If you searched “EJAE” tonight, you’re very much not alone — her name is blowing up. The reason? She just helped debut the official World Cup 2026 anthem “DNA” at the Mexico City opening ceremony, sharing a stage with Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion. But if the name already rang a bell, that’s because she’s the voice behind one of 2025’s biggest songs. Let me introduce you properly.
| Real Name | Kim Eun-jae (김은재) |
| Stage Name | EJAE |
| Born | December 6, 1991 |
| Nationality | South Korean-American |
| Known For | “Golden” (KPop Demon Hunters), WC2026 anthem “DNA” |
| Role | Singer, songwriter & producer |
From SM Entertainment Trainee to Hit Songwriter
EJAE’s story is a slow-burn. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she started out as a trainee at K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment back in 2003 — but she never debuted as an idol. Instead, she pivoted to writing and producing, quietly becoming a go-to songwriter for some of K-pop’s biggest acts, including Red Velvet, aespa, TWICE, and LE SSERAFIM. In other words, she was shaping hits long before most people knew her name.
The “Golden” Breakthrough
Then 2025 happened. EJAE provided the singing voice for Rumi in Netflix and Sony’s animated smash KPop Demon Hunters, and co-wrote several songs on its soundtrack — including “Golden,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and went on to win four Grammy Awards. If you want the full rundown of that record, we broke it down in our KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack guide. Practically overnight, the songwriter became a star in her own right.
EJAE at the World Cup: Her Role on “DNA”
On “DNA,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, EJAE delivers the Korean-language section — reportedly writing her own Korean lyrics — bringing a global, multilingual dimension to a song that also features Italian (Bocelli) and English (Megan Thee Stallion). She performed it live alongside Bocelli at the Mexico City opening ceremony on June 11, 2026. For how “DNA” fits with the tournament’s other big tracks, see who sings the official World Cup 2026 song.
What’s Next for EJAE
After “Golden,” EJAE stepped fully into the spotlight as an artist, releasing her debut solo single “In Another World” in October 2025. With a World Cup anthem now on her résumé, expect a lot more eyes (and ears) on whatever she does next. You can read more on her Wikipedia page and this Grammy.com profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is EJAE?
EJAE (real name Kim Eun-jae) is a South Korean-American singer, songwriter and producer, best known for co-writing and singing “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and performing on the World Cup 2026 anthem “DNA.”
What songs has EJAE written?
She has written for K-pop acts including Red Velvet, aespa, TWICE and LE SSERAFIM, and co-wrote “Golden” for KPop Demon Hunters.
What is EJAE’s role in the World Cup 2026 anthem?
She sings the Korean-language portion of “DNA,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, and performed it at the Mexico City opening ceremony.
Did EJAE win a Grammy?
Yes. “Golden,” which she co-wrote and performed, won four Grammy Awards.