Embracing Their Demons: Arden Cho and Ejae Discuss Embracing Personal Challenges as Members of the Korean Pop Group Demon Hunters

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KPop Demon Hunters: How Netflix’s “Golden” Became a cultural Phenomenon

Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” has exploded into a global cultural phenomenon and shows no sign of slowing down.

To borrow from the title of the chart-topping song, the film is “Golden,” smashing records in its path. Its the biggest movie ever to stream on Netflix. Four songs from the film’s soundtrack sit on Billboard’s top 10, and the film landed the top spot at the domestic box office-a first for the streamer.

The film follows Huntr/X, a KPop girl group whose members double as demon hunters. Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo provide the speaking voices for Rumi, Mira and Zoey, respectively, while Ejae, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna provide the respective singing voices.

Escaping the fictional bands Huntr/x and Saja Boys is nearly unachievable. While EJAE, a K-pop singer, is used to hearing her voice on demo tracks, hearing her songs played everywhere is taking getting used to. “Hearing it at H Mart on the radio. It’s weird,” she says.

The film’s popularity “hasn’t fully set in” for Cho. At a recent screening, she had a waitlist for her young nieces and nephews. She understands its mass appeal nonetheless of age. Cho says, “It allows any human or person to feel like they can relate. It’s like they feel seen.”

Both sat down with Variety to discuss the film’s success, the importance of visibility, and battling demons.

“KPop demon Hunters” has become a phenomenon. What does it mean for you to be a part of it?

Ejae: We broke many records; I feel so proud. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without the collective alchemy of the filmmakers and animators. Each person had such a valuable part in it.

ARDEN CHO: I hope it excites people in our business. Who would have thought that animation would be the thing to put us on the map? This is the first big movie that highlights Korean Americans, our culture, and it has made people so excited about Korea.

There are moments in the songs that transition from English to Korean, which all adds to the authenticity of telling this story. What was it like to have that creative liberty in the songwriting process?

Ejae: One of the biggest assets I brought to the movie, or when writng the songs, was being bilingual. It was significant for our co-director, Maggie Kang, to have Korean in the lyrics, and I love that it’s not just in the verses; it’s within the song itself.

It’s critically importent to me that it wasn’t just randomly adding Korean words,but rather seamlessly weaving them into the song,creating something that both Korean and non-Korean listeners can connect with. It was a really fun and challenging experience.And knowing the impact it’s having-seeing girls at the sing-along singing in Korean-fills my heart.It feels great to contribute to spreading Korean culture around the world.

How does Arden Cho’s experience with bullying inform her advocacy work within the K-Pop industry and beyond?

The Unique Pressure of K-Pop & Mental Wellbeing

The world of Korean pop music, or K-Pop, is renowned for its dazzling performances, meticulously crafted image, and dedicated fanbase. Though, behind the polished exterior lies intense pressure, rigorous training schedules, and a constant demand for perfection. For members of groups like Demon Hunters, navigating these challenges while maintaining personal wellbeing is paramount. arden Cho and Ejae, key members of the group, have both publicly discussed their experiences with overcoming personal obstacles, offering valuable insights into mental health in K-Pop and the importance of self-acceptance. This article delves into their journeys,exploring how they’ve learned to “embrace their demons” – acknowledging and working thru their struggles – both individually and as performers.

Arden Cho: From Bullying to Billboard – A Story of Resilience

Arden Cho’s path to K-Pop stardom wasn’t without its hurdles. before joining Demon Hunters, she faced significant bullying during her childhood and adolescence, experiences she’s openly shared to inspire others. This early adversity shaped her viewpoint and fueled her determination.

Early Challenges: Cho’s experiences with bullying instilled a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to advocating for others.

Finding Strength in Music: Music became a powerful outlet for her emotions,allowing her to express herself and connect with others.

Demon Hunters as a Platform: Joining Demon Hunters provided a larger platform to share her story and promote anti-bullying campaigns.

Navigating Public Image: The pressure to maintain a perfect public image within the K-pop industry presented a new set of challenges,requiring her to prioritize self-care and authenticity.

Cho’s story highlights the importance of resilience and using personal experiences to create positive change. Her willingness to be vulnerable has resonated with fans globally, demonstrating that even idols face struggles and can overcome them. She’s become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness within the K-Pop community.

ejae’s Journey: Overcoming Performance Anxiety & Self-Doubt

Ejae, known for his captivating stage presence, has revealed his long-standing battle with performance anxiety. Despite his talent and success, he often grappled with self-doubt and the fear of disappointing fans.

The Weight of Expectations: As a main vocalist in Demon Hunters, Ejae felt immense pressure to deliver flawless performances.

Recognizing the Problem: Acknowledging his anxiety was the first step towards addressing it. He sought support from therapists and fellow group members.

Coping Mechanisms: Ejae developed several coping mechanisms,including:

1. Mindfulness exercises: Practicing mindfulness helped him stay grounded in the present moment and reduce overthinking.

2.Breathing techniques: Deep breathing exercises calmed his nerves before performances.

3. Positive self-talk: Replacing negative thoughts with affirmations boosted his confidence.

The Power of Vulnerability: Sharing his struggles with fans fostered a sense of connection and understanding.

Ejae’s experience underscores the fact that anxiety is common,even among successful performers. His openness about his journey has encouraged others to seek help and prioritize their mental wellbeing. He actively promotes self-care routines within the demanding K-Pop schedule.

The Role of Demon Hunters in Supporting Mental Health

Demon Hunters, as a group, have fostered a supportive environment where members feel pleasant sharing their vulnerabilities. This internal support system is crucial in navigating the pressures of the industry.

Open Communication: The group prioritizes open communication and encourages members to express their feelings without judgment.

Team Therapy Sessions: Demon Hunters have participated in group therapy sessions to address collective challenges and strengthen their bond.

Promoting Positive Body Image: The group actively challenges unrealistic beauty standards and promotes body positivity within the K-Pop landscape.

Advocacy for Mental Health resources: Demon Hunters have partnered with organizations to raise awareness about mental health resources available to fans and industry professionals.

The Impact of Parasocial Relationships & Fan Support

the intense connection between K-Pop idols and their fans, often described as parasocial relationships, can be both a blessing and a curse. While fan support is invaluable, it can also amplify pressure and scrutiny.

The Double-Edged Sword: Fans provide encouragement and motivation, but their expectations can also be overwhelming.

Setting Boundaries: Arden Cho and Ejae emphasize the importance of setting healthy boundaries to protect their mental wellbeing.

Authenticity & Connection: Genuine connection with fans is fostered through authenticity and vulnerability.

Utilizing Social Media Responsibly: Both artists are mindful of their social media presence, using it to connect with fans while maintaining a sense of privacy.

Practical tips for Embracing Personal Challenges (Inspired by Arden Cho & Ejae