Korean-American singer EJAE, who won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Golden” from the Netflix animated film “Kpop Huntress,” married music producer Sam Kim on Saturday in Seoul. The couple originally planned a California wedding next month but unexpectedly moved the ceremony to South Korea, exchanging vows in the garden of EJAE’s 97-year-old grandfather, veteran actor and former lawmaker Shin Young-kyun, at his residence in Gangdong-gu.
EJAE shared photographs from the celebration on social media Sunday, showing the newlyweds in both traditional hanbok and Western-style attire. In one shot they kiss playfully, while other images capture warm moments with family. The choice of venue held deep personal meaning for the singer. “My grandparents lived here when I was young, so it holds a lot of childhood memories,” EJAE said.
Her husband told reporters the four-month preparation was intense but that teamwork made the event run smoothly. “We only had four months to prepare the wedding, and although there was a lot of pressure, thanks to the cooperation of many people we managed to complete it successfully,” Sam Kim noted.
Shin Young-kyun, born in 1927, remains one of South Korea’s most enduring cultural figures, his career spanning decades in film and television. He also served as a member of the National Assembly, leaving a legacy in both entertainment and politics. Hosting the wedding at his home underscored the family’s continued prominence and the couple’s desire to honor that heritage.
EJAE rose to global fame after her Oscar win for “Golden,” a song she composed and performed for the animated feature about a fictional K-pop monster-hunting group. The award made her a high-profile figure in both the American and Korean entertainment industries. Her decision to marry in Seoul, rather than the originally planned California setting, reflects a deliberate integration of her Korean roots into a major life milestone.
The ceremony blended Eastern and Western traditions, with the couple wearing hanbok and then changing into modern formalwear. Fans praised the intimate, personal nature of the wedding, especially the meaningful location.
Looking ahead, both artists are expected to continue their music careers—EJAE as a singer-songwriter and Sam Kim as a producer. Given their shared professional background, observers have speculated about possible future creative collaborations.
The wedding also highlights a broader cultural trend among Korean-Americans: using key life events to reconnect with their heritage. By choosing to marry at her grandfather’s home, EJAE not only honored her family history but also showcased the cross-border ties that define many modern diasporic experiences. The event serves as a testament to the enduring pull of place and family, even for globally successful artists.
