Singer-songwriter EJAE was honored at Gyopo’s annual Chuseok Benefit.
The KPop Demon Hunters star is fresh off a whirlwind start to the year after the animated film dominated the awards circuit. EJAE earned herself Golden Globe, Grammy Award and an Oscar along the way. The singer was honored at Gyopo’s 8th annual Chuseok Benefit, which is sponsored by CJ ENM, late last month.
“I’m so honored to be recognized by GYOPO at this year’s Chuseok Benefit. It means so much to be surrounded by a community that celebrates the Korean diaspora and the many different ways we stay connected to our culture, because that connection is at the core of what I do,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“It’s been such a special afternoon,” she said. “I’m so proud to celebrate where we come from and what we’re creating together.”
The benefit, held Gyopo board member Ann Soh Woods’ private residence, brought together figures from art, design, entertainment and fashion, including Anicka Yi, Carol Lim,, Dumbfoundead, Jon Moon and fellow Demon Hunters stars Audrey Nuna and Kevin Woo. The event is held in early Autumn during the Korean harvest mon holiday Chuseok, which signifies a time to come together.
“We celebrate EJAE’s exhilarating artistic talent and its power to define an era of popular music and culture. EJAE’s journey to becoming a global music icon is one of perseverance and courage — complex, layered, and full of twists and turns,” Gyopo’s executive director Yoon Ju Ellie Lee said about the honoree.
She added, “Her story has resonated with millions across the globe, but it is the way she shares it, with clarity, honesty, humility and meaningfully contextualized within a diasporic Korean experience, that has touched the hearts of us at Gyopo. EJAE has used her platform to speak openly about her process, pressure, rejection and transformation. In times like these, we savor the opportunity to honor a kindred spirit such as EJAE.”