The Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" (hereinafter "Kedehun") won two awards at the Academy Awards, but controversy over racism and mistreatment erupted after the organizers did not give them enough time for an acceptance speech and cut them off midway.
At the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) held on the 15th (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (LA), the original soundtrack (OST) "Golden" from Kedehun won best original song. It also won in the feature animation category.
In response, Lee Jae (EJAE), the singer and co-lyricist and composer of "Golden," delivered a tearful remark, saying, "This song is about recovery, not success." As soon as composer Lee Yuhan of The Black Label was handed the microphone, the wrap-up music began to play.
As Lee Yuhan hurriedly pulled out a sheet of paper to read remarks, co-lyricist Mark Sonnenblick gestured to the organizers for a little more time, but the stage lights went off and it cut to commercials. Composers Kwak Jung-gyu, Nam Hee-dong, and Seo Jung-hoon of The Black Label, who were on stage together, did not even get a chance to speak.
CNN said, "Right after a historic moment at the Academy Awards, a scene unfolded that will anger K-pop fans," adding, "It could have been a moment of greater meaning, but they were not given enough time. K-pop fans will protest fiercely on social media (SNS)."
U.S. entertainment outlet Deadline also reported on the awkward moment, saying, "Kedehun's composing team had a slight obstacle while trying to complete the 'Honmun (a shield that blocks evil spirits in the film)' at the 98th Oscars." In some quarters, this has even sparked controversy over racism.
Afterward, the winners moved backstage and shared the remarks they could not deliver. Lee Jae said, "I wanted to express my thanks to Ray Ami and Audrey nuna, but I couldn't speak because (the organizers) cut us off," adding, "They are fantastic when they sing and truly amazing people."
Sonnenblick, referencing the lyrics of "Golden," said, "I didn't write that 'I' am rising up; I wrote that 'we' are rising up," adding, "That's one of the reasons we were able to stand here today."