Rei Ami, a Korean-American singer-songwriter, visited Seoul to promote her new single "Through Round," marking her first trip to Korea in 12 years. She rose to global attention through the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, for which she sang on the hit track "Golden." The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Top 100, according to reports.

Speaking to Yonhap News, Rei Ami said the film's success also changed her personally.

Who is Rei Ami?

Rei Ami, whose Korean name is Lee Ye-eun, is 31 years old and grew up in Maryland, United States. She said she took her stage name from the anime Sailor Moon.

How did KPop Demon Hunters change her life?

Rei Ami said the film gave her a chance to show her true personality. She described herself as warm, bright and lively, and said the project helped her rediscover that side. She also said working with Lee Jae and Audrey Nuguid, her fellow OST singers, felt like forming sisterly bonds that helped heal old wounds.

What did she say about growing up Korean-American?

She recalled a strict Korean-style household where she was expected to be restrained, while her school life was more free-spirited. Her devout parents hoped she would listen to Christian music, but she secretly enjoyed pop artists such as Britney Spears, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. She said music was her first and only true love, though she once censored her own feelings and thoughts.

She also remembered being teased for bringing kimbap to school as a child. She noted that now American children want to learn Korean and ask for kimbap first, which she saw as a sign of the film's cultural reach.

Could there be a sequel?

Asked about a KPop Demon Hunters sequel, she said it would be interesting to explore the origins of the three HUNTR/X members.

For international fans

KPop Demon Hunters is a Netflix animated film, and "Golden" is its signature song. Fans who want to follow Rei Ami's music can look for "Through Round" on major streaming platforms, though release availability depends on region.