Actress Arden Cho, known for her voice role as Rumi in Netflix's animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, discusses how her personal journey mirrors that of her character. Growing up in Texas as the daughter of Korean immigrants, Cho faced challenges with her identity, struggling for acceptance in a society that often favored Eurocentric beauty standards.
Cho recalls, I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time. In KPop Demon Hunters, which tells the story of a K-Pop trio battling evil forces, Rumi navigates her own identity as a half-human, half-demon character. This compelling narrative deeply resonated with Cho, allowing her to connect her personal experiences to Rumi's journey.
Reflecting on her childhood, Cho stated, At different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else. She highlighted the lack of representation for individuals who look like her, which fueled her desire to be a role model for Asian-American children today.
The film has achieved remarkable success, charting in 93 countries and drawing over 33 million views in just two weeks after its release. To star in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, is a dream come true for me, said Cho.
Throughout the narrative, Cho advocates for cultural pride and the importance of representation. As she noted, KPop has significantly bolstered interest in Korean culture, leading many individuals to celebrate their dual heritage.
Citing increased racism and cultural misunderstanding, especially during the Trump administration's immigration policies, Cho is candid about her sensitivities as an Asian-American. She emphasizes that education is key to combatting racism, asserting that empathy and understanding can lead to greater acceptance.
With KPop Demon Hunters, Cho hopes to instill a sense of hope and unity among diverse communities, affirming, Maybe that's why it's sort of like this movie of the summer—because we just needed some hope and something to unite us all together.
Looking ahead, Cho expresses her desire for sequels and continues to advocate for authentic storytelling amidst emerging AI technologies that threaten creative originality in the industry. I hope people have some respect and want and love for something real, she concludes.
