‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Cast, Music Roster & Date Revealed

Netflix today announced the limelight-worthy roster of voice stars who will bring to life the supernatural, music-driven animated feature KPop Demon Hunters, produced by Sony Pictures Animation. This blend of modern music phenoms and ancient otherworldly danger will premiere on the streamer on June 20. A spate of new images from the CG feature were also revealed for the first time.

Leading the lineup are Arden Cho (Rumi), May Hong (Mira) and Ji-young Yoo (Zoey) as the titular baddy-busters, alongside Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu, the leader of a rival boy band with a hellacious secret.

“KPop Demon Hunters is about so much more than just K-pop. It’s really about culture and identity, and who you are and your place in the world. For me, it’s so meaningful to get to be a part of this movie and play Rumi, and I wish I had something like this growing up.”

— Arden Cho (voice of Rumi)

“When I read for Mira, I really felt like the filmmakers had written an alternate version of me. It’s surreal to go from shouting in a recording studio to seeing the film come together, from the visual style to the music and action sequences. What’s magical about animation as a medium is that all of these elements can be endlessly adjusted, then fused together to create an organic whole.”

— May Hong (voice of Mira)

“When I watched KPop Demon Hunters for the first time, it brought to mind all the female action heroes I wanted to be as a kid. The film is about these women who are not afraid to embrace their beauty and their gentleness and their kindness, but they also kick butt. Plus, there’s a really great ecosystem of Korean actors and Korean-American actors and Korean talent all coming together to create something truly unique.”

— Ji-young Yoo (voice of Zoey)

“I still remember the excitement I felt when I first read the script for KPop Demon Hunters. Playing the character Jinu gave me the chance to explore a new way of working. I’m incredibly grateful to directors Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and the amazing cast and crew who supported me throughout the process — I truly enjoyed every moment. It’s been an honor to work with everyone.”

— Ahn Hyo-seop (voice of Jinu)

The film also features the voices of Yunjin Kim, Joel Kim Booster, Liza Koshy, with Daniel Dae Kim, Ken Jeong and Byung Hun Lee.

Additionally, Netflix revealed that KPop Demon Hunters will feature original songs performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav and Lea Salonga. The movie’s all-new original theme song is performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung of TWICE.

“We have an amazing voice cast, and the range of their performances is what gives the film such an original tone,” said director Chris Appelhans (Wish Dragon). “Byung Hun Lee and Ahn Hyo-seop bring authentic K-drama emotion, while Arden, May and Ji-young blend the charisma of legit K-pop stars with the vulnerability and comedy of real young women juggling a dual life like no other.”

“I have been a fan of these incredible artists and their work for many years, so it’s a dream come true to have original songs written and produced for our film by legendary talent such as THEBLACKLABEL,” Maggie Kang (head of story, The LEGO Ninjago Movie), who created the original story and makes her feature directorial debut on this project, enthused. “I also couldn’t be more thrilled about our collaboration with Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung of TWICE. It really legitimizes our film and songs in the K-pop world. It’s proof that we achieved what we set out to do, which is make a real K-Pop group.”

For their part, the TWICE crew commented, “We found it so exciting to be a part of KPop Demon Hunters and connect with these brave characters through music. It felt extra special because it brings together K-pop and animation — two very creative worlds!”

Synopsis: When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet — an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

Kang and Appelhans direct from a screenplay by Danya Jimenez & Hannah McMechan and Kang and Appelhans, original story by Kang. Michelle L.M. Wong, p.g.a. (Vivo) is producer, with Scott Berri and Jacky Priddle as co-producers and Ian Eisendrath as executive music produer. Marcel Zarvos composed the score.

Original songs for the project were written by Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, EJAE, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick and Daniel Rojas; produced by eddy Park, 24, IDO, DOMINSUK, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren and Ian Eisendrath.