KPop Demon Hunters star Ejae claims that she was “put off” by Leonardo DiCaprio when performing at the BAFTA Film Awards.
KPop Demon Hunters stars performing at the BAFTA Film Awards
The 34-year-old star provided the singing voice for the character of Rumi in the smash-hit Netflix movie and has explained how she messed up the high notes on the song Golden after locking eyes with the Hollywood legend at the awards ceremony in London earlier this year.
Speaking to The Sunday Times newspaper, Ejae said: “The BAFTAs haunt me.
“I made mistakes. I cracked a little bit on the high notes. Leonardo DiCaprio was (in the audience) right in front of me and he was not smiling.
“That’s what put me off. He made me so nervous. It was already so nerve-racking to be in front of all these celebrities, and then I look up and look up and lock eyes with Leonardo DiCaprio? Come on.”
Ejae admits that she has been staggered by the success of KPop Demon Hunters, which became the most-watched original title in Netflix’s history when it was released last summer.
The singer said: “I know (this kind of success) happens, I just didn’t think it would happen to me.
“I had no inkling at all that KPop Demon Hunters would be as big as it became. I did think it might be huge because the story was so cool, but you never know.
“In the past year I’ve lived five lives. It doesn’t stop. Who does all this in one year?”
Ejae also gave an insight into the darker aspects of how stars are trained to be successful K-pop performers, with restrictions on diet and a total ban on chewing gum strictly imposed by agencies.
She recalled: “We couldn’t chew gum because it would make your jaws bigger. We would have to smile in front of the mirror with a ChapStick here (demonstrating a pout) because it makes your muscles grow and your face shape (better).
“We couldn’t have ear piercings. It was very much no sodas, no greasy food, keeping yourself unbloated and fit. I wouldn’t say it was healthy.
“Let’s just be real. It’s very ambitious for a teenager.”
Meanwhile, Ejae explained that there is “definitely some level of racism” that still exists in the music industry.
She said: “I don’t see the representation.
“I’m not going to lie, there’s definitely some level of racism. Definitely stereotyping. Especially women. I am genuinely curious why.
“But if you have one person who looks like you in that industry, it feels easier to get into that industry, right?”
