Singer-songwriter Ejae, the voice behind Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, recently unveiled an extended demo version of the hit song “Your Idol,” offering fans a haunting glimpse into an alternate version of the film’s soundtrack. The reveal took place during an industry event where Ejae and co-songwriter Mark Sonnenblick discussed the creative process behind the movie’s music, highlighting how Ejae originally recorded vocals for nearly every character in the group.
An Alternate Reality for Huntr/x
Because Ejae provided the singing voice for Rumi, she recorded demos for the entire film’s repertoire. This includes tracks like “Your Idol,” which Rumi does not perform in the final cut. Hearing these demos creates a surreal experience, effectively shifting the perspective of the film to imagine a world where the girls of Huntr/x—or even the demons themselves—are the ones using these songs to captivate audiences.
While snippets of the “Your Idol” demo have surfaced previously, this latest presentation provided the most substantial look yet. The performance featured original lyrics that differ significantly from the version that made it into the movie. Hearing Rumi’s voice tackle a track originally assigned to the Saja Boys adds a layer of depth that fans have been clamoring for.
The Case for a Deluxe Soundtrack
The KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack previously received a Deluxe Edition, yet it fell short for many enthusiasts, as the additions were limited to instrumental and acapella tracks. Given the massive popularity of Ejae’s original recordings, there is a clear demand for an official release of these demos as bonus content.
If major pop stars can release multiple iterations of their albums, the precedent for Netflix and Sony to provide fans with these rare, behind-the-scenes recordings is well-established. For now, listeners remain hopeful that these demos will eventually see a wider release.
What’s Next for Ejae?
Following the massive success of the film, Ejae is currently pivoting toward her solo career. She launched her debut single, “In Another World,” last month. While she charts her own path as a solo artist, fans are also keeping a close watch on the upcoming KPop Demon Hunters sequel, where Ejae is expected to return to the studio to craft the next chapter of the franchise’s musical identity.
