The 2026 Academy Awards witnessed an unexpected but unforgettable moment when the performance of “Golden” from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters transformed the usually formal ceremony into something that looked more like a K-pop concert.
The song was performed live by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the artists behind the fictional K-pop girl group featured in the film. Their energetic stage performance quickly became one of the biggest highlights of the night.
From the moment the music started, the atmosphere inside the Dolby Theatre shifted dramatically. Instead of the traditional quiet and formal Oscars audience, viewers saw Hollywood’s biggest stars enjoying the performance like fans at a K-pop show. Actors including Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone and Steven Spielberg were spotted waving K-pop lightsticks and dancing along with the music, creating a rare and joyful moment during the ceremony.
The performance itself blended modern K-pop energy with Korean cultural elements. Reports noted that the stage included traditional musical influences such as pansori storytelling, along with synchronized choreography, dancers and bright stage visuals. The combination of traditional and modern Korean culture created a unique spectacle rarely seen at the Academy Awards.
“Golden” is the theme song from the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, and the track has already achieved major global success. The song topped international charts and became a standout piece from the movie’s soundtrack.
The Oscars performance further highlighted how K-pop has evolved into a global cultural force. What once started as a regional music genre has now become influential enough to energize Hollywood’s biggest awards show.
For many viewers watching around the world, the moment was both surprising and exciting. Seeing some of the most famous actors in Hollywood holding K-pop lightsticks perfectly captured how far Korean pop culture has traveled.
In a ceremony filled with awards and emotional speeches, the “Golden” performance reminded audiences that music, especially K-pop, has the power to bring completely different worlds together.