Oscars Cut Short K-Pop History: Controversial Acceptance Speech for 'K-Pop: Demon Hunters'

K-Pop: Demon Hunters (KPDH) secured two wins at the Academy Awards, but a controversy has erupted after the acceptance speech was cut short by a commercial break.

At the 98th Academy Awards, held on the 15th (local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the film's original soundtrack (OST) "Golden" won the award for Best Original Song.

The singer and co-songwriter EJAE, who took the stage for the award, delivered an emotional speech, saying, "This song isn't about success; it's about resilience," while visibly moved to tears.

However, the moment composer Lee Yu-han from THEBLACKLABEL stepped up to the microphone to continue the speech, the "wrap-up" music began to play, signaling the end of the segment.

Despite Lee Yu-han pulling out a prepared speech and co-lyricist Mark Sonnenblick gesturing for more time, the stage lights dimmed, and the broadcast abruptly cut to a commercial.

Other composers from THEBLACKLABEL, including Kwak Jung-kyu, Nam Hee-dong, and Seo Jung-hoon, were also on stage but were given no opportunity to speak.

CNN reported on the incident, stating, "A scene likely to incense K-pop fans occurred right after a historic moment at the Oscars," adding that "it was a moment that could have held even greater significance, but the lack of time is likely to trigger a strong backlash from fans on social media."

The entertainment outlet Deadline also commented on the awkward transition, noting, "The K-Pop: Demon Hunters composing team faced an unexpected interruption just as they were about to complete their 'Honmun' (the spirit-blocking shield from the film) on the 98th Oscar stage."

After leaving the stage, the winners shared the rest of their thoughts. EJAE said, "I wanted to thank Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, but I couldn't because the time was cut. They are incredible artists who brought amazing energy to the song."

Sonnenblick highlighted the spirit of the song "Golden," explaining, "There is a reason the lyrics say 'We are rising together' instead of 'I am rising.' That spirit is one of the reasons we are standing here today."