Beyond Success: Finding Purpose
In the Latin American Spanish version of the film K‑Pop Demon Hunters, Natalia Bernodat, voices the character Zoey, singing in hits like “Golden” and “What It Sounds Like.” A Soka Gakkai member in Argentina, Natalia shares how her Buddhist practice has guided her through her life and career as an actress and singer, helping her identify what matters most.
When did you first encounter Buddhism?
I was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism in 2005. At the time, I was suffering from depression and found little motivation or joy in life. My friend was worried about my health, and her sister, a Soka Gakkai member, encouraged me to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. She thought it would help me achieve my dream of becoming an artist.
How have you changed since starting your Buddhist practice?
I have been able to positively develop many aspects of my character. My relationship with my family improved when I began practicing Buddhism. Before that, I spoke very little with my siblings or with my parents. But through my practice, I was able to trust my decisions and above all, I began to listen to people with an open heart. I also developed a stronger sense of discipline and became more responsible in all aspects of my life.
Working on K‑Pop Demon Hunters must have been amazing.
It was an unforgettable and challenging experience. There were many hours of recording each week that went on over the course of a month. The part that took the most time was recording the songs, which had many difficult arrangements. For the Latin American Spanish version, a requirement was that the actresses be able to sing.
After the casting process, once I was selected, our director took the time to prepare the vocal arrangements for each character. For that reason, each song took between eight and twelve hours per character to record. I think the songs are beautiful and full of meaning.
As for my character, Zoey, she is an incredibly determined and funny girl. I laughed a lot while recording her. Our director said that we dubbing actresses share many personality traits with the characters, and that is why we were chosen.
We received all kinds of feedback, both good and bad. People write to us a lot on social media. While I value all the messages we receive, what moves me the most is when parents tell us that they sing the songs from the film with their children.
Looking back, what do you think contributed to the film’s success?
I think the combination of many factors led to the film’s success; themes like the importance of friendship and accepting oneself as one is. The film emphasizes the importance of living true to oneself regardless of how others may see us and working together in unity to give our very best.
In the story, the most encouraging part is how the girls help a character named Rumi confront her inner demons—her fears—so that she can accept herself as she is. Through that acceptance, she becomes a great artist who not only accepts herself but also encourages others.
What inspires you to keep moving forward with a sense of purpose?
I have gone through many different stages in my work. An artist’s career is often unstable and unpredictable, and sometimes even chaotic. At such times, I always return to what lies at the heart of my Buddhist practice—the conviction to live the values I’ve learned in the Soka Gakkai, which center on respect for the dignity of life. When I chant with this in mind, I realize that, in any environment, it is absolutely possible to encourage one another and keep learning.
Over the years, and through all kinds of experiences, I have come to understand that what matters the most to me is not recognition in the sense of superficial validation or sudden success but rather putting my heart and absolute best into encouraging people and ensuring that we can all move forward. This is what gives me happiness—having a sense of purpose in the efforts that I make.
I’m determined to continue putting my heart into studying and improving my skills in both music and acting, and together with all of the Soka Gakkai members in Argentina, work to realize President Daisaku Ikeda’s vision of peace, which starts with transforming the world through our own inner change and action.
Adapted from the August 7, 2025, issue of Humanismo Soka, SGIAR
