11 Songs You Didn’t Realize Were Co-Written by KPop Demon Hunters‘ EJAE
Artist and producer EJAE has been firmly in the spotlight this summer. Not only did she co-write much of the soundtrack for the record-smashing Netflix musical KPop Demon Hunters, but she also became one of its stars as the singing voice of the lead character, Rumi.
With the film's smash hit "Golden" (also featuring Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami) topping the Billboard Global chart, the fictional girl group HUNTR/X is on top of the world, and we have EJAE's songwriting prowess and unbelievable vocal talents to thank. But if you're a fan of K-pop, and girl groups in particular, you might be even more familiar with her work than you think. She's been a prolific collaborator with some very big names over the years, and here are 11 songs we bet you didn't realize were co-written by EJAE.
(Photo credit: SM Entertainment)
aespa – 'Armageddon'
EJAE played a big role in helping aespa step into a new era, co-writting "Armageddon" (the title track of their debut full-length album). It's a confident anthem about stepping into your own power and recognizing that no one can define who you are but you—a message we've seen show up more than once in EJAE's work.
Red Velvet – 'Birthday'
EJAE also lent her writing talents to Red Velvet's "Birthday," an edgy yet playful dance-pop celebration commemorating their 10th mini-album, The ReVe Festival 2022 – Birthday. Sampling George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," it's an edgy yet playful track about fully living in the joy of the moment, representing an anniversary of sorts for the iconic girl group.
aespa – 'Drama'
In her first collaboration with aespa, EJAE co-wrote their title track "Drama," which appeared on the 2023 mini-album of the same name. The song takes a dark and moody approach, befitting its name, with aespa promising to bring the drama, scaring away any potential rivals who might try to get in their way.
MISAMO – 'Funny Valentine'
MISAMO is a sub-unit of TWICE, consisting of the group's Japanese members Momo, Sana and Mina. "Funny Valentine," with lyrics in both English and Japanese, tells a story about a lover who plays games and toys with the narrator's heart. In addition to EJAE and other writers, the group's Momo co-wrote the song, this being her first time ever songwriting in Japanese.
Also read about: 6 Things We'd Love to See From KPop Demon Hunters Sequels, Prequels and Spin-Offs
KARD – 'ICKY'
We don't see too many co-ed K-pop groups, making KARD a real standout—especially with all of the fascinating double-meanings behind their song "ICKY." Driven by an infectious beat, it's a song about infatuation and wanting to get close to someone, with EJAE's signature wordplay leading the way.
TWICE – 'LAST WALTZ'
Not only was TWICE featured on the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack with "Strategy," but members Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung also did their own version of "Takedown" for the film. It shouldn't be too surprising, then, that EJAE has a history with them, co-writing their dreamy and heartbreaking track "LAST WALTZ." It's captivating and moody, describing a couple who are breaking up, wishing to make their final moments together joyful, rather than tragic.
IRENE – 'Like a Flower'
We can't get enough of the upbeat and atmospheric energy of IRENE's "Like a Flower." Appearing as the title track of the debut EP of the same name, the song was co-written by EJAE, creating an effervescent dreamscape with an Afro-dance-like beat and lyrics about blooming into your most realized self.
NMIXX – 'O.O'
New group NMIXX made a big impression in 2022 with the release of their debut single "O.O," showcasing their incredible versatility with a song that feels like two completely different tracks in one. Even the title of track looks impressed at their unique blend of electronic hip-hop stylings and pop-rock, with EJAE joining a talented host of songwriters to bring this one to life.
Also read about: What Your Favorite KPop Demon Hunters Song Says About You
Red Velvet – 'Psycho'
EJAE's first work with Red Velvet was on "Psycho," becoming one of her first big breaks, as the song went gold in the United States. The bubbly R&B-pop track showcases the group's honeyed vocals, as well as their ability to bring a touch of humor to their music. It's about two people who must be at least a little bit psycho, because despite everything they put each other through, they continue to love each other and will always come back for more.
LE SSERAFIM – 'So Cynical (Badum)'
EJAE's cleverness and unique use of music as a storytelling device also comes through in LE SSERAFIM's "So Cynical (Badum)." It's a song about someone who's put up a cool facade so they don't get themself hurt (so many walls!), but how this has led to a cynical and cold life. Instead, the group urges them to jump at opportunities, even if they're scary, in order to truly grasp everything life has to offer, with vocalizations mimicking the beating of a heart to drive the point home.
FIFTY FIFTY – 'Starry Night'
It seems EJAE also knows what she's doing in terms of writing sweet and straightforward love songs, as she also helped pen FIFTY FIFTY's "Starry Night." It's a romantic and dreamy song about that unique feeling you only experience when you've fallen head over heels for someone. It's about a love meant to be, and creating your own little universe with your love under the glow of a starry night.
Obsessed with all things KPop Demon Hunters? Click HERE to read our interview with the speaking voices of Rumi, Mira and Zoey from the movie.