Lee Jae Wins AMA Song of the Year: How ‘Golden’ Beat Taylor Swift

Translation result [Herald Business=Reporter Moon Young-gyu] When “Golden,” the theme song from Netflix’s animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters (Kedehun), won Song of the Year at the American Music Awards, Korean-American singer Lee Jae credited the fans for sealing the victory.

Lee accepted the Song of the Year award on May 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Korean-American singer Ray Ami, who performs with Lee as part of the girl group HUNTRIX in Kedehun, joined him onstage. Fellow collaborator Audrey Nuna did not attend.

Lee said, “This film and this song were built by our fans. You sealed the win,” and he thanked fans and staff members — including director Maggie Kang — noting that the award is decided by fan votes and that fact made the honor especially meaningful.

He also took a moment to wish Ray Ami a happy 31st birthday.

Ray Ami joked that she had to keep her remarks brief because she “really needed to use the restroom,” an apparent nod to the controversy over a cut-off acceptance speech at the Oscars in March.

She thanked all the fans who voted, saying Kedehun wouldn’t be where it is today without its passionate fandom.

“Thank you for the hilarious memes, the unbelievable fan fiction, and your continuous support,” she said. “Thank you for laughing, crying, and singing with us this past year.”

She also repeatedly thanked family, friends, the production staff, and the entire Kedehun team for making the year life-changing.

“Golden” beat out strong contenders including Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem,” Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” to take the honor. Kedehun also won the award for Best Soundtrack (OST) that night.

The song spent eight weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has enjoyed global popularity, earning wins at major international ceremonies such as the Grammys, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.