How to voice Rumi and Jinu with Arden Cho

TL;DR

Arden Cho auditioned for Celine but was later cast as Rumi, and Hyo-seop found the script playful with a strong message. They discuss recording sessions, receiving a call from Jasmine for validation, and releasing the successful covers of Free which helped fans connect with the film. The interview highlights the voice acting process and fan engagement around KPop Demon Hunters.

Transcript

-Welcome to the show. Thank you both for coming on. And is this true? This is only the second time you guys have met? Really? -Basically. -Movie magic. -Movie magic. -I mean, you'd think we hang out all the time. Or fight. -Yeah, but it was just all voiceovers, so you don't-- never in the booth at the same time. -Never, yeah. -Well, welcome to the ... Read More

Key Insights

• Arden Cho's audition journey led to a lead role, showing how callbacks can redefine casting in animation.
• Hyo-seop saw the project as a blend of playfulness and positive messaging suitable for children.
• The film has achieved significant recognition, including Netflix popularity and a Golden Globe win for Best Animated Feature.
• The voice acting process included self-directed lines and personal interpretation to convey character depth.
• Cultural exchange and collaboration are evident, with Korean actors engaging in English-language performances for a global audience.
• Fan engagement deeply influenced the performers, who created covers of the movie’s song to connect with viewers.
• The actors view Jinu as a character with human flaws, using it to convey messages about self-acceptance and growth.
• The interview showcases a backstage look at how voices are recorded separately and later synchronized in production.

Questions & Answers

Q: A real search query question about the video (e.g. 'How to...', 'What is...', 'Why does...', 'When should...'). Question 1

How did Arden Cho go from auditioning for Celine to voicing Rumi, and what does that process reveal about casting in animation? Arden shared that she auditioned for Celine in August 2022, then a year later was called back for Rumi. This illustrates how initial auditions can pivot to lead roles after callbacks, depending on fit, timing, and the creative team’s vision.

Q: What was Hyo-seop’s first reaction to the script, and why did it appeal to him?

Hyo-seop thought the premise was fun and playful yet carried a meaningful message for kids. He appreciated the unique combination of K-pop and demon hunting and felt the animation’s impact could be significant for younger audiences, reflecting his long-standing interest in animation and storytelling.

Q: How did Jasmine influence Arden Cho after the film’s release, and what did she convey?

A few months after the movie came out, Jasmine called Arden and congratulated her, expressing admiration for her voice acting as Rumi and the depth she brought to the role. The conversation underscored how cross-franchise recognition can inspire and validate a performer’s work.

Q: Why did Arden and Hyo-seop decide to do a cover of 'Free' and how did it affect fan reception?

They wanted to give back to fans and felt a personal connection to the song during promotions. The covers generated millions of views and galvanized fan enthusiasm, underscoring how music can extend a film’s reach and deepen emotional ties with audiences.

Q: What moment demonstrated the actors’ direct engagement with fans during the show?

They performed a live moment by mimicking lines and reactions, inviting audience participation such as acting out lines like slipping or screaming, which showcased the playful, interactive nature of the interview and highlighted audience connection.

Q: How did the actors describe Jinu and the idea of inner demons?

They framed Jinu as more human than demon, suggesting everyone has a demon inside. This interpretation emphasizes acceptance and moving forward after mistakes, reinforcing the film’s message about personal growth and resilience rather than fear or punishment.

Q: What role did collaboration and personal networks play in Arden and Hyo-seop’s engagement with the project?

Both actors emphasized their connections with peers in the industry, including friends in K-pop and the broader voice acting community, which helped shape opportunities like covering songs and contributing to the film’s promotion and cultural resonance.

Q: What behind-the-scenes aspects of voice acting are illustrated by the interview?

The interview shows voice actors performing lines separately in the booth and later combining performances for the final product, illustrating the isolated recording process and how performers bring depth to characters through timing, delivery, and emotional nuance despite not recording together initially.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Arden Cho discusses her audition for Celine and ultimately being cast as Rumi, highlighting the surprise and progression to the lead role in KPop Demon Hunters.

• Hyo-seop explains his initial impressions of the script, emphasizing its fun and meaningful message for kids and his love of animation growing up.

• The guests describe the impact of receiving recognition from Jasmine and the importance of giving back to fans through music and voice acting performances.