EJAE Joins Grandfather Shin Young-kyun at 16th Beautiful Artist Awards

EJAE, who contributed lyrics, composition and vocals to the global hit “Golden,” attended the 16th Beautiful Artist Awards on the 15th with her maternal grandfather, veteran actor Shin Young-kyun, her mother, business executive Shin Hye-jin, and her fiancé, Korean-American music producer Sam Kim.

The ceremony at Stage 28 in Seoul’s Gangdong District brought renewed attention to her family as well as her musical achievements ahead of her wedding. Her mother is known as vice chair and CEO of Seyoung Enterprise.

The event was hosted by the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, which her grandfather established. A major figure in Korean cinema who has continued to support arts and culture, Shin Young-kyun was seen warmly greeting his granddaughter. Their appearance together highlighted a family bond that had been less familiar to the public.

During the gathering, Shin Hye-jin introduced EJAE and her future son-in-law, Sam Kim, to actor Lee Young-ae and her husband, Jung Ho-young. EJAE and her companions shared a table with the couple, exchanging greetings in a warm atmosphere.

EJAE is scheduled to marry Sam Kim on Nov. 7 at a golf course in Los Angeles operated by Shin Hye-jin. The two first met through songwriting in 2017 and are known to have later become a couple while continuing their musical partnership.

Her appearance also renewed interest in her early musical ambitions. In January 2011, EJAE appeared with Shin Young-kyun on KBS 2TV’s “Leisurely and Content.” Then 19 and studying at New York University in the United States, she spoke of her dream of becoming a singer and affectionately described him as “a stylish grandfather who scores a perfect 100 and gives me everything I need.”

EJAE went on to train at SM Entertainment and develop her abilities as a songwriter and singer. She gained worldwide attention through her work on “Golden,” from the soundtrack of the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, becoming a key creator in a global music project.

As the film grew popular, its music gained prominence on global charts. In February this year, “Golden” won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards. Those achievements have drawn attention to EJAE’s own musical talent alongside her family background, while her approaching marriage has added to interest in her life.

Recipients at the 16th Beautiful Artist Awards included the late actor Ahn Sung-ki, actors Kim Mu-yeol and Park Geun-hyung, cinematographer Lee Seok-gi and director Kim Do-young. Shin Young-kyun’s 99th-birthday celebration followed the ceremony, bringing together the veteran of Korean cinema and his granddaughter whose work has reached a global music audience.

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