Behind the Voices of KPop Demon Hunters: The Talent Bringing Animated Heroes to Life
Zoe Bennett, a journalistic expert providing a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data, dives into the creative forces behind Netflix’s latest animated sensation. A journalistic expert providing a well-researched, analytical take with key insights and data reveals the hidden talents shaping one of 2024’s most talked-about films.
The facts matter. Here’s what we know so far: Since its June 20 debut, KPop Demon Hunters has become more than just another animated release on Netflix—it’s a cultural moment. Blending high-octane action, supernatural stakes, and a killer K-pop soundtrack, the film follows HUNTR/X, a girl group whose members secretly battle demons by night while maintaining their pop idol personas by day. But beyond the eye-popping visuals and chart-topping tunes lies a stellar cast of voice actors who bring these characters to life with nuance, energy, and emotional depth.
One standout performance comes from Arden Cho, known for her roles in Teen Wolf and Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. She lends her voice to Rumi, the fierce and complex lead singer of HUNTR/X. In an interview shortly after the film’s release, Cho expressed excitement about embodying such a strong, multifaceted character. “Rumi is legit the coolest character,” she said, emphasizing how much she admired the role model the character could be for young fans.
Cho’s background—born in Texas to Korean parents—adds authenticity to her portrayal of a global K-pop star navigating identity, fame, and demon-slaying duties. Beyond acting, Cho is also a black belt in taekwondo and a competitive poker player, bringing real-world grit to her voice work.
Ramiyeon-loving Mira, another core member of HUNTR/X, is voiced by May Hong, a Queens-born model and actress with experience working with major brands like Gucci and Marc Jacobs. Hong described Mira as both tough and emotionally vulnerable—a duality that resonated with her own personal experiences. “She’s tough as f–k, I like that, but also so sensitive and so vulnerable,” Hong told *Entertainment Weekly*, highlighting how the character allowed her to explore deeper emotional layers.
Ji-young Yoo brings bubbly energy to Zoey, the group’s upbeat brunette. Yoo, who was studying at USC before landing a role in Prime Video’s *Expats* alongside Nicole Kidman, found the vocal performance both fun and physically demanding. “A lot of it was just me trying to get as much energy as possible stored up in my system so that I could go into the booth and give that much energy to her voice,” she explained.
The film’s music has proven to be just as influential as its storytelling. Tracks like “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop” have surged onto the Billboard Hot 100, thanks in part to powerhouse vocalists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who provide the singing voices for HUNTR/X. EJAE, a seasoned K-pop songwriter and producer who has worked with acts like Red Velvet and Twice, co-wrote several of the film’s hits, further cementing the movie’s musical credibility.
Meanwhile, Andrew Choi, Kevin Woo, and samUIL Lee contribute vocals for the rival boy band Saja Boys, adding dramatic flair to the film’s antagonists. This dual casting approach—separate actors for speaking and singing voices—allowed for greater flexibility in performance and authenticity in musical delivery.
As the film continues to dominate Netflix’s top 10 list and break streaming records, audiences are beginning to appreciate the full scope of talent involved. From seasoned performers to rising stars, the voice actors behind *KPop Demon Hunters* have helped elevate the project from a genre experiment to a global phenomenon.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come from this universe, and fans are already speculating about sequels, spin-offs, and live concert tie-ins. One thing’s certain: the magic of *KPop Demon Hunters* isn’t fading anytime soon.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and eonline.com, Entertainment Weekly
