KPop Demon Hunters Wins Oscar for Best Original Song, Acceptance Speech Cut Short
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Golden” at the 2026 Oscars, but the celebration was marred by controversy when the songwriters’ acceptance speech was abruptly cut off. The film as well won Best Animated Feature Film.
A Moment of Triumph and Disappointment
EJAE, the lead singer of “Golden,” delivered a tearful acceptance speech, expressing her gratitude and pride in the song’s success. “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop,” she shared. “But now everyone’s singing our song, and all the Korean lyrics. I’m so proud. And I realise the song, this award is not about success, it’s about resilience. And I’m just so grateful to our team.”
However, the moment was overshadowed when the other songwriters – Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park – were cut off mid-speech by the ceremony’s music. Yu Han Lee had begun to read a prepared statement when the music started, prompting the group to attempt to continue speaking through gestures, but they were not permitted to finish.
Backlash and Criticism
The decision to cut off the songwriters sparked immediate backlash online, with many viewers criticizing the Oscars for prioritizing other segments, including a lengthy skit featuring the cast of Bridesmaids, over allowing the full acceptance speech. Social media users pointed out that EJAE’s statement was relatively brief and that other winners had been given more time to speak.
A Historic Win for KPop Demon Hunters
Despite the controversy, the win marks a significant achievement for KPop Demon Hunters, which has garnered numerous accolades, including wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes. The film has become Netflix’s most-watched movie ever, with over 325 million views .
The success of KPop Demon Hunters has also led to a confirmed sequel, with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning to helm the project . This sequel will be the first project under Kang and Appelhans’ exclusive multiyear writing and directing partnership with Netflix .
Looking Ahead
The win for “Golden” and the overall success of KPop Demon Hunters signal a growing recognition of Korean music and storytelling on a global stage. The controversy surrounding the acceptance speech, however, raises questions about inclusivity and equitable treatment of all winners at the Academy Awards.