On October 15, EJAE attended the 16th Beautiful Artists Awards ceremony at Stage 28 in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, alongside her fiancé, music producer Sam Kim.
The event was organized by the Shin Young Kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, established by veteran actor Shin Young Kyun, and also celebrated his 99th birthday. EJAE is Shin Young Kyun’s granddaughter through his daughter, making her appearance alongside her future husband at the meaningful family occasion particularly noteworthy. The event also brought renewed attention to her family connections.
Shin Young Kyun made his film debut in 1960 with Widow and went on to become one of the leading figures in South Korean cinema. He later achieved success as a businessman as well. In 2010, he donated his wealth to establish the Shin Young Kyun Arts and Culture Foundation, which supports film artists and helps nurture the next generation of talent.
EJAE’s close relationship with her grandfather has also been featured on television. In January 2011, she appeared alongside Shin Young Kyun on KBS2’s Yeoyumanman, where she spoke about her dream of becoming a singer. At the time, she affectionately described him as “a stylish, perfect grandfather who gives me everything I need,” expressing her deep love and appreciation for him.
EJAE’s mother, Shin Hye Jin, is also known to hold the positions of vice chairwoman and chief executive officer at Seyoung Enterprise. At the recent awards ceremony, Shin Hye Jin reportedly introduced her daughter and future son-in-law, Sam Kim, to actress Lee Young Ae and her husband, Jung Ho Young.
Before establishing herself as a songwriter and singer, EJAE spent approximately 10 years as a trainee at SM Entertainment. She later worked as a songwriter, contributing to numerous hit songs, including Red Velvet’s “Psycho” and aespa’s “Armageddon.” Her career reached an international milestone through “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, on which she contributed as a songwriter and vocalist. In February this year, the song won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Meanwhile, EJAE is scheduled to marry Korean-American music producer Sam Kim on November 7, marking a new chapter in her personal life following her recent international success.
Sources: Daum | MHN스포츠