Songwriter and producer EJAE has become the center of heated debate among K-pop fans after her name appeared in the credits of BLACKPINK’s new album.
EJAE previously gained wider public recognition for voicing Rumi in Netflix’s animated film and co-writing the hit song Golden, which topped charts in both South Korea and the United States. However, long before that breakthrough, she had already built a solid career behind the scenes in K-pop, contributing to notable tracks such as Psycho by Red Velvet.
The current controversy erupted when fans discovered EJAE listed as one of the composers of “Champion,” a new track on BLACKPINK’s latest release. The issue, however, is not her involvement itself — but the fact that the song’s credits also include Dr. Luke.
Dr. Luke has long been a polarizing figure in the global music industry due to his high-profile legal battle with singer Kesha. In 2014, Kesha publicly accused him of sexual assault and abuse — allegations he has consistently denied. After nearly a decade of legal disputes, both parties reached a settlement in 2023, yet public debate surrounding the case remains sensitive.
BLACKPINK previously faced criticism for collaborating with Dr. Luke, so his name appearing again in the credits has disappointed a segment of the fandom. Notably, some of the backlash has now shifted toward EJAE, with critics questioning artists’ ethical responsibilities when associated with controversial figures.
On the other hand, many fans have defended the songwriter. They argue that in international music production, credits can be layered and complex. Not all credited writers necessarily collaborate directly, and contributions can stem from different stages of a song’s development. Some suggest Dr. Luke’s credit may have been added during later production phases, without requiring direct involvement between all composers.
As of now, EJAE has not issued an official response. The situation underscores how heightened public awareness around ethics and accountability continues to shape discourse in the entertainment industry — where every name listed in the credits can quickly become a flashpoint for wider debate.
Sources: Netizenbuzz