KPop Demon Hunters' Arden Cho on her struggle for acceptance - Global Women, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• KPop Demon Hunters: A successful animated film on Netflix featuring a K-pop trio saving the world.
• Arden Cho: The voice actress for Rumi in KPop Demon Hunters, known for her roles in Teen Wolf and Partner Track.
• Rumi: The protagonist of KPop Demon Hunters, a K-pop idol struggling with her identity and dual nature.
• Partner Track: A Netflix legal drama series where Arden Cho had her first lead role, which was unexpectedly cancelled.
• Asian-American Identity: The challenges and complexities of navigating identity as an Asian-American woman in Hollywood and society.
• Representation in Media: The importance of seeing diverse faces and stories on screen, particularly for young Asian-Americans.
• AI in Entertainment: Concerns and potential impacts of Artificial Intelligence on acting, music, and the creative industry.
• K-pop Industry: The demanding nature of the K-pop industry, including strenuous training and immense pressure on young artists.
• Gender Bias in the Workplace: The double standards faced by women in leadership roles compared to men.

KPop Demon Hunters: A Global Phenomenon and Arden Cho's Journey

Success and Critical Acclaim

"KPop Demon Hunters" emerged as a surprise hit upon its release in June, quickly topping Netflix's global charts. The animated film, which follows Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – a female K-pop trio tasked with defending the world from malevolent forces – garnered over 33 million views in its first two weeks. It achieved a top 10 ranking in 93 countries, solidifying its status as Netflix's most-watched film of all time. The film's success has also generated Oscar buzz, a prospect Arden Cho finds incredibly meaningful for the Korean and Asian-American communities in the entertainment industry.

Arden Cho's Connection to the Project

Arden Cho, who voices the lead character Rumi, expressed her deep confidence in the film's potential, stating, "I knew there was an audience for it." She described the movie as the type of animation she dreamed of being a part of as a child, appreciating its compelling story, stunning animation, and the coming-of-age narrative of its strong, yet flawed, female protagonists. Cho initially auditioned for the role of Celine but was thrilled to be cast as Rumi, a character whose internal struggle with identity and duality resonated deeply with her own experiences as an Asian-American woman.

The Impact of "Partner Track" and a Period of Doubt

Cho's involvement in "KPop Demon Hunters" almost didn't happen. Following the abrupt cancellation of her Netflix lead role in the legal drama "Partner Track," Cho experienced significant disappointment and a sense of hopelessness, leading her to consider quitting acting. The cancellation of "Partner Track," which she saw as a crucial opportunity to showcase Asian-American leads, felt like a personal failure. This led her to take a year off, traveling and exploring other interests, with no intention of auditioning.

A Resurgence Fueled by Cultural Connection

Her agent, Jennifer, persisted in sending her potential projects, particularly those with Korean writers or directors. The name Maggie Kang, the writer of "KPop Demon Hunters," caught Cho's attention due to the shared surname with her mother's family. This connection, coupled with the understanding that a Korean woman was telling the story, instilled a strong sense of belief in the project. Cho acknowledged the uphill battle often faced by Asian-led projects in Hollywood, noting that "any time there's an Asian led project, people feel like it's a risk or that it's a chance." However, she emphasized that the resulting success of "KPop Demon Hunters" proved the immense rewards of such endeavors.

Identity and Representation as a "Calling Card"

Cho views her work on "KPop Demon Hunters" as a significant "calling card" for young Asian-American girls, demonstrating that barriers can be overcome. She found Rumi's battle with her dual identity as part demon, part human, to be a powerful metaphor for her own journey of self-discovery as an Asian-American woman navigating societal expectations and internal conflicts. Cho highlighted the historical lack of discussion around the challenges of Asian-American identity and the obstacles faced by women in general.

Reflections on Race and Immigration

The conversation touched upon the re-emergence of discussions around race and immigration in the United States, particularly concerning ICE agents. Cho expressed her heartbreak and disappointment, stating, "Immigrants have made America what it is."

A Journey of Self-Acceptance

Reflecting on childhood photos, Cho noted a shift from her early confidence and spunky nature to a more shy and reserved demeanor in her teenage years. She felt it took her until her forties to reclaim that initial spirit. She shared a profound personal struggle, admitting, "at very different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else." This self-hatred stemmed from societal beauty standards that favored blue eyes and blonde hair, leading her to dislike her Asian features, small stature, and overall appearance. She attributed this to a lack of representation, stating, "I just didn't see enough people that look like me."

Combating Racism and Embracing Cultural Pride

Cho recounted experiencing significant racism throughout her life, but as an adult, she found peace in understanding that much of it stemmed from a lack of education about Korean and Asian culture. She believes that increased visibility and representation, facilitated by the K-pop phenomenon and films like "KPop Demon Hunters," are crucial for fostering understanding and pride. The film, she suggests, has been a catalyst for global interest in Korean culture, from food and fashion to music.

Navigating the K-pop Industry and Industry Pressures

Regarding her future K-pop-themed projects, Cho expressed deep respect for K-pop artists and their relentless work ethic. She acknowledged the strenuous regimes and immense pressure within the industry, noting that while many artists choose this path, the demands are often comparable to other industries where women must constantly outperform to succeed. She highlighted the significant responsibility placed on very young K-pop idols and the public's often harsh judgment of artists and athletes.

The Challenges for Women in the Workplace

Cho also addressed the persistent gender bias in professional environments, where assertiveness in men is praised as leadership, while the same trait in women can be labeled negatively. She expressed gratitude for male allies in the industry who recognize and support women's contributions, even if their ideas are not immediately credited to them. She hopes for a future where women do not need male advocates to have their voices heard.

Concerns and Hopes Regarding AI in Entertainment

The conversation shifted to the growing concern of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the entertainment industry. While acknowledging the existence of AI actors and manipulated voices, Cho expressed a desire for humanity to continue valuing art created by humans with "heart and soul." She emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where hundreds of individuals contribute to each frame, and expressed concern about AI diminishing these roles. She found it ironic that the "Huntrix singers" in "KPop Demon Hunters" were so good that some speculated they were AI, considering it a compliment to the real talent involved.

The Future of "KPop Demon Hunters"

When asked about a potential sequel to "KPop Demon Hunters," Cho expressed her desire to answer but stated that a greenlight from Netflix or Sony is necessary. She mentioned hearing "wonderful things" and expressed hope for future installments, noting that the global audience would likely demand it.