Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira) & Ji-young Yoo (Zoey) talk Kpop Demon Hunters

Summary

In this engaging conversation, the voice actors of the animated series discuss their characters and the impact of music on the storyline. Ardan, May, and Gang introduce their roles as Roomie, Meera, and Zoe, highlighting their distinct personalities. The group also shares their excitement about the music, which they first experienced in different stages of production. They reflect on their childhood fandoms, revealing their early influences from boy bands and girl groups, from the Spice Girls to K-pop. The conversation is lively and filled with nostalgic moments, offering insights into the characters and creative process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The interview starts with the host greeting the group, expressing excitement about the show and introducing the guests.
• 😀 Ardan voices Roomie, the strong and protective leader of the group who aims to make everyone happy and successful.
• 😀 May voices Meera, a tough yet sensitive character, with a deep loyalty to her friends.
• 😀 Gang voices Zoe, a sweet and excitable character with a surprisingly tough side who strives to bring joy to others.
• 😀 The group shares their excitement about the music in the project, with one guest mentioning they had access to the songs early, enhancing their anticipation.
• 😀 One speaker expresses how they were introduced to the K-pop scene, revealing early exposure through friends in Korea and connections with the production team.
• 😀 The speakers share their nostalgic experiences with boy bands and girl groups, mentioning their first major pop influences.
• 😀 Ardan fondly remembers the Spice Girls, identifying with the group, especially Ginger Spice.
• 😀 May mentions her admiration for first-gen K-pop groups like Hot T, Dex Kiss, Finkele, SCS, and the Backstreet Boys.
• 😀 Gang recalls listening to Destiny's Child, Spice Girls, Jonas Brothers, and One Direction while also diving into K-pop in 2015, particularly BTS and Big Bang.
• 😀 The conversation ends on a positive note with the host thanking the guests and expressing hope for future interactions, possibly at the next Comic-Con.

Q & A

Can you tell us about the personalities of Roomie, Meera, and Zoe?

Roomie is the leader of the group, strong, cool, and protective, always wanting the best for everyone. Meera is tough on the outside, but extremely loyal and sensitive on the inside. Zoe is sweet and excitable, but she also has a surprisingly tough side when pushed. She's always trying to make others happy.

How does the music play a role in the story?

The music is a crucial part of the story, acting as the glue that brings everything together. While the plot and characters are important, the music enhances the overall experience and helps connect all the elements of the project.

When did you first hear the music that connects the story?

The actors didn’t hear the full songs until they sat down to watch the movie for the first time. However, one of the actors had early access to the music, thanks to their connections in Korea, and got a sneak peek of the production happening at Black Label.

How did hearing the music early impact your excitement for the project?

Hearing the music early made the actors even more excited about the project. One actor mentioned being pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music and how it added a new layer to the story, saying it 'slaps' once it was fully produced.

What was your first experience with pop music like growing up?

The actors each had different experiences. One mentioned being a fan of the Spice Girls, particularly Ginger Spice. Another actor grew up listening to first-gen K-pop groups like Hot, T, Dex, and SCS, along with Western boy bands like Backstreet Boys and N'Sync.

Did you have a particular boy or girl band you were obsessed with growing up?

Yes! One actor mentioned the Spice Girls, while another shared that they were really into early K-pop bands like Hot and T. Another actor, who grew up in Colorado, didn’t get exposed to K-pop until around 2015, with BTS and Big Bang being their first exposure.

How did you get introduced to K-pop?

One actor mentioned that they didn’t get exposed to K-pop until YouTube became popular, which helped them discover BTS and Big Bang. They also mentioned growing up in a place with very few Koreans, so they weren’t as familiar with K-pop until later.

What was it about pop music that made you connect with it so much?

For some, pop music was something they could easily enjoy and vibe to. It became a part of their childhood, with the catchy tunes and relatable themes. Others mentioned being drawn to the energy and fun aspects of pop groups like the Spice Girls or boy bands.

How did your early exposure to pop music influence your work on this project?

Their early exposure to pop music helped them relate to the characters they voiced and to the music that accompanied the project. Having a personal connection to boy bands, girl groups, and pop culture made it easier for them to engage with the music and the themes in the story.

Do you think music is an important factor in storytelling? Why?

Absolutely. Music helps convey emotions, sets the tone, and enhances the overall experience. It’s not just about the visuals or plot; the music brings everything together and adds an extra layer of depth, making the story more engaging and immersive.