Jiwon Lee plays Sophie Choi in the new Disney series Vampirina: Teenage Vampire for Disney Channel and Disney+, where she works with Kenzi Richardson as Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley, and this series marks Jiwon’s first regular screen character, and she recorded for the show’s soundtrack. In this year’s release of Series 2 of Rise Up, Sing Out! for Disney Jr., Jiwon voices new character Semi, and she has recently attended the premieres of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires and Phineas and Ferb. Alongside acting, Jiwon is a singer-songwriter, and continues to write and record music. Answering our questions, Jiwon told us about playing Sophie Choi in Vampirina: Teenage Vampire for Disney, what it was like recording for the show’s soundtrack and voicing new character Semi in Series 2 of Rise Up, Sing Out!.

You play Sophie Choi in Vampirina: Teenage Vampire for Disney Channel and Disney+, how are you finding the experience playing a regular character on a new Disney series?

I still can’t believe I get to see myself on Disney Channel – it’s kind of crazy! Filming Vampirina was such an amazing experience. I got to do all my favourite things with people I loved working with, and I learned so much throughout the whole process.

How would you describe Sophie and what is it like getting into character?

Sophie is a bubbly, kind, and girly girl who loves music and making beats. She’s also Vee’s roommate! Since Sophie and I are really similar in a lot of ways, it’s pretty easy for me to get into character – I just connect my own life experiences with what’s happening in the story and try to be real in the moment.

How was it meeting your fellow cast members (which include Kenzi Richardson as Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley) for the first time and what is it like filming with them?

Kenzi and I first met during a Vampirina testing at the Disney studio, and even though it was a hectic day of testing, we instantly clicked. When the whole cast finally came together for the first time, we all looked at each other with so much excitement. It was such a fun experience rehearsing, filming, and making memories together.

What is it like on set of Vampirina: Teenage Vampire and have you had any favourite scenes/episodes to film in Series 1?

Being on set is one of my favourite places to be. I love performing in front of the camera and watching how everything comes together. The camera angles, props, sets, costumes, and all the little details make the scenes feel so real and full of life.

If I had to choose a favourite episode, it would probably be either First Christmas or First Pet. Honestly, it’s really hard to pick just one!

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Sophie for your first regular character on screen?

I remember being completely speechless – I didn’t know what to say or even how to process it. Before I knew it, I was crying my eyes out. It was such a big step for me, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to take it.

How has it been watching the completed episodes on Disney Channel and seeing the fan response to the release?

It truly feels like a dream seeing myself as Sophie on Disney Channel and watching the fan reactions. It’s amazing to see everything the cast and crew worked so hard on over the past six months come to life, and knowing that people are loving it makes me incredibly happy 🥹

We understand you also recorded for the show’s soundtrack, what were the songs like to perform?

Recording and performing the music in Vampirina was one of my favourite experiences. From going into the booth to record songs, singing and performing during rehearsals, to filming the musical numbers with choreography – it was all amazing. I just love music!!!

Do you have any favourite highlights from your time in the cast of Vampirina: Teenage Vampire so far?

One of my favourite highlights has definitely been filming the Wand ID. I’ve always dreamed of doing a Wand ID while watching so many Disney stars, so actually getting to do it was incredibly exciting, overwhelming, and full of gratitude 🥹❤️

You have recently been a guest at the world premiere of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires and the premiere of the new series of Phineas and Ferb, what were both events like to attend?

The premiere of ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires was amazing! I was so excited and had a blast watching every scene as it came on. All the cast members of ZOMBIES 4 were so kind and sweet. The Phineas and Ferb premiere was held outdoors, with a live band and incredible performances. Seeing the cast sing and dance on stage was truly impressive. Both events were absolutely unforgettable!

Can you tell us about voicing new character Semi in this year’s release of Series 2 of Rise Up, Sing Out! for Disney Jr.?

I’m so honoured to have voiced Semi! She’s an outgoing and proactive Korean girl who loves music and making up silly songs – and she absolutely loves making new friends. Bringing her to life was such a fun experience. Every time I stepped into the recording studio, I could already feel the warmth and joy that Semi shares with everyone around her.

In this animated musical series, you get to experience so many different cultures from around the world. I especially hope you’ll listen to the Mix It Up episode, where I sing the Bibimbap Song. In that episode, Semi shares the story of bibimbap – a traditional Korean dish made by mixing many different ingredients into one delicious meal – just like how people from different backgrounds can come together to create something beautiful.

What did you enjoy most about recording for Rise Up, Sing Out! – Series 2 and how different do you find voiceovers to screen acting?

I really enjoyed bringing Semi’s bubbly and positive personality to life, especially through her bright, culturally meaningful songs that are both educational and catchy!

In on-screen acting, you get the fun of using costumes, sets, and facial expressions to convey emotion. But in voice acting, you rely entirely on your voice to bring the character to life. It can be challenging, but that’s exactly what makes it so fulfilling and fun.

How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?

I started performing in school theatre whenever I had the chance since I was six. That’s where I first discovered my love for singing, acting, and eventually dancing. At first, I just wanted to spend more time with my best friends after school, but I soon realised how much I genuinely enjoyed it and loved practicing every day. When I was eight, I signed with a talent agency and began working professionally – before long, I started auditioning, and I was so excited to begin this amazing journey!

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I’m absolutely obsessed with Descendants and ZOMBIES. And when I was younger, I was completely in love with Frozen and The Little Mermaid – they always made me feel like a little princess.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love dancing, hanging out with friends, and doing creative or crazy makeup looks in my free time!

What are you hoping the next year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?

I’m a singer-songwriter, and I truly love creating music that reflects my own stories. I currently have two songs that are completely mastered and ready to be released soon, and I’m actively working on two to three more.

My goals for next year are to stay consistent, learn much more about songwriting and music production, and release more of my original music. My ultimate dream is to become an artist who writes, produces, and sings my own songs in a way that genuinely touches people.

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