Arden Cho Reflects on Her Journey as an Asian-American in Hollywood

Tue Nov 18 2025 16:00:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a powerful interview, Arden Cho shares her struggles for acceptance as an Asian-American actress and her role in the animated film, KPop Demon Hunters, which has captivated audiences worldwide.

Arden Cho, the voice of Rumi in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, discusses her childhood struggles with identity as the daughter of Korean immigrants in Texas. She reflects on her journey toward self-acceptance and the impact of representation in media, revealing how the film's success has resonated with Asian-American communities. Cho emphasizes the importance of visibility and aims to inspire young individuals who share similar backgrounds, highlighting the film's role in fostering a sense of pride and identity.

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, says Arden Cho, the actress who voiced Rumi, star of Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Speaking to the BBC World Service for the Global Women series, Cho, 40, is describing her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the film, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must save the world from evil forces, Rumi has to come to terms with her identity as part human, part demon - and when Cho first read the script this resonated powerfully.

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 says.

These were all elements of her early life that mirrored Rumi's journey.

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 didn't see enough people that look like me.

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. For Cho, starring in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, was a dream come true – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children.

Cho has said many Korean-Americans have told her it's such a refreshing moment, making them proud for the first time of their dual heritage and culture.

I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on Korea being loved... But I feel like this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now, Cho says.

However, the film's success was not guaranteed; Cho notes that Asian-led projects often face skepticism from studios. She emphasizes the importance of representation and wants future generations to see themselves reflected positively in media.

Immigrants have made America what it is, Cho states, addressing the racism and challenges faced during the current political climate in the US. She sees the importance of KPop Demon Hunters in giving hope and unity to diverse communities.

The film has also dominated music charts, with its soundtrack making waves and fans calling for a sequel.

I know there’s lots of murmurs, I’ve heard wonderful things. So we shall see, and I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasn’t, she concludes, encapsulating the excitement and anticipation surrounding her groundbreaking role.