AceShowbiz - The unique rise of HUNTR/X stands out as one of the most remarkable stories in music this past year. Although often referred to as a group, the trio behind HUNTR/X — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI — had never actually recorded or performed together in the traditional sense until recently. Their collaboration began in an unconventional way, tied to the global success of the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters.

Each member lent their distinct voice to one of the film’s main characters, yet they recorded their parts separately. It wasn’t until the movie’s release in June 2025 that the three finally saw each other face-to-face. EJAE recalls their first encounter at the Los Angeles premiere as fleeting and casual: “We saw each other at the premiere, and we’re like, ‘Um, bye!’” Audrey Nuna adds, reflecting the tentative nature of their early interaction, “Hope to connect with you soon! Maybe we’ll cross paths again!”

Before joining forces on this project, all three women had established themselves independently in the music industry. EJAE, born Kim Eun-jae, started as a K-pop trainee with SM Entertainment at 11, later becoming a prolific songwriter for top K-pop girl groups such as Red Velvet, TWICE, and aespa. REI AMI, born Sarah Yeeun Lee, launched her indie career in 2019 after moving from Seoul to the United States at age seven and gained recognition with her 2020 viral feature on Sub Urban’s “Freak.” Meanwhile, Audrey Nuna, originally Audrey Chu from New Jersey, began releasing music in 2018 and is known for collaborations with Jack Harlow and DJ Snake.

The first to join the KPop Demon Hunters project was EJAE, who started as a songwriter and vocal producer in 2020. Her vocal demos impressed the team so much that she was invited to become the singing voice for the film’s lead character, Rumi. The group was completed in 2024 with REI winning the role of rapper and lyricist Zoey through an audition, and Audrey recommended for the role of main dancer Mira by a mutual friend, songwriter Danny Chung.

Audrey Nuna feels a deep connection with her character Mira, noting the parallels between her own personality and Mira’s tough yet sensitive nature. “I just relate to her on a very spiritual level,” she says, highlighting how the project felt destined because of this bond.

Following the film’s release, which became Netflix’s most-watched movie ever just two months after its debut, the trio embraced their characters and began performing live as HUNTR/X. Their breakout moment came on October 7, 2025, when they appeared together on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after their single “Golden” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks. This historic achievement marked them as the first female K-pop group to top the chart.

EJAE fondly recalls the excitement during their first rehearsal for the Fallon performance: “We locked in and we were like, ‘You guys, we’re actually doing this!’” Their chemistry was evident even then, despite the novelty of their collaboration.

Their rapid rise was marked by a strong emotional connection and mutual understanding, forged during intense rehearsals and shared challenges. Audrey Nuna reflects on the unique bond they developed: “No one else in the world can relate to the things that have happened over the past seven months. That challenge really forced us to grow our synergy and trust in such a short period of time.”

Since their first live performance, HUNTR/X’s group appearances have increased, along with their accolades. The soundtrack to KPop Demon Hunters spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first soundtrack to have four simultaneous hits in the Hot 100 top 10. Alongside “Golden,” their song “How It’s Done” also gained significant attention, offering a swaggering complement to the emotional anthem. The trio’s impact extended beyond music, as their animated characters dominated Halloween 2025 with the top three trending costume spots on Google.

Despite their newfound fame, the members acknowledge the long journey that led them here, rooted in personal and cultural histories. Audrey Nuna emphasizes that their story goes back to childhood experiences of immigration, cultural challenges, and the desire to pursue their dreams while often feeling like outsiders. “This is a story that starts with our childhoods, of our parents moving here, immigrating to a new country, trying to follow a dream and provide,” she explains.

Each artist has signed with major labels under the Universal Music Group umbrella, with EJAE joining Universal Records and both Audrey Nuna and REI AMI signing with Republic Records. Their solo careers continue to develop alongside their group success. Industry representation also plays a crucial role in their journey, with managers they affectionately compare to the character Bobby from KPop Demon Hunters, a protective and energetic agent voiced by Ken Jeong in the film.

REI AMI expresses gratitude for their support systems: “I thank God for the amazing, supportive teams that we have beside us that protect us and guide us throughout these massive changes.” Audrey Nuna echoes this sentiment, adding, “Yes, our Bobbys! We love our Bobbys.”

Before they return to their solo projects, the trio takes a moment to reflect on their whirlwind ascent to the top of pop culture. Their rapid success — from separate recording sessions to record-breaking performances and award wins — is a testament to their resilience, talent, and the power of collaboration in the modern music landscape.

Being named Women of the Year at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards is a milestone that holds special meaning for the group. EJAE shares that as a child, she often looked to the Billboard charts to track popular songs, making this recognition especially poignant.

Looking ahead, the members of HUNTR/X are poised to continue shaping the future of music, both together and as individual artists. Their story exemplifies how innovation, cultural fusion, and authentic artistry can captivate audiences worldwide and redefine the concept of a music group in the digital age.