EJAE’s Motivational Quote: ‘Rejection is Redirection’ – From SM Trainee Struggles to Global K-Pop Hit ‘Golden’

EJAE, the composer and singer behind “Golden,” the main theme song of the K-pop Demon Hunters protagonist LUMI, appeared on episode 315 of You Quiz on the Block on October 22, 2025. In her interview with host Yoo Jae-suk on tvN, she shared heartfelt advice on mindset and perseverance for those facing moments of limitation and struggle.

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Who is EJAE?

EJAE appeared on episode 315 of the Korean TV show You Quiz on the Block on tvN

EJAE is a Korean-American born in 1991. She was born in Korea, spent her early childhood in New Jersey, USA, and then returned to Korea in 1999, growing up in Yeonhui-dong during her school years. In 2003, she joined SM Entertainment in Korea as a trainee and dedicated about 12 years of effort but never debuted as a singer. She left SM Entertainment in 2015 at the age of 25. 

Afterward, she shifted her career to songwriting, carving her own path while contributing to songs for K-POP artists like TWICE, Red Velvet, aespa, and NMIXX. In 2025, she took on the role of lyricist, composer, and vocalist for the original soundtrack of the Netflix U.S. animated film K-POP Demon Hunters. Her life began gaining major spotlight when the song Golden, performed by the film’s protagonist Lumi, topped Billboard and other charts globally, which also skyrocketed EJAE’s popularity. 

EJAE’s motivational quote

EJAE’s motivational quote

As a result, on October 22, 2025, EJAE appeared on episode 315 of the Korean TV show You Quiz on the Block on tvN to share her story behind her success. Her response to host Yoo Jae-suk’s question was memorable and widely quoted: 

• MC Yoo Jae-suk: “When chasing a dream, sometimes it feels like you’re hitting a wall, like you’ve reached your limit. Do you have any advice for people who feel stuck?” 

• EJAE: “If my story can help, I’d be truly honored. What I always want to say is: don’t get discouraged by rejection—see it as an opportunity. Rejection is Redirection. When one door closes, another opens. Believing you can is really important. And the most important thing: Be nice! Always be nice! Always be kind and courteous. Even if someone works hard, I don’t want to collaborate with someone with a bad attitude. And No ego! You have to let go of pride. Stay positive and don’t think you’re better than others. If someone tells you you can’t do something, don’t get disheartened. Just think, ‘OK, I can’t do it yet. I’ll do better next time!’ That mindset makes life much easier.” 

이재(EJAE) 동기부여 명언

🎬 2025년 10월 22일 방영된 tvN You Quiz on the Block 315회 EJAE 인터뷰 내용 중에서 

• MC 유재석: 꿈을 향하고 있지만 뭔가 끝이 보이질 않고, 이제 여기까지가 내가 할 수 있는 마지막인가. 이게 끝인가. 뭔가 한계에 봉착한 듯한 느낌이 들 때가 있잖아요. 그런 분들을 위해서 해주고 싶은 이야기가 있는지? 

• EJAE: 만약에 저의 이야기가 도움이 된다면 저는 너무 영광입니다. 항상 이야기하고 싶은 것은 거절을 당해도 좌절하지 말고, 그걸 기회라고 생각하는 게 좋은 것 같아요. Rejection is Redirection. 하나의 문이 닫히면 또 다른 새로운 문이 열린다는 걸 항상 생각하는 게 제 자신에게 도움이 됐어요. 항상 할 수 있다고 생각하는 게 정말 중요한 것 같아요. 그리고 제일 중요한 건 Be nice! Always be nice! 매사에 친절하고 예의가 바른 사람이어야 합니다. 뭔가 열심히는 하지만, 성격이 안 좋은 사람과는 같이 일하기 싫어요. 그리고 No ego! 자존심 없어야 해요! 자존심을 버리고 항상 긍정적으로 생각해야 더 성장할 수 있어요. 혼자 잘난 척 하지 말아요. 누군가 나에게 못한다고 말하면 그냥 “OK! 나 못하는구나. 그럼 앞으로 더 잘하면 되지!”라고 받아들이면 됩니다. 그래야 마음이 많이 편해집니다. 

(좋은 말이라서, 혹시라도 검색을 통해 한국인 분들께서 보실 수 있다면 좋을 것 같아 한국어로도 남깁니다.) 

EJAE appeared on episode 315 of the Korean TV show You Quiz on the Block on tvN

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