Rude AF': KPop Demon Hunters Fans Erupt in Anger After Composer's Original Song Academy Award Speech Is Awkwardly Cut Off

The 2026 Academy Awards faced criticism online after the songwriting team behind “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters were played off during their acceptance speech for Best Original Song.

The group made history with the win, marking the first time a K-pop song has received the Academy Award in the category. K-pop singer and songwriter EJAE accepted the award on stage alongside several collaborators, including Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park.

During the speech, EJAE spoke emotionally about the global reach of the genre and the significance of the moment. “People made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone’s singing our song and all the Korean lyrics,” EJAE said. “I’m so proud.”

However, the moment was cut short when the ceremony orchestra began playing the winners off as co-writer Yu Han Lee stepped forward to speak. Lee had just begun his remarks, saying, “I would like to thank,” when the music started, prompting audible boos from the audience inside the Dolby Theatre