Zoey
Lyricist & Rapper
Basic Info
Combat Stats
Knife Techniques
- Precision Throwing: Expert knife-thrower with pinpoint accuracy, able to hit demonic weak points from a distance
- Lyrical Weaponry: Infuses her throwing knives with rap-enhanced spiritual energy for additional damage against demons
- Cultural Fusion: Combines Korean and American fighting styles for an unpredictable combat approach demons struggle to counter
Description
As a Demon Hunter, Zoey is a strong and skilled fighter especially with her knives. As the group's lyricist and rapper, she uses her creative mind and powerful voice to cultivate the group's strong following and image. She wields throwing knives in combat.
Personality
She struggles with insecurity with her role in her friends' lives. She brings an excitable energy to the musical performances. She has a tomboyish voice and seems to have a soft spot for turtles.
Background
Zoey is Korean American and was raised in Burbank, California, a detail that greatly influences her music, insecurities, and identity. Having grown up in California before moving to South Korea, she brings unique perspective to the band. She is voiced by Ji-young Yoo.
About Zoey in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters
Zoey is one of the two deuteragonists (alongside Mira) in Sony Pictures Animation's 2025 animated musical fantasy film KPop Demon Hunters, which has become Netflix's most popular animated film ever with over 236 million views worldwide since its June 20, 2025 release. As the lead rapper and lyricist for the K-Pop group HUNTRIX, she is known for her explosive rap style, creative songwriting, and powerful voice that contribute to the group's massive global following. Zoey is also the maknae (막내, youngest member) of the group, a role that perfectly aligns with her bubbly, energetic, and playful personality.
Her speaking voice is provided by Ji-young Yoo (known for Expats with Nicole Kidman, Sweet Home, Moxie), a 25-year-old actress from Denver, Colorado. Her singing and rap vocals are performed by Rei Ami, the Seoul-born singer-songwriter whose hit "Freak" with Sub Urban has over 298 million YouTube views. This dual voice casting brings exceptional depth and authenticity to Zoey's character, blending dramatic performance with genuine K-pop vocal style.
Background and Identity
Zoey was born in Korea but raised in Burbank, California, USA, making her the only Korean-American member of HUNTRIX. Before joining the group, she wrote songs and lyrics in her notebooks, which people often dismissed as "useless and weird." Despite constant negative comments from her old school, she persevered in her dream of becoming a rapper. Eventually, Celine recruited her as the lead rapper for HUNTRIX, where she is now recognized as both the rapper and lyricist who writes all of the group's songs. Her American background is referenced in the film by a hamburger-flavored cup of HUNTRIX-branded noodles featuring a drawing of her wearing an Uncle Sam hat.
There's fan speculation, based on the HUNTRIX song "Golden" (which reached #1 on Billboard Hot 100), that her parents might be divorced, as the song hints at her having to choose between living in Korea and the USA. Her American background is cleverly referenced throughout the film, including a hamburger-flavored cup of HUNTRIX-branded instant noodles shown in the movie, which features a drawing of her wearing an Uncle Sam hat - a detail that has become popular among merchandise collectors.
Zoey mentioned that before HUNTRIX, she felt all her ideas, lyrics, and notebooks were "useless and weird," but with Rumi and Mira, they became meaningful, and so did she. This transformation from an outsider to a celebrated artist resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, particularly young creatives who struggle with self-doubt. Her journey represents the film's core theme of finding your tribe and embracing your unique talents.
Personality and Role in Huntrix
Zoey is perceived as the most lively, innocent, and impressionable member of the group - the perfect maknae (막내, youngest member). She can sometimes exhibit a "weirdo" side, but she is not only a "cute but deadly" demon hunter but also responsible for writing the group's songs. Described as "explosive" and "like fire" as a rapper despite her adorable appearance, she is an absolute sweetheart who deeply loves her bandmates. Among the trio, Zoey is most likely to initiate physical affection with her bandmates, and both Mira and Rumi are receptive to her touch. She can be naive, believing that tonics could help one's voice get better, which adds to her endearing charm.
Zoey's expressiveness and profound understanding of lyrics help her craft HUNTRIX's chart-topping songs. Despite looking "adorable and cute," she's described as "explosive" and "like fire" when rapping, showcasing her dual nature. She serves as the emotional glue of the group, often being the first to show vulnerability, as seen when she cried in the bathhouse during their three-month hiatus after the song "This Is What It Sounds Like."
Despite her bubbly exterior, Zoey is fiercely protective of Rumi, Mira, and their fans. She often puts herself in danger to shield them from demonic attacks.
Powers and Abilities
Shin-Kal Mastery
Expert wielder of shin-kal (신칼, 'god's knife'), traditional Korean mudang (shamanic) throwing knives with spiritual power to destroy demons
Weapon Conjuring
Capable of conjuring six magical shin-kal knives for slaying demons, effective as both short-range weapons and long-range projectiles
Weapon Telekinesis
Demonstrates control over her knives' throwing trajectories and can levitate them at will
Spirit Vision
Ability to see spirits, demons, and the spiritual energy flowing through the Honmoon
Lyrical Weaponry
Infuses her throwing knives with rap-enhanced spiritual energy for additional damage against demons
Key Moments and Combat Skills in KPop Demon Hunters
Zoey's character arc in KPop Demon Hunters emphasizes her journey from outsider to hero. Facing past criticism for her creative work, she transforms her insecurities into strengths, contributing significantly to HUNTRIX's music and demon-hunting efforts. Her weapon of choice, the shin-kal (신칼, meaning "god's knife"), is inspired by traditional Korean mudang (shamanic) tools, connecting her modern K-pop identity with ancient Korean spiritual traditions.
In flashbacks and quieter moments, Zoey often checks in on Rumi after battles, or eases Mira's stress, offering lyrics, jokes, and advice to lift their spirits. During the three-month hiatus after the song "This Is What It Sounds Like," Zoey was the first to show vulnerability by crying in the bathhouse.
The film's climax sees Zoey and her bandmates face off against the Saja Boys, a rival boy band secretly composed of demons who are draining fans' souls. Zoey's shin-kal throwing skills and spirit magic play a crucial role in these battles. She demonstrates remarkable accuracy with her six throwing knives, often saving her teammates from demon attacks while maintaining her signature energetic fighting style that Ji-young Yoo described as "really tiring" to voice due to the character's boundless energy.
Voice Acting and Reception
Zoey's dialogue is voiced by Ji-young Yoo, whose performance has been praised for capturing Zoey's vibrant and multifaceted personality. Her singing voice, provided by Rei Ami, adds a powerful dimension to her musical performances, with the soundtrack earning widespread acclaim for its integration into the story.
Critics have noted Ji-young Yoo's ability to "land" Zoey's character, emphasizing her distinct personality within the Huntrix trio. Fans on social media have expressed their love for Zoey, with posts highlighting her as a "bias" and praising her "attractive" and "cool" demeanor. Her animated sequences, described as "chaotic" and "cartoony," have been celebrated for their energy and humor, contributing to the film's 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Explore More
Discover other exciting aspects of the KPop Demon Hunters universe
KPop Demon Hunters
Explore the animated musical fantasy where elite K-pop performers battle demonic forces with the power of music and dance
Photo Gallery
Explore stunning images from performances, behind-the-scenes, and special events
Videos
Watch music videos, performances, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Music
Listen to chart-topping hits from Huntrix and the Saja Boys
Story
Dive into the epic narrative of KPop Demon Hunters
Characters
Meet the elite hunters and their demonic rivals
Blog
Read the latest news, interviews, and deep dives into the KPop Demon Hunters universe
FanArt
Check out the fan art created by the community