Arden Cho, star of Netflix’s animated film "KPop Demon Hunters", took home Best Vocal Performance in Animation or Mixed Media at the North Carolina Film Critics Association Awards (NCFCA) on Jan. 26 (local time).
The win recognizes Cho’s standout turn as Rumi, with critics praising how she brought the character’s heart and humor to life through voice alone.
Despite this being her first major voice role, Cho delivered a nuanced performance that resonated with both reviewers and audiences, deftly balancing tender emotion with sharp, playful beats rooted in Korean cultural flavor.
The category was stacked with heavy hitters, including her "KPop Demon Hunters" castmates May Hong (Mira) and Ji-young Yoo (Zoey), plus "Zootopia 2" stars Jason Bateman and Ke Huy Quan ― but Cho ultimately clinched the prize.
The NCFCA, a key voice in U.S. regional film criticism, often signals critical favorites as awards season heats up, giving industry watchers a snapshot of which performances are gaining momentum.
“This isn’t just my achievement,” Cho said in her acceptance remarks. “It belongs to the cast, our crew, and the fans who believed in us from day one. I hope to keep telling stories that stay with people ― through my voice and my acting.”
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(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)