Andrew Choi, the singer of 'K-pop Demon Hunters', reflects on the Netflix hit movie and its impact on Korean culture.
On the evening of October 29th, students gathered at the Science Center to hear Andrew Choi speak about his role in Netflix's blockbuster film and the global impact of Korean culture.
Choi voiced Jinu, the antagonist and leader of the boy band 'Saja Boys' in the film, which became the most popular English-language film on the platform. The movie's soundtrack also made history, becoming the first to have four songs in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.
The success of 'K-pop Demon Hunters' has brought renewed attention to Choi's career in the K-pop industry, which includes over a decade of songwriting credits for global sensations like EXO, Red Velvet, and NCT Dream, as well as two new singles: 'Under My Skin' and 'Better With You'.
In an interview with The Wellesley News, Choi discussed the unprecedented success of 'K-pop Demon Hunters'.
"I think every member of the cast was hoping for a small audience. We didn't expect it to blow up as much as it did... I never imagined being recognized as an artist," Choi said.
As a topliner in the K-pop industry, Choi writes, records, and pitches music to entertainment companies. He shared his struggles as a songwriter in a fast-paced and competitive industry.
"You have to make a conscious effort to keep going back to the beginning. It takes effort... you have to fall back in love with it," Choi explained.
Early in his career, Choi discussed the potential for an international K-pop market with industry peers.
"We would always ask if K-pop would ever become international. We would laugh and shake our heads, saying it would never happen in our lifetime. I'm glad we were wrong... It's a blessing to have contributed to that," Choi said.
Choi highlighted the novelty of his public-facing role in the K-pop industry.
"It's strange to think about fans of the Saja Boys. It's an honor... and also a bit strange. I'm trying to manage it the best I can," he said.
As the movie gained global attention, Choi praised the director, Maggie Kang, for her ability to represent Korean culture while connecting with both Korean and Western audiences.
"It was done much better than I expected. Introducing a different culture to foreign audiences requires careful consideration," Choi noted.
Lauren Lee, Co-President of the Korean Student Association (KSA) at Wellesley, moderated the event and praised the film's authenticity.
"The deliberate choice of Korean and Korean American actors... There's a genuine connection between the voice actors and the project. I feel it makes it more special," Lee said.
Choi's campus visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Korean Program, led by Professor Sun-Hee Lee, who coordinated the event. Professor Lee appreciated the film's integration of traditional and modern Korean cultural motifs.
"It still brought classic Korean culture from stories and art. They did an excellent job of bringing... that traditional concept... They not only modernized it but also globalized it," Professor Lee said.
In an increasingly globalized industry, Choi remains concerned about preserving Korean culture in K-pop.
"Every time my labels have the chance to be noticed by the U.S. or Europe, they become frantic... almost as if they would sacrifice our tradition and culture," Choi said.
However, Choi disagrees with this sentiment.
"We need to stop catering to everyone and just be ourselves," Choi concluded.
