By Honorary Reporter Audrey Boois from South Africa
Photos = Jonathon Ha

Jonathon (Seung-ho) Ha is a Korean American voice actor and performer based in Los Angeles, whose voice talents are featured in the 2025 Netflix musical film "K-pop Demon Hunters."

Originally trained in music, he grew up playing instruments such as the clarinet, saxophone, guitar, and piano in marching bands and musical ensembles, performing across the U.S. and internationally. While majoring in film production at university and working as a video editor in the K-pop industry, he discovered his aptitude for voice acting. 

Drawing on his performance background and narrative instincts, he has since voiced a variety of characters across media including enthusiastic fans, demons, and background roles in K-pop Demon Hunters, demonstrating a versatile and immersive approach to voiceover work.

The following are excerpts from a July 14-16 email interview with Ha.

Jonathon Ha is a voice actor and performer based in Los Angeles.

Describe your journey in voice acting.
I grew up shy and avoided going on stage but developed a love for performance through the school band. While studying film production in college, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to reflect on my path, and working as a video editor in K-pop during that time ignited an interest in voice acting. 

After transferring to another university, I was introduced by a classmate to Disney voice actor Justin Felbinger, who offered lots of helpful advice. With no formal acting background, I took 70 voiceover classes while doing three part-time jobs, and this paid off when I signed with my first agency in 2024.

How has your music and video editing experience influenced your voice acting?

My other backgrounds have proven very useful in my voice acting, helping me analyze performances in pitch, rhythm and cadence. My experience in film editing gives me an understanding of effective storytelling. I try to visualize scenes in my head, thinking about pacing, tone and even camera angles, which makes my performance more dynamic and immersive.

What was your experience like working in "KPop Demon Hunters"?
My involvement began unexpectedly when my agent asked me for Korean voice samples. I sent them and only later realized it was for a Sony Animation film I'd been following for years. I was thrilled to work alongside incredibly talented voice actors and friends when I arrived at the studio. 

I believe the film's success comes from the creative freedom given to its team, its emotionally powerful and beautiful music, subtle yet meaningful Korean cultural references, and a cast of female characters who are both powerful and deeply relatable. 

Voice actors in "KPop Demon Hunters" pose for photos in recording sessions.

What's your approach to voice acting like for characters related to Korean culture?
I focus less on what casting directors want and more on having fun and creating something I think is cool. I often draw inspiration from my favorite characters, references and even memes to craft a unique performance. When a character is rooted in Korean culture (or any culture for that matter), I always do my best to be respectful by not doing anything stereotypical.

How has your status as a Korean American in the voiceover industry been?
I sometimes feel like I should have a dramatic story about the struggles of being a Korean American actor, but honestly my identity has opened more doors. While there's still progress to be made in representation and accessibility, I've felt welcomed and supported in this industry.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.