Since its June release, KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a global Netflix phenomenon. The animated film follows HUNTR/X, a fictional K-pop girl group who balance their pop stardom with a secret double life as demon fighters. Facing off against the sinister boy band Saja Boys, the movie blends action, fantasy, and music in a way that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The film not only remains a fixture in Netflix’s Top 10 but has also climbed into the streamer’s all-time most popular films list. Its viral soundtrack, packed with catchy pop tracks, has only fueled the hype, with several songs now dominating the Billboard charts.
And while the music has fans hooked, the star-studded voice cast has brought the characters to life in unforgettable fashion.
The Stars of HUNTR/X
Arden Cho as Rumi
Cho, known for roles in Teen Wolf and Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender, voices Rumi, the group’s lead singer and central heroine. Speaking about her role, Cho described Rumi as “the coolest character,” admitting she still geeks out about voicing her. Outside of acting, Cho is also a singer, model, competitive poker player, and a black belt in taekwondo.
May Hong as Mira
Model and actress May Hong, who has worked with Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and Adidas, voices Mira, the ramyeon-loving demon slayer. She describes Mira as tough but deeply vulnerable, a duality she personally relates to.
Ji-young Yoo as Zoey
Rising star Ji-young Yoo plays the energetic Zoey. Known for her breakout in Expats alongside Nicole Kidman, Yoo revealed that the challenge of voicing Zoey was keeping her energy level sky-high throughout recording.
The Music That Powers the Story
The film’s soundtrack has exploded in popularity, with tracks like “Golden,” “Your Idol,” and “Soda Pop” entering the Billboard Hot 100. These performances were delivered by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who provide the singing voices for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey respectively.
- EJAE, a songwriter and producer with credits for Red Velvet, Twice, and Aespa, not only sang Rumi’s parts but also co-wrote the movie’s standout hits.
- Audrey Nuna, best known for “Comic Sans” and “Damn Right,” provides Mira’s dynamic vocals.
- Rei Ami, a Korean-American singer-rapper whose viral single “Freak” has millions of streams, gives Zoey her playful and powerful voice.
Supporting Characters and Villains
Ken Jeong as Bobby
The comedian and Masked Singer host lends his voice to Bobby, HUNTR/X’s loyal and ever-supportive manager. Once a practicing doctor, Jeong rose to fame with The Hangover and Community.
Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu
K-drama favorite Ahn Hyo-seop voices Jinu, the dreamy yet dangerous lead singer of Saja Boys. This is his first voice acting role, though he’s well known from Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic.
Andrew Choi as Jinu (singing voice)
K-pop star Andrew Choi, who has produced for EXO, Monsta X, and SHINee, provides Jinu’s silky singing voice.
Yunjin Kim and Lea Salonga as Celine
The mentor figure Celine, a retired K-pop idol turned demon hunter, is voiced by Lost alum Yunjin Kim, while her soaring vocals come from Broadway legend Lea Salonga, famed for Miss Saigon and Disney’s Mulan.
Daniel Dae Kim as Healer Han
Known for Lost, Hawaii Five-0, and The Good Doctor, Daniel Dae Kim plays the eccentric doctor who aids Rumi after she loses her voice.
Lee Byung-hun as Gwi-ma
South Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun lends his voice to the terrifying demon king Gwi-ma. His international credits include Squid Game and The Magnificent Seven.
Cameos and Comic Relief
Maggie Kang as Flight Attendant Demon
The film’s co-director, Maggie Kang, makes a memorable cameo as a demon disguised as a flight attendant. Kang has worked as a storyboard artist on Kung Fu Panda 3 and Puss in Boots.
Liza Koshy as TV Host
YouTube sensation Liza Koshy voices a bubbly host interviewing HUNTR/X. A social media star turned actress, she has appeared in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Disney Channel’s Hamster & Gretel.
Joel Kim Booster as Multiple Characters
Stand-up comedian Joel Kim Booster adds humor by voicing several roles, including Romance Saja and a variety show host. Booster is best known for writing and starring in Fire Island.
A Cultural Moment
KPop Demon Hunters has transcended its niche, combining anime-inspired visuals, K-pop music culture, and star-driven performances into a global hit. With its soundtrack charting and cast drawing acclaim, the film not only celebrates K-pop but also demonstrates how global audiences are hungry for culturally diverse storytelling.
As Arden Cho summed it up: “If I was a teenage girl, I’d want to be Rumi. And now I get to be her voice.”
It’s safe to say these actors and musicians aren’t just voicing characters—they’re shaping a new cultural phenomenon.