Viewers of the 98th Academy Awards were left divided after a historic moment for the animated film KPop Demon Hunters was unexpectedly cut short during the ceremony. The film had an impressive night, winning Best Animated Feature and also taking home Best Original Song for the track Golden. The achievement marked an important milestone, as “Golden” became the first K-pop song ever to win the prestigious Oscar category. Since its release on Netflix in June 2025, the movie has become a massive global hit, attracting hundreds of millions of views and generating major music success. The fictional girl group HUNTR/X even topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks. During the acceptance speech for Best Animated Feature, co-director Maggie Kang delivered an emotional message about representation, expressing hope that future generations would see more diverse stories on screen. The moment was widely praised by fans who celebrated the film’s cultural impact.

However, the celebration quickly turned controversial when the acceptance speech for Best Original Song was cut short by the orchestra music, signaling the presenters to end the segment. Singer EJAE and producer Lee Yu-han were among those on stage when the music began playing, preventing them from finishing their remarks. The interruption triggered frustration among viewers watching the ceremony at home, with many taking to social media to express disappointment. Some fans argued that the historic achievement deserved a few extra moments for the winners to speak, especially after the film’s global success and cultural significance. Later, backstage interviews allowed the team to finish thanking collaborators, including fellow singers and producers who contributed to the song. Despite the controversy surrounding the shortened speech, the film’s double victory ensured that KPop Demon Hunters remained one of the most talked-about highlights of the night.