Exploring the Star-Studded Cast of KPop Demon Hunters: A Deep Dive into Netflix’s Animated Sensation

If you’re a fan of K-pop, anime, or just love a good underdog story with a supernatural twist, KPop Demon Hunters is likely already on your radar. This 2025 animated musical fantasy film, produced by Sony Pictures Animation and streaming on Netflix, has taken the world by storm with its vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and a cast that brings both star power and authenticity to this unique blend of Korean mythology and modern pop culture. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows the K-pop girl group Huntr/x—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—as they juggle their superstar lives with their secret identities as demon hunters. Their latest challenge? A demonic boy band called the Saja Boys, led by the charismatic Jinu, who threatens to unravel their world. Let’s dive into the incredible ensemble behind this hit, exploring the actors, singers, and characters who make KPop Demon Hunters a must-watch.

The Leading Ladies of Huntr/x

Ji-young Yoo as Zoey

Rounding out the Huntr/x trio is Zoey, voiced by Ji-young Yoo. Zoey’s character is known for her quick wit and fierce loyalty, making her an essential part of the group’s demon-hunting efforts. Yoo’s performance has been highlighted for its clarity and charm, with critics praising her ability to make Zoey feel distinct yet complementary to her bandmates. While Yoo may be less known compared to some of her co-stars, her work in KPop Demon Hunters marks her as a rising talent, perfectly capturing Zoey’s vibrant energy. Together, Cho, Hong, and Yoo create a trio that feels like a real K-pop group, with “clearly distinct personalities” that make their interactions a highlight of the film.

May Hong as Mira

Mira, another member of Huntr/x, brings a playful yet determined energy to the trio. Voiced by May Hong, Mira’s distinct personality shines through in her interactions with Rumi and Zoey, adding to the group’s dynamic chemistry. Hong, who transitioned from modeling to acting, made her screen debut in Broad City and gained recognition for her breakout role as Margot Park in Netflix’s Tales of the City revival. Her work in shows like Hacks and New Amsterdam showcases her versatility, which she brings to Mira’s spirited performance. Hong’s voice work has been lauded for its authenticity, contributing to the “strong collective dynamic” of Huntr/x, as noted by Collider.

Arden Cho as Rumi

At the heart of KPop Demon Hunters is Rumi, the fierce leader and main vocalist of Huntr/x, whose dedication to protecting her fans from demonic forces stems from a deeply personal connection to the demon world. Voiced by Arden Cho, Rumi is a complex character, balancing her role as a pop idol with the weight of her lineage as a demon hunter. Cho, born in Amarillo, Texas, is no stranger to bringing depth to her roles. Best known for her portrayal of Kira Yukimura in Teen Wolf and her lead role in Netflix’s Partner Track, Cho also appeared as June in the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. Her emotional vocal performance in KPop Demon Hunters has been praised for capturing Rumi’s strength and vulnerability, making her a standout in the film. Critics, like Jeff Ewing from Collider, have noted Cho’s ability to give Rumi a “complex and emotional” edge, grounding the fantastical story in real human stakes.

The Antagonists: The Saja Boys and Their Demon Lord

Ahn Hyo-seop as Jinu (Speaking Voice) and Andrew Choi as Jinu (Singing Voice)

The Saja Boys, a rival boy band secretly composed of demons, are led by Jinu, a charismatic yet conflicted figure who serves as a direct foil to Rumi. Ahn Hyo-seop, a Korean-Canadian actor and singer, makes his voice-acting debut as Jinu’s speaking voice, bringing charm and nuance to the role. Best known for his starring roles in K-dramas like Business Proposal and A Time Called You, Ahn’s performance has been described as “clever and charismatic,” with critics noting his ability to convey Jinu’s lingering humanity despite his demonic ties. The singing voice of Jinu is provided by Andrew Choi, a seasoned composer and singer who placed third in K-pop Star Season 2 and has worked with groups like Day6, NCT 127, and Monsta X. Choi’s vocals add an authentic K-pop flair to the Saja Boys’ performances, particularly in their anthem “Your Idol.”

Joel Kim Booster as Romance and Other Roles

Joel Kim Booster, known for Fire Island and shows like The Other Two and Industry, lends his voice to Romance, a Saja Boys member identifiable by his heart-shaped pink hair. Booster also voices minor characters like Variety Show Host 2 and Idol Host, showcasing his versatility. His comedic timing adds a layer of humor to the Saja Boys, making their scenes both entertaining and sinister

Alan Lee and SunWon Cho as Saja Boys Members

The remaining Saja Boys members are voiced by Alan Lee (The Ghost and Molly McGee) and SunWon Cho (Blackberry), who bring additional personality to the demonic boy band. Their performances, while less spotlighted, contribute to the group’s cohesive yet distinct dynamic, with the Saja Boys’ lion imagery and grim reaper-inspired design (drawn from Korean folklore’s “jeoseung saja”) adding depth to their villainous charm.

Lee Byung-hun as Gwi-Ma

The demon lord Gwi-Ma, the mastermind behind the Saja Boys, is voiced by Lee Byung-hun, a South Korean acting legend known for his roles in Squid Game and Mr. Sunshine. Gwi-Ma is a manipulative and ominous figure who seeks to overthrow Huntr/x and dominate the human world. Lee’s commanding voice brings a chilling gravitas to the character, making Gwi-Ma a formidable antagonist. His performance elevates the stakes of the film, grounding its fantastical elements in a real sense of menace.

Supporting Players Bringing Authenticity and Heart

Daniel Dae Kim as Healer Han

Daniel Dae Kim, another Lost alum and a star of Avatar: The Last Airbender, voices Healer Han, a perceptive ally who helps Rumi with her strained voice. Kim’s warm and grounded performance adds depth to the film’s supporting cast, making Healer Han a quiet but impactful presence.

Ken Jeong as Bobby

Ken Jeong, a comedic powerhouse from Community and The Masked Singer, voices Bobby, Huntr/x’s enthusiastic and slightly overwhelmed band manager. Bobby’s high-energy personality and tendency to “yell and scream” for his girls while offering them tea and encouragement make him a fan favorite. Jeong’s signature humor shines through, making Bobby a standout supporting character.

Yunjin Kim as Celine

Celine, Huntr/x’s mentor and Rumi’s adopted mother, is voiced by Yunjin Kim, best known for her role in Lost. A former K-pop star and demon hunter herself, Celine trained Rumi, Mira, and Zoey to balance their dual lives. Kim’s performance is imbued with wisdom and emotional weight, reflecting Celine’s complex history and her guilt over past decisions that affect Rumi. Her role adds a maternal warmth to the film, grounding its high-stakes action in personal relationships.

Liza Koshy as On-Air Host

Liza Koshy, known for her infectious energy, voices an on-air host, bringing her signature charisma to the film’s vibrant world. Her brief but lively performance adds a touch of pop culture flair, perfectly complementing the K-pop satire woven throughout the story.

The Musical Magic: K-Pop Stars Behind the Soundtrack

KPop Demon Hunters wouldn’t be complete without its killer soundtrack, and the film enlisted real K-pop talent to bring its music to life. Members of TWICE—Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung—perform the original song “Takedown,” which has become a fan favorite and a chart-topping hit. Additionally, MONSTA X members Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney contribute to the Saja Boys’ track “Your Idol,” adding authentic K-pop energy to the demonic boy band’s performances. The soundtrack, overseen by executive music producer Ian Eisendrath, has been praised for its catchy tunes and seamless integration with the film’s narrative, with songs like “Takedown” giving audiences chills.

Why the Cast Shines

What makes the KPop Demon Hunters cast so special is its blend of seasoned actors, rising stars, and authentic K-pop talent. The film’s directors, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, carefully selected a cast that reflects both the cultural roots of the story and the global appeal of K-pop. From Arden Cho’s heartfelt portrayal of Rumi to Ahn Hyo-seop and Andrew Choi’s layered take on Jinu, the voice performances bring depth to a story that could have easily leaned too heavily on its fantastical premise. Supporting players like Yunjin Kim, Ken Jeong, and Daniel Dae Kim add emotional resonance and humor, while the inclusion of TWICE and MONSTA X ensures the music feels like it belongs in the K-pop world.

Critics have universally praised the cast’s chemistry. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 96% approval rating, with reviewers calling the film “jaunty family entertainment with a terrific soundtrack.” The New York Times’ Brandon Yu noted that the film’s humor, particularly its satire of K-pop and K-drama tropes, is elevated by the cast’s ability to lean into the absurdity while keeping the stakes real. Even viewers unfamiliar with K-pop, like one IMDb reviewer, found themselves hooked by the “banger” tracks and the “loveable” characters brought to life by this ensemble.

A Cultural Celebration

Beyond its star-studded cast, KPop Demon Hunters stands out for its celebration of Korean heritage, weaving elements of mythology and demonology into a modern K-pop framework. The concept of the Honmoon, a magical barrier maintained by the hunters’ singing voices, and the Saja Boys’ grim reaper-inspired design draw directly from Korean folklore, giving the film a rich cultural texture. The cast’s diverse backgrounds, from Korean-American actors like Arden Cho and Yunjin Kim to South Korean stars like Lee Byung-hun and Ahn Hyo-seop, reflect this commitment to authenticity, making the film resonate with audiences worldwide.

Final Thoughts

KPop Demon Hunters is more than just a fun animated romp—it’s a love letter to K-pop, Korean culture, and the power of music to overcome even the darkest forces. Its cast, from the leading ladies of Huntr/x to the villainous Saja Boys and their demon lord, brings this colorful world to life with performances that are as heartfelt as they are entertaining. Whether you’re here for Arden Cho’s emotional depth, Ken Jeong’s comedic flair, or the infectious tracks by TWICE and MONSTA X, there’s something in this film for everyone. If you haven’t already, catch KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix and let this talented ensemble take you on a wild, demon-slaying ride.