Oscars face boos and backlash after ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ team cut off during acceptance speech
Photo: AFP
The 2026 Academy Awards faced criticism online after the songwriting team behind “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters were played off during their acceptance speech for Best Original Song.
The group made history with the win, marking the first time a K-pop song has received the Academy Award in the category. K-pop singer and songwriter EJAE accepted the award on stage alongside several collaborators, including Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park.
During the speech, EJAE spoke emotionally about the global reach of the genre and the significance of the moment. “People made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone’s singing our song and all the Korean lyrics,” EJAE said. “I’m so proud.”
However, the moment was cut short when the ceremony orchestra began playing the winners off as co-writer Yu Han Lee stepped forward to speak. Lee had just begun his remarks, saying, “I would like to thank,” when the music started, prompting audible boos from the audience inside the Dolby Theatre.
I’m sorry but this was so disrespectful to cut KPop Demon Hunters speech… 😭✌🏾 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/m18K2OEJLM
The interruption sparked criticism across social media, with viewers accusing the ceremony of cutting winners’ speeches too quickly. One commentator wrote on X, “Oscars habit of cutting people off while they’re speaking is so disrespectful and RUDE. It shows a lack of respect for those who worked hard and are simply asking for a few minutes to dedicate the award to the entire team behind it. It shouldn’t be done, it feels unprofessional.”
Another viewer criticised the broadcast’s pacing, writing, “What the hell is going on with the timing for the Oscars winners? They’ve been cutting everyone short all night, don’t they have like a band on-site? People are still thanking their families, ffs!!”
Later, the team were able to finish their speech backstage.
The songwriting team for KPop Demon Hunters' "Golden" finishes their Oscar speech backstage in the Interview Room. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/U5w9HDahRJ
“Golden” achieved significant commercial success following the popularity of KPop Demon Hunters, reaching number one on music charts and winning the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.