KPop Demon Hunters star Ejae claims Leonardo DiCaprio 'put her off' during BAFTAs performance and says she remains 'haunted' by missing a high note in front of A-listers

Rising KPop artist Ejae has shared candid reflections on a pivotal moment in her career: her debut UK performance at the BAFTA Awards. During the event, she faced considerable pressure performing in front of top Hollywood figures, including Leonardo DiCaprio, whose serious demeanor reportedly unsettled her. This distraction contributed to a vocal slip on a challenging high note, an experience that continues to linger in her memory.

Ejae’s journey to international recognition has been marked by determination and evolving acclaim. She gained global attention through her contribution to the soundtrack of the popular Netflix series KPop Demon Hunters, particularly the song Golden, which she co-wrote and performed alongside collaborators Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna. The track not only topped charts worldwide but also earned the prestigious Oscar for Best Original Song.

The BAFTA appearance was particularly daunting for Ejae, as it was her first live performance in the UK. Surrounded by elite entertainment personalities, the atmosphere was charged with intensity. Observing DiCaprio’s unsmiling presence in the audience heightened her anxiety, momentarily impacting her vocal control during a critical moment in the song. Despite this, Ejae continued the performance, demonstrating resilience that was acknowledged by fans and critics alike.

Following the BAFTAs, Ejae found a more supportive environment at the Brit Awards, where performing in front of enthusiastic fans helped ease her nerves. The encouragement from attendees, especially younger admirers, provided a vital boost to her confidence after the earlier setback.

Ejae’s path in the music industry has not been without hardship. After being dropped by her previous label at 23, she shifted focus to songwriting, penning tracks that would later be performed by notable KPop artists such as Hani and groups like Red Velvet. Her songwriting prowess culminated in her involvement with the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, a project that significantly elevated her profile.

At the Academy Awards ceremony honoring Golden’s Oscar win, Ejae took the stage alongside her co-writers to accept the accolade. Her emotional tribute acknowledged the cultural significance of KPop and its growing global influence, highlighting her pride in seeing Korean language lyrics celebrated on such a prestigious platform.

However, the moment was marred by an abrupt cut-off of the acceptance speech due to the music queueing, which sparked widespread criticism on social media. Viewers expressed disappointment that the ceremony did not allow Ejae and her team to complete their remarks, framing it as a missed opportunity to fully honor their historic achievement.

Ejae’s experience underscores the complex realities behind KPop’s international ascent. The genre, a major cultural export from South Korea, often involves rigorous training and high expectations for artists, who may face intense scrutiny and challenges both on and off stage.

Looking ahead, Ejae remains a central figure in the evolving narrative of KPop’s global reach. With a sequel to KPop Demon Hunters underway and her continued artistic growth, she exemplifies both the pressures and triumphs that accompany rising stardom in this dynamic musical landscape.

While details about her future projects are still emerging, Ejae’s story offers insight into the intersecting worlds of music, film, and international acclaim, framed by moments of vulnerability and resilience on some of the world’s most prominent stages.