KPop Demon Hunters fans have blasted the “rude” decision by the Oscars to cut off Golden songwriter Yu Han Lee’s acceptance speech after winning the Academy Award for best original song.
The smash hit animation movie won two Oscars last night, including Best Animated Feature Film, but saw one of its acceptance speeches awkwardly muted — to clear upset on stage, boos in the audience, and anger from fans watching online.
KPop Demon Hunter’s iconic anthem Golden beat tracks from Hollywood favorite Sinners and other movies to win in the Best Music (Original Song) category, with its artists, composer and producers all credited as part of the win. But after a short thank you message from Ejae, who provides the singing voice of Rumi, the track’s songwriter took the microphone only to be immediately muted and played off by the Oscars orchestra.
the oscar’s are rude af for this i’m sorry😭 pic.twitter.com/3tSXtT8x54
— 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) March 16, 2026
“Alright f*** the Oscars for cutting off Best Original Song for Golden KPop Demon Hunters,” wrote one fan on social media. “Absolute disrespect and disgraceful to the creatives behind the biggest song of the year.”
“I’m really glad they cut off kpop demon hunters’ acceptance speech,” another fan added sarcastically. “They needed to make enough time for another Burger King ad.”
“I’m sorry but this was so disrespectful to cut KPop Demon Hunters speech…” said a third.
Ultimately, Yu Han Lee was able to finish his acceptance speech in front of the cameras in the Oscar’s press room: “I would like to thank our families, and 24, and our fellow IDO members,” he said. “This is an incredible honor.”
Just days ago, Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix formally announced plans for KPop Demon Hunters 2, following widespread acknowledgement that a sequel was on its way. While there’s no release window yet, it’s understood that the movie’s reported 2029 release date is unlikely considering the complexities of mounting a fitting second chapter. In the meantime, at least, KPop Demon Hunters LEGO sets are on the way.
As for the Oscars, last night’s show brought other surprises, too — including an appearance by Baby Yoda, and only the seventh award tie in Academy Awards history. Catch up on the full list of Oscars 2026 winners right here.
Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
