Arden Cho Reflects on Her Journey and KPop Demon Hunters

Tue Nov 18 2025 05:08:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a candid interview, Arden Cho shares how her personal experiences shaped her portrayal of Rumi in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, a film that resonates with themes of identity and acceptance.

Arden Cho, voice of Rumi in the hit Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, discusses her childhood struggles with identity as a Korean-American and how these experiences mirror her character's journey. The film's success reflects a growing acceptance and celebration of Korean culture, making it a significant moment for Asian representation in Hollywood. Cho emphasizes the need for hope amidst societal challenges, positioning the film as a source of inspiration for many.

This is part of the Global Women series from the BBC World Service, sharing extraordinary interviews and stories from around the globe.

Arden Cho, the actress who voiced Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, a Netflix animated film that has topped charts in over 90 countries, shares her relatable journey grappling with Asian identity during her childhood in Texas.

Cho recalls her struggles growing up as the daughter of Korean immigrants, 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. Her experiences resonate with Rumi, who aspires to embrace her dual identity as part human and part demon.

Being born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not... I can honestly say at different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself, she reveals. Her sentiments echo the themes of acceptance and self-love illustrated in the film, which features a female K-Pop group on a mission against evil forces.

Since its release, KPop Demon Hunters has garnered 33 million views in two weeks, creating a newfound pride among Korean-Americans in their heritage. Cho highlights how K-Pop and K-beauty have positively influenced perceptions of Korean culture worldwide.

Despite the success, the film also faces challenges associated with being Asian-led in Hollywood. Any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel it’s a risk, Cho comments, reflecting on the uphill battle the team faced during the film's production.

Amidst the backdrop of tense immigration policies in the United States, Cho expresses her disappointment at the distress faced by immigrants, stating, America is shaped by its immigrants. Adding to this, she notes that education is vital in combating the racism she encountered growing up.

Cho remains hopeful about the future, especially through the lens of KPop Demon Hunters, which she believes brings hope, love, and unity to diverse communities. With the film’s success resonating worldwide, fans eagerly anticipate a sequel.

As far as AI's growing influence on the film industry, Cho acknowledges its representation in creating art but hopes humanity remains keen on authentic human expression. There are whispers about a sequel, and I think everyone would riot if there wasn't one, she jested, leaving fans in suspense about the future developments.