The history-defining animated film KPop Demon Hunters achieved a double win at the Academy Awards, but the hosts’ decision to abruptly cut short their acceptance speeches and transition to a commercial break has ignited controversy.
At the 98th Academy Awards, the original soundtrack and OST “Golden” won the award for Best Original Song. EJAE, the singer and co-lyricist of “Golden,” tearfully shared, “This song is about recovery, not success.”
Fans were moved by EJAE, again feeling a sense of pride for her accomplishments, but that moment was stripped away almost immediately after as composer Yu Han Lee from The Black Label was about to take the microphone. Yu Han Lee took out a piece of paper and attempted to read his speech, but the closing music began to play, cutting him off entirely. EJAE was seen with an exaggerated expression, waving her hand to suggest they stop, and co-lyricist Mark Sonnenblick also gestured for a little more time. However, the lights were turned off, and the broadcast moved on to commercials. Other composers from The Black Label, including Joong Gyu Kwak, Hee Dong Nam and Jeong Hoon Seo, who were on stage, also did not get a chance to speak.
#Oscars face backlash for cutting off the ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ songwriting team during their speech after making history with their Original Song win. pic.twitter.com/69nkXS5H0U
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 16, 2026
Fans began flooding social media with comments. What was supposed to be an endearing, once-in-a-lifetime moment became sour as even other global news outlets like CNN reported, “This was a scene that angered K-pop fans immediately after a historic moment at the Academy Awards. It could have been a more meaningful moment, and K-Pop fans will likely protest fiercely on social media due to the lack of sufficient time.”
A top-rated comment read, “They ruined a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I feel especially sorry for Lee Yu Han, who was cut off by music just as he was about to speak.” Criticism also poured in, asking, “Why cut off award winners when you air comedy sketches for 40 minutes?”
Viewers pointed out the odd structure of the awards saying, “They know that speakers tend to need more time, so why don’t they make the broadcast longer and compensate for that?” and, “It’s absurd to apply a 45-second rule even for a single person speaking. They should cut the comedy sketches and give time to the awardees,” and “It was an opportunity to learn about the culture and pride brought by Korean artists, but they were driven away due to timing issues. It’s shameful.” Some fans even suggested evidence that white guests and awardees were given more ample time to give a speech.
EJAE further stated, “I wanted to thank Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna, but they (the ceremony organizers) cut it short. They are amazing people who absolutely nailed it during the song,” she said as the award winners were able to deliver their remaining speeches backstage. Composer Sonnenblick specifically referenced lyrics from “Golden” in his speech, explaining, “I wrote ‘We’re going up, up, up,’ and that’s one of the reasons we can stand here today.”
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ songwriters react to getting cut off at the #Oscars after winning Best Song for “Golden” and finish their speech
Read more: https://t.co/0leputa07C pic.twitter.com/96dKLkewAZ
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 16, 2026
>> ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Wins 2 Awards at Oscars, Ahn Hyo Seop Spotted on Red Carpet
What did you think of the upsetting situation at the Oscars? Do you think this was another mishap involving racism or simply a poorly organized event structure? Share your thoughts with ZAPZEE in the comments below and watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
