…”We’re goin’ up, up, up, it’s our moment
You know together we’re glowin’, gonna be, gonna be golden”…
When these lyrics of the song, “Golden,” played in my ears for the first time, every word persisted in my memory. “Golden” is the theme song of the animated feature film, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which was nominated for the Golden Globes this year and won. When EGAE, Korean -American composer of “Golden,” went up the stage to receive her Golden Globe trophy for Best Original Song, the melody egged me to listen to the song even more. EJAE became the first Korean-American to win in this category at the Golden Globe. And then, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” also won the Best Animated Feature Film. Curiosity about the song and the movie itself prevailed, so there I was watching this animated film because of its music.
“Golden” proudly held its number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, setting the record as the first female K-Pop single to do so. For 10 weeks, “Golden” also topped the Billboard Global 200. The movie itself, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” has also set its own record-breaking spot as Netflix’s most popular film of all time, boasting more than 325 million global views to date.
Award winning Asian film songs are not entirely foreign to the global movie industry. Back in the 1990s before Netflix, a stream of animated films shown in cinemas produced hit songs that included Asian artistry. Aladdin, for instance, has the award-winning international Filipino singer Lea Salonga singing “A Whole New World” duet with Brad Kane. Composed by Alan Menken and Tim Rice, this song won the Oscar Best Original Song in 1993, Best Original Song from Golden Globe, and Best Song written for Motion Picture from Grammy.
In 1998, “Reflection,” Mulan’s signature song from the animated film of the same title, was also sung by Lea Salonga. Though it was not nominated in any award giving body, the song became a relatable anthem for women regarding self-expression and self-renewal.
In 2013, “Let It Go,” a song from the animated musical fantasy film, “Frozen”, won the Oscar for Best Original Song. The song’s composer Robert Lopez, has set the record as the first Asian-American of part-Filipino descent to win Best Original Song from the Academy.
In 2017, Robert Lopez and his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Remember Me” from the animated fantasy comedy-drama, “Coco.”
In 2021, H.E.R. was the recipient of the Oscar for Best Original Song for the song, “Fight for You,” from the biographical drama film, “Judas and the Black Messiah.” H.E.R., a.k.a. Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is an American singer with Filipino descent.
In 2026, K-Pop Demon Hunters “Golden” has dominated not just the Music Billboard charts, but on airwaves, schools, homes, cars, and award-giving bodies. After being nominated and won the Critics Choice Award and Golden Globe award for Best Original Song, “Golden” has also been nominated for the Grammys for Song of the Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best Remixed Recording. The biggest nomination for EGAE’s “Golden” thus far is this year’s Oscar’s for Best Original Song, and the film itself for Oscar’s Best Animated Feature film. Grammy winners will be announced in February and Oscars ceremony will be held in March.
Music plays a decisive role in every film, as it is aimed at setting the right mood when the story unfolds in every scene. It embodies the soul of the narrative, highlighting the emotions through its melody and lyrics. In animated feature films, songs are particularly crucial in defining every movement and interaction between characters. This is what made the song “Golden” stand out from the rest. The characters of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey were clearly defined by the lyrics of the songs, making it easier for the viewers to identify and relate with each one of them.
Golden Globe Best Actor nominee Lee Byung-Hun lends his voice to the film’s evil character, Gwi-Ma. Along with his underlings of blood-sucking demons lurking in the malls and concert stage, Gwi-Ma’s fiery portrayal of disguised control added to the glowing powers of the hunters. The stark contrast between good and evil provided the much needed thrill to the anticipated one-on-one face off. The series of songs highlighting each scene leading to the finale was effective in heightening the contradictions that sustained the film throughout.
As I scrolled the internet, I came across scores of viral videos of children from various cultures around the globe who have memorized “Golden” and then sing and dance with gusto. More so like the children, I listened to “Golden” repeatedly while appreciating its euphonious beat. It is indeed irresistible.
The lyrics of “Golden” is precisely the chronicle of K-Pop Demon Hunters. It speaks of commitment, reassurance, and optimism. It acknowledges mistakes and embraces fortitude, courage, and humility. The infusion of Korean lyrics in between the lines makes the song even more powerful. With live performances by EGAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, a.k.a. Huntrix, their musical interpretations effectively draw their audiences to watch the film.
Just like the other movie theme songs in the past, when children start to rewind and rewatch a film numerous times in a day, it is an indication that the film, animated or not, will be a monster hit. I should know. There are a few songs that will never leave my memory because I have watched the film many times. Tarzan the animated film, for instance, bears its signature song, “You’ll be in my Heart,” written and performed by Phil Collins. “You’ll be in my Heart’ won both the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2000. It was later recorded in French, German, Spanish, and Italian languages.
The recent recognition of South Korean music by major award-giving bodies carries with them the extraordinary legacy that extends to all other Asian musicians. Regardless of culture, music will always be universal no matter how many non-English language is infused in between English lyrics. For as long as the message speaks to the soul, songs made for motion picture will always enrich our minds and linger for generations to come. ####