Arden Cho's Connection to 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Arden Cho, known for voicing Rumi in Netflix's animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' which achieved top 10 status in 93 countries, has spoken about her personal identification with the character. Cho, 40, an eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents, recounted aspects of her upbringing in Texas.
Character Resonances
Rumi, a central character in 'KPop Demon Hunters,' navigates her identity as a part-human, part-demon individual. Cho stated that she found parallels between Rumi's narrative and her own experiences as an Asian-American woman. She described a childhood desire for different physical attributes, stating, "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." Cho also noted the challenges of "being born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman." She added, "I can honestly say that at different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else." Cho attributed this sentiment to a lack of representation, stating, "As kids, what you see shapes who you become and I feel like I just didn't see enough people that look like me."
Film Reception and Cultural Influence
Upon its Netflix release in June, 'KPop Demon Hunters' garnered 33 million views within two weeks. Cho described her involvement in the first Hollywood animated film with Korean leads as "a dream come true." She has been recognized by many Korean-Americans as a notable figure, with individuals expressing pride in their dual heritage. Cho suggested that the film contributes to a broader appreciation for Korean culture, stating, "I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I feel like this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now."
Industry Perspectives and Social Commentary
Cho indicated that the film's production faced initial uncertainties, stating, "I feel like it kind of sucks to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like it's a risk." She made an effort to meet team members in person during the production process.
Addressing social issues, Cho commented on immigration raids in the U.S. during the Trump administration, describing them as "heartbreaking and disappointing." She stated, "Immigrants have made America what it is." Korean news sources have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants, including adopted children, without proper documentation, could be affected by deportation efforts. Cho posited that earlier experiences of racism stemmed from a lack of education. She contrasted this with contemporary circumstances, expressing, "But now in this day and age, when I feel like the world and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and sometimes I feel like we feel so hopeless." She noted that 'KPop Demon Hunters' could "bring hope and joy and love to all these different communities."
AI and Future Prospects
Cho expressed awareness of AI's use in replicating actors' voices within the film industry. She articulated a desire to "have hope in humanity" regarding the continued value of human-created art, stating, "Sure, I'm sure they're going to have AI actors and singers. I know they already exist. I know our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have some respect and want and love for something real."
The film's soundtrack has also achieved commercial success, with seven tracks featured on the Billboard Hot 100. Discussions regarding a potential sequel are ongoing. Cho mentioned "lots of murmurs" and "wonderful things" concerning a follow-up, adding, "I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."