Arden Cho Discusses Korean Heritage, Embracing Identity, and BTS in K-Pop Demon Hunters

The upcoming Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, directed by Maggie Kang, brings something fresh to the genre by blending Korean culture with a supernatural twist. At the center of the story is Rumi, a demon hunter and leader of the fictional K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, voiced by Korean-American actress Arden Cho.

Arden, who was born and raised in Texas but often visits Korea, found herself deeply connected to Rumi’s character — a young woman battling inner darkness while nurturing a strong bond with her team and fans through a spiritual energy called honmun. This unique concept emphasizes not just fighting demons but the power of community and support, something Arden aligns with her own experiences.

"Jeong (deep emotional bond), community, and responsibility – these are the heart of Korean sentiment, and I wanted to share that special essence with the world"
Arden Cho

Interestingly, Arden originally auditioned for Celine, HUNTR/X’s mentor, but the creative team encouraged her to try out for Rumi, a role they felt suited her better. Even though she was on vacation in Korea at the time, she flew back to the U.S. immediately for the audition and landed the part.

"I was overjoyed beyond words. Even after 20 years of acting, I wondered, ‘Is it okay for me to want this role so badly?’ Director Maggie Kang, I, and all the HUNTR/X members share Korean heritage. K-Pop Demon Hunters is about more than K-pop: it showcases Korean warmth, unity, and how that helps overcome crises. I really wanted to help spread that message of ‘us’."
Arden Cho

The film is rich with authentically Korean moments that many international viewers will find refreshingly genuine. From group baths that emphasize bonding to visits to traditional Korean medicine clinics when a member gets sick, these scenes bring a heartfelt cultural layer rarely seen in mainstream animation. Rumi’s role as the nurturing unnie (older sister) to younger members Mira and Zoey comes through naturally in dialogues and interactions. Even the respectful bow they share with their rivals, the Saja Boys, highlights the importance of humility and honor in Korean culture.

"Acknowledging others and taking responsibility—that’s the Korean way," Arden explained. "And it’s all rooted in jeong. The Korean honorifics also express subtle layers of respect and consideration that are hard to convey in English. This film captured all of that beautifully. There are many anime works reflecting Chinese or Japanese culture, but none have expressed Korean sentiment as well as this one."

Arden’s casting almost seemed destined. She grew up facing discrimination as an Asian American in a small Texas town but found comfort in Korean traditions through her family. Trained in Taekwondo at her father’s dojang, Arden’s martial arts background even added authenticity to the film’s fight choreography. Despite being fluent in English and a U.S. citizen, she recalls how Korea embraced her in a way her hometown never quite did.

"Even though I’m fluent in English and have American citizenship, discrimination followed me. But in Korea, even if I wasn’t fluent in Korean, strangers at the market were kind to me. That’s ‘Jeong.’ That’s the Korean spirit. My grandmother always said, ‘Arden will be like Audrey Hepburn one day.’ She taught me what ‘Woori (us)’ means. She’s no longer with us, but being in Korea still feels like home."
Arden Cho

When asked about what she loves most about Korean culture, Arden didn’t hesitate: the food. Just like her character Rumi, she’s a big fan of kimbap and ramen, but samgyeopsal, kimchi jjigae, and tteokbokki top her list. "I always gain weight when I come to Korea," she joked. She also praised Korea’s karaoke culture, which she experienced firsthand with friends after the impressive performance of the ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ OST on international charts.

After the soundtrack debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and placed seven songs on the Hot 100, Arden excitedly recalled this moment: "One friend said, ‘The entire OST is already in the karaoke system!’ Can you believe that? It had only been out for three weeks! We all shouted, ‘This is Korea!’ You could never expect this kind of speed in the U.S."

Her journey into embracing Korean identity has been long and heartfelt. In 2004, while a college student, Arden was crowned Miss Korea Chicago. That title helped her pursue her acting dream in Korea. Over the years, she’s appeared in American shows like CSI and Hawaii Five-0, starred in Teen Wolf, and led in Netflix’s Partner Track. Arden has openly celebrated her heritage, even wearing hanbok on red carpets.

"Korea embraced me unconditionally. That’s the same message K-pop delivers: unity and moving forward together. This story can’t end here. I want to see how Rumi, Mira, and Zoey came together – their backstories, and what lies ahead. HUNTR/X’s journey is just beginning."
Arden Cho

Besides acting, Arden is also a singer-songwriter who released “Electrify” in Korea in 2019. She’s close with Korean hip-hop legends Tiger JK and Yoon Mi Rae. Naturally, playing the leader of a K-pop idol group wasn’t a random choice.

When asked about her favorite real-life K-pop act, Arden’s answer was quick:

"I love many groups, but BTS is the best. I even flew to Las Vegas during filming to catch their concert. If you want to understand what K-pop truly is, you have to see them live."
Arden Cho

With her passion for Korean culture shining through in this role and beyond, Arden Cho’s involvement in K-Pop Demon Hunters makes the film something K-pop fans and newcomers alike will want to watch closely.