Summary:
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The TikTok clip of Arden Cho’s remarks in K-pop Demon Hunters sparks a wave of relatable responses.
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The film hits on themes of identity, legacy, and public pressure, reflecting Cho’s real-life experiences in Hollywood.
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Cho’s statement about being born in Texas isn’t just about her birthplace—it’s about visibility and being heard.
A statement from Arden Cho during a recent press event for K-pop Demon Hunters has gained significant traction on TikTok. While discussing her background, Cho said, “I was born in Texas. This is my country,” a remark made in the context of her experiences growing up and working in the entertainment industry.
Cho voices the lead character, Rumi, in the animated musical that’s become a breakout hit for Netflix. Since its June 20 debut, the film has racked up 184.6 million views, making it the platform’s second most-watched title globally, just behind Red Notice.
@nerdreactor “You should go back to your own country.” “I was born in Texas.” 😳🇺🇸 #kpopdemonhunters #ArdenCho #RepresentationMatters #netflix ♬ original sound – Nerd Reactor
The TikTok clip of Cho’s remarks has sparked a wave of response, especially among viewers who relate to her experience of feeling othered in their own country. One top comment reads, “Queen energy. Own your space.”
K-Pop Demon Hunters follows Rumi, the leader of a supernatural K-pop girl group called Huntr/x, who battles demons on and off the stage. The story hits on themes of identity, legacy, and public pressure—mirroring some of the real-life narratives Cho has faced in Hollywood.
The film’s momentum isn’t limited to Netflix. Its lead single, “Golden,” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a first for any fictional K-pop girl group in more than two decades. The success has led to upcoming sing-along screenings across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
Born in Amarillo and raised in the Texas suburbs, Cho has talked openly about navigating life in predominantly white communities and entering an industry that often typecasts Asian American talent. Her statement during the press tour wasn’t just about her birthplace—it was about visibility, about being heard.
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The resonance of Cho’s comment also comes amid growing tensions across the U.S. regarding race, immigration, and identity. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, anti-Asian hate incidents continue to be reported nationwide. Recent data from the Pew Research Center highlights a rise in public concern over immigration policies, including high-profile deportation cases and increasing rhetoric around who belongs in the United States. Online and offline, individuals—especially from immigrant and minority backgrounds—have shared experiences of being harassed, profiled, or told to “go back” to countries they were not born in.
