Mark Sonnenblick describes the first moment the song felt different
Mark Sonnenblick began working on the soundtrack for the animated Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters more than two years before its premiere. At the time, he kept his expectations realistic and focused on writing music that could support the narrative. His latest hit, “Golden,” was written late in the process and was one of five candidates for the key scene in the movie.
“She played a lot of melodies for me, including the iconic one, ‘No more hidin’, I’ll be shinin.’ And I think we both were just like, ‘This is gonna be something really special.’ It was still weeks and months before we had the finished version, but kind of right away, we were just really excited to feel like we were finding something that would work for the movie.”
It all changed during a writing call with his co-writer, EJAE, who sang the song’s main melody, and they both knew it was something special. He later said the feeling for “Golden” came instantly, even though the final version would take weeks and months to complete. The goal of the song was to express the emotional struggle of the character Rumi, who wants something that feels out of reach.
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The songwriter explains how collaboration shaped the final track
Sonnenblick believes strong collaboration is the main reason “Golden” became what it is today. He shared that writing from the heart and staying open to other ideas helped form the final version of the song. Sonnenblick, who has trained in musical theater, admitted he had to push himself out of his comfort zone to work with artists from different backgrounds, including KPop. He is now encouraging young writers to believe in their abilities, even when they’re out of their comfort zone.
“It’s taken me time, through my 20s, to start to realize what collaboration could look like and to see, not only on this project, but other ones I’ve been lucky to work on the past few years, the power of what it is when a little community comes together, not only of songwriters, but of so many brilliant artists on a movie or a piece of theater.”
The film’s success, awards, and future projects
EJAE cries as she accepts the #GoldenGlobe for Best Original Song for “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters:
“I’m grateful to be part of a song that is helping girls, boys, and everyone of all ages get through hardship and accept themselves.” pic.twitter.com/XeufQAGSFO
— Variety (@Variety) January 12, 2026
KPop Demon Hunters was released in June 2025 and later became the most-streamed movie of the year. In addition, has become one of 2025’s biggest tracks and received recognition from the Grammys, the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards. The track is now up for Best Original Song at the 2026 Oscars, and the film is a strong favorite to win Best Animated Feature. Meanwhile, Sonnenblick’s next stage project, Midnight at The Never Get, opens in London on July 20, 2026, and runs through September 12, 2026.
