SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries embraced one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of recent years — “KPop Demon Hunters” — during its WNBA semifinals win on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Chase Center in San Francisco.

Rei Ami, the 31-year-old South Korea native who does vocal work in the record-breaking Netflix film from 2025, performed the halftime show during the game, which resulted in a hard-earned 83-81 Valkyries victory over the Las Vegas Aces.

Ami, who provides the singing voice for the character Zoey in the “KPop Demon Hunters” group Huntrix, took the court to “Golden” — the chart-topping hit that went on win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. She then stuck around to croon her way through her new solo single “2Loud.”

“2Loud” was just released a few weeks back as the first single from Ami’s upcoming full-length solo debut on Republic Records. And if the rest of the album proves to be anywhere near as enjoyable as this groovy dance-pop number then Ami should have a real winner on her hands.

After the performance, and following a press conference with multiple members of the media, I had the chance to talk one-on-one with this rising K-pop star about what the experience was like performing in front of the Valkyries’ enthusiastic “Ballhalla” crowd at Chase Center. Here’s our interview.

Q: Great job with the halftime show, Rei. You really came ready to play.

A: I came to have fun. And I’m having a great time. So, no complaints.

Q: Do you have any type of preshow, warmup rituals that you do before taking the stage?

A: I would say vocal warmups for 30 minutes while I’m like getting ready. And then, you know, a solid playlist of like a good mix of 2000 throwbacks R&B and hip-hop. Then I have to follow it with a brief five minutes of — you know those 432 Hz frequency sounds that go “oooommmm.”

Q: Yeah, the ones that go “oooommmm.”

A: Yeah, kind of. It’s very beautiful and angelic. I just listen to that for like five minutes just to clear my head of any junk and voices that are not nice. Then I just kind of panic for five minutes before. Then I get on stage and I black out. Done!

Q: And how did you feel walking out on the Chase Center floor for this performance?

A: Honestly, I was a nervous wreck. Because this is the second time performing this song (“2Loud”). First time was with “America’s Got Talent.” I was in front of like 19,000 people in this arena. Everyone kept telling me Balllhalla energy was insane, unmatched. But you have to hear it and see it to believe it. So that, low-key in my mind, intimidated me more. Because then, you know, I have to go out there and match that energy, right? So, I will say, I think I was a bit more nervous than usual.

Also, because this is sports. This is a sports event, right? I’m not from this world. I definitely want to come in with respect and the proper energy — because I’m coming into their world. But I am so happy I did it.

Q: Do you play basketball?

A: No, I can’t dribble. I can’t put it through a basket. I can’t catch it. I can’t throw it. Can’t kick it. Don’t ask me to hold a ball because I you’re not gonna get anything.

The reason why is in middle school, in PE, we had a basketball unit and I got chucked in the face with a freshly pumped basketball. That’s when I realized, OK, maybe sports was not a thing for me. And, like, a pop star life is more realistic for me.

And It was. I would never be successful if I had chased this dream.

Q: Well, this whole pop star life has turned out pretty well for you. I mean, you’re a Grammy winner, an Oscar winner, part of a huge pop culture phenomenon. Does all of this massive success feel a bit surreal at times?

A: I refuse to believe it. There are moments where I just lay in bed and I try to recall like, “Oh, and the winner is … ” And it’s just like, “Was that all a dream? I cannot believe that I was there to witness it. It truly feels like a favorite dream and, even now, I’m still processing everything — all that has happened in the past year. Because it was nonstop.

Q: The success of “KPop Demon Hunters” has been nothing short of breathtaking. And the song “Golden” means so much to millions of listeners. It must be really special to be part of something that has so resonated with the public.

A: It’s crazy because people come up to me and are like, “Oh, this song is my child’s favorite song.” It’s like their “Frozen” and their “Let It Go.” For me, growing up, I had “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.” That’s a song that actually made me fall in love with music and made me want to pursue this dream in the first place.

I was like 4 years old. I was a baby. And I recognized immediately, “This is something I love, and I’m going to chase it.” That’s what “Golden” is for these kids. And it’s doing something positive and helping them build their confidence and stand on their voice and be outspoken — especially young girls.

It is imperative that we continue this. It is so important. And it is an honor to be to play such a small role in this massive movement that has not only uplifted young girls — just people, everyone. This movie, somehow, magically just united people in wisdom.”

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