EJAE, the singer behind Rumi and the Oscar-winning song “Golden” in Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, married music producer Sam Kim on October 17, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The wedding took place at Stage 28, a venue built on the former home site of her maternal grandparents. A traditional Paebaek ceremony, led by her grandparents, became the most personal part of the celebration.
Who Is EJAE
EJAE, whose real name is Kim Eun-jae, is 34. She trained at SM Entertainment as a teenager before building a career as a songwriter for Red Velvet, aespa, and TWICE. Her work includes “Psycho” for Red Velvet and “Drama” for aespa.
Her career changed in 2025 when she voiced Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters and co-wrote and performed “Golden.” The song won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammy Awards. She is the daughter of Shin Hye-jin, vice chairperson of Seyoung Enterprise, and the granddaughter of veteran actor Shin Young-kyun.
A Wedding Venue Filled With Childhood Memories
Stage 28 sits in Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, in Seoul. The site was once the home of Shin Young-kyun and his wife. EJAE spent part of her childhood there.
“My grandparents lived in the house at the venue when I was a little girl. I spent much of my childhood exploring the garden and walking with my grandfather in the hills behind the house.” — EJAE to Vogue
The venue already had family history. EJAE’s older brother held his wedding there. The garden setting and the hills behind the house shaped the wedding’s simple, earthy look.
The Paebaek Ceremony Led by Her Grandparents
The celebrations began with a Paebaek, a traditional Korean ceremony where newlyweds bow to their elders and receive blessings. EJAE’s grandparents led the ritual. They have been married for 70 years.
“It was more meaningful than anything that they initiated the paebaek ceremony.” — EJAE, via SoapCentral
EJAE told Vogue that not every couple includes a Paebaek today, but she and Kim wanted the traditional element in their wedding. Her grandfather, Shin Young-kyun, and grandmother, Kim Sun Hee, attended the celebration.
A welcome party at Congdu50, a Korean fusion restaurant in Seoul, followed the Paebaek. The main vows took place later at Stage 28.
From a Songwriting Session to a Marriage
EJAE and Sam Kim met in May 2017. A mutual friend arranged a songwriting session at Kim’s home studio. The connection started as work.
“We worked on a couple of songs, but mostly, we just connected.” — EJAE to Vogue
The two shared an interest in anime and similar music. Their relationship stayed professional until a night out to see Kim’s roommate’s band perform. Kim confessed his feelings that night. They later lived together in Brooklyn, New York, and dated for about nine years.
Kim proposed on June 1, 2025, in a Brooklyn park. Friends set up a surprise picnic with photos of the couple and Honey, EJAE’s late dog. EJAE shared the engagement on Instagram in January 2026.
The Wedding Clothes and the Famous Guests
EJAE wore a custom Danielle Frankel tulle gown with a strapless neckline, a bubbled hem, and a nude chiffon layer. She added heirloom jewelry passed from her grandmother to her mother.
For the reception, she changed into a custom Zac Posen chiffon dress. A shimmering Milla Nova mini dress followed for dancing. Sam Kim wore a bespoke double-breasted black tuxedo from Bhambi’s Custom Tailors in New York. He changed into a custom white Zac Posen tuxedo for the reception.
The Paebaek brought traditional clothing. EJAE wore a green-and-gold hanbok with a red skirt designed by Han Eun-hee, and later a lavender and yellow hanbok. Kim wore a light brown and blue outfit.
Guests included Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, the singing voices of Zoey and Mira in KPop Demon Hunters. Andrew Choi, the singing voice of Jinu, officiated the ceremony.
The Reception, the Music, and the After-Party
The reception took place inside a glass greenhouse on the Stage 28 property. The band After Eight performed songs chosen by the couple. Toasts were given in both Korean and English. A Korean street food booth served guests outdoors.
After the reception, EJAE and Kim went to Itaewon with close friends for an after-party. EJAE shared photos from the day on Instagram on October 19 with the caption:
“Serendipitous day with the love of my life 10.17.26❤️” — EJAE on Instagram
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A Career Year That Changed the Wedding Plans
EJAE and Kim originally planned to marry in California in November 2026. The success of KPop Demon Hunters brought a busy promotional schedule and awards season commitments. The couple moved the wedding to Seoul and brought the date forward by about a month.
“We had only about four months left to prepare for the wedding. It was hectic and a bit stressful, but thanks to preparing together, everything fell perfectly into place.” — EJAE to Vogue
Vogue published the first wedding photos and the couple’s interview on October 19. EJAE reposted a gallery of images on Instagram the same day, opening with a photo of the couple walking down the aisle with their arms raised.
Also Read: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Tour T-Shirts Now Available Online as Global Concert Tour Approaches
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