The songwriters behind the rising franchise **KPop Demon Hunters** have turned personal setbacks into creative triumphs, leading to the success of their project titled **Labor of Love**. The journey of songwriter **EJAE**, whose real name is **Kim Eun-jae**, highlights how being dropped from a record label ultimately guided her toward a fulfilling career in music production and songwriting.
Reflecting on her early ambitions, EJAE shared that her dream was to become a K-pop idol. She began her training at just **11 years old**. After spending **12 years** in the industry, she faced disappointment when she was dropped by her label at the age of **22**. In an interview with Deadline, she explained, “I never knew that songwriting would ever be a thing for me. It was never in the cards, but it still happened in an organic way.”
Following her departure from the label, EJAE struggled to find her footing in a challenging industry environment. “I started producing more. I loved the Soundcloud scene at the time, and I fell in love with producing and making beats,” she recalled. Her experience in the industry taught her about the importance of social media presence, but it also became overwhelming.
“I realized that my personality doesn’t work with being an artist or being a K-pop idol,” she admitted. Acknowledging her mental health, she chose to step away from the spotlight, saying, “I had friends in the industry who, sadly, committed suicide, and seeing that, I thought it was a big sign that I needed to prioritize my mental health.”
At **33 years old**, EJAE now finds fulfillment as the singing voice of an animated character in the film, reflecting on her journey with gratitude. Her story resonates with many who face similar challenges in the competitive world of entertainment.
Fellow songwriter **Mark Sonnenblick** echoed EJAE’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative spirit behind **KPop Demon Hunters**. “All of this reception is inspiring,” he stated. “Behind this movie is a city of artists and executives who poured their hearts into something that may have seemed obvious, because it’s like, of course, K-pop is popular, but it wasn’t that simple.”
Sonnenblick praised the dedication that went into creating the project, describing it as a “labor of love for something that isn’t big IP.” He noted that the film’s success is attributed to the strong connection fans have formed with the material, fueled by word-of-mouth support.
As **KPop Demon Hunters** continues to gain traction, the stories of EJAE and Sonnenblick serve as a testament to the resilience and passion of artists who navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Their experiences highlight the importance of mental health and the transformative power of creativity in overcoming adversity.
