In brief
In a recent interview, Arden Cho, the voice of Rumi in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, discussed her struggle with self-acceptance as an Asian-American. She revealed her childhood insecurities regarding her appearance amidst societal beauty standards and how her role mirrors her real-life experiences. The animated film's success, having topped Netflix charts in 93 countries, has positioned Cho as a role model for many Asian-Americans, helping to cultivate pride in their heritage.
Arden Cho, known for her voice role as Rumi in the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, recently opened up about her past struggles with acceptance, revealing that she often disliked her Asian features during her childhood in Texas. Acknowledging the societal standards of beauty focused on blue eyes and blonde hair, Cho shared: I hated that I looked Asian. In her conversation with BBC World Service, she reflected on her identity as a Korean-American and expressed how Rumi's mixed heritage resonates deeply with her own life journey. KPop Demon Hunters tells the story of a K-Pop trio fighting evil forces, and the film's success has sparked immense pride among Asian-American audiences. Launched in June, it accumulated 33 million views in two weeks, reaching the top ten charts in 93 countries. For Cho, starring in such an influential film has been a 'dream come true.'The film not only celebrates her culture but serves as a beacon of hope for many young viewers navigating their identities. As an Asian-American living in this current climate, it's heartbreaking and disappointing, Cho remarked, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S. Nevertheless, the film has been a source of joy and pride, showcasing the beauty of Asian culture and contributing to a growing acceptance and celebration of diversity in mainstream media. Cho is hopeful about the future, trusting that audiences will continue to appreciate art created by humans over AI-generated content, and she expresses excitement for a potential sequel to KPop Demon Hunters, igniting hopes in fans worldwide.
