashion mirrors her approach to life - thoughtful, intentional, and focused on what truly matters. In a world where Instagram influencers promote new outfits daily, Han Ji-min's consistent style philosophy offers a refreshing alternative that's both achievable and authentic.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Remember when BTS's V stole the spotlight from 'Squid Game'? The Pink Soldier moment that sparked buzz
The Pink Soldier That Conquered Social Media Picture this: You're at a BTS concert in Los Angeles in 2021, and suddenly one of the world's biggest K-pop stars emerges dressed as a menacing pink soldier from the hit series 'Squid Game. ' That's exactly what happened when BTS member V decided to surprise fans during their Permission to Dance concert series, creating a moment that would break the internet not just once, but repeatedly over the years. The video of V's dramatic reveal - where he removes the iconic triangular mask to show his face - has now accumulated massive viewership across various short video platforms. What makes this even more remarkable is that V doesn't maintain personal accounts on most of these platforms, yet his content consistently outperforms dedicated influencers and content creators. The impact was immediate and global. Netflix itself couldn't resist commenting, stating "We're obsessed with BTS X Squid Game, but V should never wear a mask". The concert moment became a perfect storm of cultural phenomena - combining the global Squid Game craze with BTS's massive fanbase. The timing couldn't have been better, as Squid Game had just taken the world by storm, and V's playful interpretation of the show's menacing guards created an irresistible contrast that social media algorithms loved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Numbers Game: Why This Video Keeps Winning What's fascinating about V's viral moment is how it demonstrates the power of authentic, spontaneous content. The video has generated significant engagement across multiple platforms, garnering millions of views and countless interactions from fans worldwide. The original concert footage shows V appearing on stage wearing the complete pink soldier uniform, complete with the triangular mask that became synonymous with the series. As the music builds, he slowly removes the mask to reveal his face, sending the concert audience into absolute hysteria. The moment was perfectly choreographed yet felt completely natural - a testament to V's stage presence and understanding of viral content. The Ripple Effect: From Concert Stage to Cultural Phenomenon The video gained renewed attention when Squid Game Season 2 was announced in December 2024. Billboard Korea highlighted how "concert videos and photos are going viral again," showcasing the enduring power of V's moment. This resurgence demonstrates how certain content transcends its original context to become timeless digital artifacts. The phenomenon extends beyond just views. The video sparked countless recreation attempts, memes, and reaction videos across multiple platforms. International K-pop fans created their own versions, with some attempting to recreate the exact moment while others used it as inspiration for Halloween costumes and themed photoshoots. Professional choreographers and dance studios worldwide began incorporating elements of V's dramatic reveal into their own performances. The mask removal became a signature move that many tried to replicate, though few could match V's natural charisma and timing. The Social Media King Without a Crown Perhaps the most impressive aspect of V's digital dominance is that he achieves these numbers without dedicated personal accounts on many major platforms. His collaborations and appearances consistently break records - his recent dance video with choreographer Lee Jung Lee set another milestone with substantial engagement. V's success reflects broader trends in the global digital landscape, where authentic, entertaining content performs exceptionally well. Short-form video platforms have created ecosystems where genuine moments can achieve massive reach. The fact that V's 2021 concert moment continues generating views in 2025 speaks to the timeless nature of quality content. The BTS member has also participated in viral trends like the "aura farming kid" dance, showing his ability to bridge Korean pop culture with global internet phenomena. His content consistently demonstrates that in the age of short-form video, personality and authenticity matter more than polished production values. This Squid Game moment perfectly encapsulates why V remains one of the most talked-about figures in global entertainment - his ability to create culturally resonant content that transcends language barriers and platform limitations continues to set new benchmarks for viral success.
