Singer-songwriter and producer EJAE became the center of a heated debate among K-pop fans after her name appeared in the credits of BLACKPINK’s new album.
EJAE had previously gained wider public recognition for voicing Rumi The Netflix animated film and co-wrote the hit song Golden, which topped the charts in both South Korea and the United States. However, long before that breakthrough, he had already built a solid career behind the scenes in K-pop, contributing to major tracks like Red Velvet’s Psycho.
The current controversy erupted when fans discovered that EJAE was listed as one of the composers of “Champion,” a new track from BLACKPINK’s latest release. The problem, however, is not his involvement per se, 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 wrangling, both sides reached a settlement in 2023, but public debate over the case remains sensitive.
BLACKPINK has already faced criticism for teaming up with Dr. Luke, so his name appearing in the credits again disappointed a segment of the fandom. Notably, some of the backlash has now shifted towards the EJAE, with critics questioning the ethical responsibilities of artists when associated with controversial figures.
On the other hand, many fans defended the singer-songwriter. They argue that in international music production, credits can be layered and complex. Not all credited writers necessarily collaborate directly, and contributions can arise from different stages of a song’s development. Some suggest that Dr. Luke’s credits may have been added during later stages of production, without requiring the direct involvement of all composers.
At this time, the EJAE has not issued an official response. The situation highlights how heightened public awareness about ethics and responsibility continues to shape discourse in the entertainment industry, where every name listed in the credits can quickly become a flashpoint for a larger debate.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
