UCI Arts Alumna Lauren Han ’16 Performs at the 98th Academy Awards
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Lauren Han (right) attends the Oscars in a vibrant traditional Korean hanbok.
Vocal performance alum takes the Oscars stage as part of the historic KPop Demon Hunters performance
UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Music alumna Lauren Han ’16 performed "Prologue (Hunter's Mantra)" at the 98th Academy Awards as part of the Oscars performance for KPop Demon Hunters, singing in the traditional Korean vocal style of Pansori. The film made history that night, taking home Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden," the first K-pop song ever to win an Oscar.
For Han, a Korean immigrant, actor, singer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, the performance was a deeply personal moment. Standing on the Dolby Theatre stage in traditional Korean dress, she drew on her own experience growing up navigating questions of identity and belonging.
“It was truly a dream come true — one I never even imagined could happen,” shared Han. “I was terrified before entering the stage, afraid of making a mistake or failing to do the song justice. Once I stepped onto the stage, I only thought of the lyrics, “In the darkness, we shall sing our song.” I pictured every person — across generations — who has ever struggled or is currently struggling, experiencing injustice or pain. I sang it for them, and I was no longer nervous.”
Han has built a career across film, television and stage since graduating from UC Irvine, with credits including Beef and Loot, in addition to her work as a filmmaker. Her performance at the Oscars marks a milestone not only in her career, but in the broader cultural moment KPop Demon Hunters has created — one that has resonated across generations and around the world.
Lauren Han pictured far right with performers for KPop Demon Hunters' Oscars performance.
“I am profoundly grateful to the creators of KPop Demon Hunters and to everyone who helped me on this journey, including the extraordinary faculty and students at UC Irvine, whose guidance and encouragement made this moment possible,” shared Han.
To learn more about the Department of Music, visit music.arts.uci.edu. To learn more about Lauren Han, visit her Instagram.
