Arden Cho, the actress who brings the fearless leader Rumi to life in the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, originally tried out for a different character. Cho has revealed details about her initial audition for the project, which has become a global sensation on Netflix.
The film follows the K-pop superstar trio HUNTR/XโRumi, Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)โas they balance their pop idol lives with their secret mission to protect the world from supernatural demons. Since its release, the movie has topped charts in numerous countries and sparked widespread demand for a sequel.
How Arden Cho Landed The Role Of Rumi
The path to becoming Rumi was not straightforward for Arden Cho. In a recent interview, she shared that her first connection to the project was an audition for a different character entirely. While the specific role she initially read for has not been named, the creative team saw something in her performance that was a perfect match for the group’s leader.
Cho ultimately won the role of Rumi, the charismatic and ambitious leader of HUNTR/X. The character is described as confident and hardworking, the driving force who keeps her bandmates motivated. However, Rumi harbors a significant secret that she fears will be discovered.
Cho told Netflix that she deeply connected with Rumiโs layered personality, stating:
โThere is so much happening for Rumi. One of the things I really loved about the character is that sheโs so relatable to so many of us. She is a sister to the girls, sheโs the leader, she has such a big heart, and she wants to do all these amazing things while sheโs battling her identity issues.โ
This theme of identity resonated powerfully with Cho on a personal level, mirroring her own experiences growing up.
Arden Cho’s Personal Connection To Rumi’s Journey
The story of Rumi grappling with her identity as part-human, part-demon struck a deep chord with Arden Cho. She has openly discussed how her own life story reflects the character’s journey. Cho grew up in Texas as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and faced significant challenges with acceptance and identity.
Cho shared with the BBC:
โBeing born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like Iโm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a womanโฆ I can honestly say that at different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else. As kids, what you see shapes who you become and I feel like I just didnโt see enough people that look like me.โ
This lack of representation made starring in KPop Demon Hunters, a major Hollywood animated film with Korean leads, profoundly meaningful for her. She views it as a โdream come trueโ and an important step forward in representation.
The Stellar Voice Cast Of The Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters features an impressive ensemble voice cast beyond Arden Cho. The demon-hunting pop group HUNTR/X is rounded out by May Hong as the rebellious and perceptive Mira, and Ji-young Yoo as Zoey, the groupโs youngest member and fierce protector.
The main antagonists are The Saja Boys, a rival demon boy band. Their lead singer Jinu is voiced by Korean star Ahn Hyo-seop (Dr. Romantic, A Time Called You). The powerful demon Gwi-Ma who controls Jinu is brought to life by Byung Hun Lee (Squid Game, Mr. Sunshine).
The supporting cast includes several well-known names. Ken Jeong (Community, The Masked Singer) plays Bobby, the groupโs frantic but caring manager. Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, Hawaii Five-0) voices a character known as The Healer. Yunjin Kim (Lost) plays Celine, a former K-pop star and demon hunter who acts as a mentor to the group.
Global Success And Cultural Impact Of KPop Demon Hunters
The film has achieved remarkable success since its release on Netflix. It registered an impressive 33 million views in its first two weeks and reached the Netflix Top 10 charts in 93 countries. Its popularity extends beyond streaming, with seven tracks from its soundtrack landing on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Cho believes the film has arrived at a pivotal cultural moment. She noted that elements like K-pop and K-beauty have paved the way for global appreciation of Korean culture, and this movie has helped push that interest even further.
The actress has heard from many Korean-Americans who find the filmโs success to be a โrefreshing moment,โ making them proud of their dual heritage. For Cho, the projectโs ability to bring โhope and joy and love to all these different communitiesโ is part of why it has resonated so widely.
Also Read:
Fan Demand For A KPop Demon Hunters Sequel
The massive popularity of KPop Demon Hunters has naturally led to loud calls from fans for a sequel. Audiences around the world are eager to see more adventures from Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.
When asked about the possibility, Arden Cho indicated that while there are positive discussions happening, the decision rests with Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation. She humorously acknowledged the fan excitement, saying, โI know thereโs lots of murmurs, Iโve heard wonderful things. So we shall see, and I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasnโt.โ
The film is available for streaming globally on Netflix.
Also Read: Bill Skarsgรฅrd Initially Hesitant to Return as Pennywise for It: Welcome to Derry HBO Series
