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, describes Arden Cho, the actress voicing Rumi in Netflix's animated film, 'KPop Demon Hunters.'
At 40 years old, Cho reflects on her childhood in Texas as the daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her struggles with acceptance in American society.
The film narrates the adventures of a K-Pop trio fighting evil forces, with Rumi grappling with her dual identity as part human and part demon, themes that resonated with Cho deeply when she first saw the script.
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 articulates, correlating her life experiences with Rumi's challenges.
Contrasting her past feelings of self-hate, Cho says, As kids, what you see shapes who you become, and I feel like I just didn't see enough people that look like me. She expresses hopes that 'KPop Demon Hunters' can inspire change in perception and representation.
Since its launch in June, the film garnered 33 million views in two weeks and reached top 10 in Netflix charts across 93 countries. For Cho, starring in a Hollywood animated feature centered on Korean culture is a dream come true, making her a role model for Asian-American children who she felt lacked proper representation.
Sharing her pride in being Korean-American, she explains, K-Pop has paved the way. K-beauty has impacted Korea being loved globally, but I feel like this movie tipped it over the edge.
However, the success wasn't without challenges, as any Asian-led project often presents perceived risks. Cho advocated for her film's team by meeting everyone involved in person, highlighting the ongoing struggles for diverse representation in Hollywood.
Touching on recent issues surrounding Asian immigrants in the U.S., she expresses loss and disappointment over increased deportations amid heightened scrutiny. Immigrants have made America what it is, she asserts, while aiming for a future where such prejudices are eradicated through education.
Positively, Cho feels 'KPop Demon Hunters' has the potential to unify communities, providing much-needed hope and joy amid societal challenges. Commenting on the rise of artificial intelligence in media, she advocates for a return to authentic, human-made art.
With the film's soundtrack reigning on Billboard Hot 100, Cho hints at the anticipation of a sequel, stating, I know there are murmurs... I think everyone would riot if there wasn't a sequel.\
