SungWon Cho
SungWon Cho (born December 9, 1990) is an American voice actor, actor, comedian, and content creator professionally known as ProZD. He is best known for his humorous online sketches and parodies, as well as prominent voice roles in video games such as FL4K in Borderlands 3 (2019), Ratatoskr in God of War Ragnarök (2022), and Senshi in Delicious in Dungeon (2024), alongside live-action performances including Ritchie in BlackBerry (2023) and Detective Joe Furuya in the web series Anime Crimes Division (2017–2018).[1][2] Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Cho developed an interest in performance during high school, participating in radio plays, and continued exploring voice work while studying at Michigan State University.[3] His online career as ProZD began on platforms like Tumblr and Vine in the early 2010s, transitioning to YouTube where he built a large following through anime-inspired comedy sketches and character impressions, amassing nearly 4 million subscribers by 2025.[4] This digital presence paved the way for professional opportunities, starting with voice acting in the indie game Apotheon (2015) and expanding to major projects in animation and gaming.[2] In recent years, Cho has expanded into high-profile animated features, voicing characters in Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and In Your Dreams (2025), while continuing to appear at conventions and contribute to anime dubs like Ranking of Kings and Aggretsuko.[5][6] His versatile performances, often drawing from his Korean-American heritage and love of anime, have established him as a key figure in modern voice acting and online entertainment.[2]Early life
Upbringing and family background
SungWon Cho was born on December 9, 1990, in Rochester, Minnesota, to South Korean immigrant parents.[7][8] His early childhood was spent partly in Minnesota before his family relocated to DeWitt, near Lansing, Michigan, where he grew up.[7] This move highlighted the adaptive experiences of his parents as immigrants navigating life in the United States. As a Korean-American, Cho's upbringing was shaped by his family's cultural roots and the challenges of immigration, instilling a bicultural identity.[8]Education and early interests
SungWon Cho attended high school in Michigan, where he first explored voice acting by performing in radio plays created by his friend David Michael Kinne, voicing a range of characters such as nerdy middle schoolers and authoritative officers.[9] These early amateur projects ignited his passion for character voices and performance, laying the groundwork for his future creative endeavors. Cho enrolled at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Information and Technology in 2012.[10] During his time there, he frequently participated in live theater productions, leveraging his comedic talents to secure roles that honed his acting skills.[9] In college, Cho's interests deepened in anime, video games, and comedy, which became central to his creative pursuits and were reflected in his involvement with fan communities.[9] He engaged with these passions through improv and performance activities, fostering connections in MSU's arts scene that bridged his academic studies with emerging professional aspirations. Following his graduation in 2012, Cho transitioned toward full-time creative work, building on the foundations established during his educational years.[10]Career
Online content creation
SungWon Cho launched his online presence under the handle ProZD on Tumblr in October 2012, where he began posting daily audio clips to practice voice acting and share comedic content. This initial foray featured short comedy skits, unboxing videos of products, and parody dubs of comics and songs, quickly attracting a dedicated following through his humorous takes on pop culture. By transitioning these efforts to YouTube—where his channel had been created in 2006 but saw active content uploads ramp up around the same period—Cho expanded his reach, blending his voice acting skills with self-produced sketches that resonated with anime and gaming enthusiasts.[11] Over the years, Cho's content evolved to emphasize anime parodies, gaming humor, and interactive formats like Q&A series, reflecting his growing expertise in voice acting tropes and fan-driven narratives. Early viral sketches, such as those satirizing common voice acting clichés like "changing your voice" for characters, garnered significant attention and helped solidify his niche in geek culture comedy. His Q&A videos, which often addressed fan questions on topics ranging from anime recommendations to industry insights, fostered direct engagement and contributed to audience loyalty. By 2017, Cho had reached 1 million YouTube subscribers, a milestone that marked his shift to full-time content creation, allowing him to focus on producing original series like fan interaction challenges and parody unboxings without external employment constraints.[12][13][14][11] Subscriber growth accelerated in the following years, with Cho hitting 2 million in 2019 and 3 million in 2021, driven by consistent uploads of relatable gaming humor and collaborative parodies that highlighted community feedback. His background in voice acting enhanced these videos, enabling nuanced impressions and character-driven skits that distinguished ProZD's style amid the crowded online comedy space. By November 2025, the channel had surpassed 3.9 million subscribers, underscoring the enduring appeal of his concise, trope-deconstructing format.[14][15] Cho expanded his social media footprint beyond YouTube to platforms like Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes clips and personal updates with over 379,000 followers, and Twitter (now X), used for real-time fan interactions and announcements. In late 2024, he joined Bluesky, promoting it as an additional space for community engagement amid his ongoing content production. These outlets have facilitated collaborations with fellow creators, including podcast episodes on ProZD + Pals featuring voice actors like Erika Ishii and group projects with gaming personalities, further amplifying his online influence through cross-promotions and joint skits.[16][17][18][19][20]Voice acting roles
SungWon Cho entered the professional voice acting industry after gaining initial recognition through online content creation in the early 2010s, beginning with independent video game projects around 2015. He initially booked roles in smaller, indie titles, leveraging his versatile vocal range to portray a variety of characters, which helped him build connections within the voice acting community. This foundation led to opportunities with major studios, including Funimation and Crunchyroll, where he contributed to anime dubs and high-profile adaptations.[8][21][22] Cho's breakthrough in video games came in 2019 with the role of the robotic vault hunter FL4K in Borderlands 3, a character known for its quirky, genderless personality and sarcastic dialogue, which showcased his ability to blend humor with mechanical precision. He continued expanding in gaming with Mustard, the wise martial arts master, in the 2020 anime miniseries Pokémon: Twilight Wings, marking his entry into the Pokémon franchise. In 2022, Cho voiced the mischievous squirrel spirit Ratatoskr in God of War Ragnarök, delivering a high-energy performance that required motion capture alongside vocal work, further establishing his presence in AAA titles. His anime dubbing portfolio grew through collaborations with Crunchyroll and Funimation, including the lead role of Detective Joe Furuya in the web series Anime Crimes Division, which transitioned to broader streaming distribution as a TV-style production, and additional Pokémon contributions such as James's Carnivine and Team Rocket's Delibird in Pokémon Journeys: The Series (2020–2023). A standout recent role was Senshi, the stoic dwarf chef, in the 2024 Netflix anime Delicious in Dungeon, highlighting his skill in portraying grounded, ensemble characters.[2][3][23][2] By 2025, Cho's career demonstrated continued growth and versatility, with his range spanning from high-pitched, comedic sidekicks to deep, authoritative figures, often drawing on his naturally resonant voice. In a 2017 interview, Cho explained his approach to preparation: "I read the script multiple times to understand the character's motivations, then experiment with pitches and inflections in warm-ups to find the right fit without forcing it." He has noted that his deep voice, which he attributes to natural physiology rather than technique alone, allows for easy gravelly effects but requires careful modulation to avoid strain during long sessions. Cho emphasized staying "true to the character" in a 2024 discussion, stating, "Voice acting is about serving the story—whether it's a deep growl for a beast or a light banter for a trickster, the goal is authenticity over imitation." These methods have contributed to his impact in the industry, earning praise for elevating diverse roles across games and animation, including a role in Netflix's In Your Dreams (2025).[11][8][24][5]Live-action and other projects
SungWon Cho made his feature film debut in the 2023 biographical comedy-drama BlackBerry, portraying Ritchie Cheung, a member of the Research In Motion (RIM) team involved in the early development of the BlackBerry smartphone.[25] This role marked a significant milestone in his transition from online content and voice work to on-screen performances, with Cho describing the experience as both challenging and rewarding due to the film's improvisational style and fast-paced shooting schedule in Toronto.[26] The movie, directed by Matt Johnson, received critical acclaim for its sharp satire on tech innovation, and Cho's supporting performance was noted as part of the ensemble's effective portrayal of the company's chaotic rise and fall, contributing to the film's overall energetic tone.[27] In 2025, Cho expanded his involvement in animated projects with Netflix's KPop: Demon Hunters, a film blending action, music, and supernatural elements centered on a K-pop girl group battling demonic forces. While primarily voice-based, the project represented Cho's continued multimedia presence, building on his voice acting foundation to explore hybrid storytelling formats.[28] Beyond acting, Cho has contributed to writing and directing in web series and shorts, notably starring as and helping shape the character of Detective Joe Furuya in the live-action parody series Anime Crimes Division (2017–2019), a Crunchyroll production that satirized anime tropes through mock investigations.[23] He has also co-created comedic shorts on his YouTube channel, often collaborating with illustrators and performers to produce scripted sketches that blend live-action elements with voice impressions.[29] Cho has made notable guest appearances in interactive media. Additionally, Cho has guested on podcasts like The One Piece Podcast, discussing anime dubbing and career insights, and maintains his own ProZD + Pals series featuring industry conversations.[30] In interviews, Cho has expressed aspirations for deeper integration into Hollywood, citing his move to Los Angeles and agent representation as steps toward balancing online origins with traditional film and television opportunities, while emphasizing diverse representation in casting.[9]Personal life
Marriage and family
SungWon Cho married professional illustrator Anne Marie Salter on May 28, 2016, after meeting her through an online Super Mario fan fiction community.[9][31] The couple shares two cats, Effie and Sophie, who frequently appear in Cho's videos and content.[32] Cho's parents have been supportive of his career, often engaging with his work online, though he maintains a private approach to family matters on social media in recent years.[9]Public persona and controversies
SungWon Cho, known online as ProZD, has cultivated a public persona centered on humor, relatability, and blunt honesty, often portraying exaggerated characters in comedy sketches that satirize internet culture, video games, and voice acting tropes. This approachable style, evident in his YouTube videos featuring skits and reactions, has fostered a dedicated fanbase by blending professional insights with self-deprecating wit, making complex topics like content creation accessible and entertaining.[33][34] Cho engages fans through interactive formats such as Q&A sessions on YouTube, where he addresses questions about his career, personal experiences, and industry challenges, reinforcing his image as an authentic creator who values direct communication over polished facades. In interviews, he has emphasized avoiding a "phony" demeanor, prioritizing personal boundaries amid parasocial relationships to maintain genuine interactions without overextending himself for fame.[33][29] In September 2025, Cho faced significant backlash after being cast as Orville Park, a non-Asian character, in the pilot for the animated series Knights of Guinevere, prompting accusations of hypocrisy based on his earlier advocacy for "authentic casting" in voice acting. Critics resurfaced his 2020 comments supporting race-matching for roles, such as his disapproval of non-Asian actors voicing Asian characters, contrasting them with his 2023 complaints about being typecast in Asian roles only.[35][36] Responding to the outcry, Cho clarified his stance in a final X (formerly Twitter) post on September 1, 2025, stating, "I still believe in diversity in casting and equal opportunity for all voice actors regardless of race or ethnicity." He announced his departure from the platform, citing the harassment's toll on his mental health and privacy, and migrated to Bluesky to continue engaging supporters in a less toxic space.[37][35][18] Despite the controversy, Cho's public image remains largely positive, bolstered by fan support that highlighted his consistent advocacy for inclusive opportunities in voice acting and his reluctance to engage in prolonged online disputes. He has occasionally shared insights on the stresses of creator life in interviews, underscoring the importance of boundaries to protect well-being, and has otherwise avoided major public scandals throughout his career.[33][35]Filmography
Film
SungWon Cho made his feature film debut in the 2023 biographical drama BlackBerry, portraying Ritchie Cheung, a member of the tech team involved in the early development of the BlackBerry device. This marked his first live-action role in a major cinematic release. In 2023, Cho provided the voice for Jean-Claude, a supporting character, in the animated adventure Goldbeak, a Chinese production about an eagle raised by chickens embarking on a heroic journey.[38] Cho's 2025 film appearances include multiple voice roles in the animated Netflix film KPop: Demon Hunters, where he voiced Abby Saja, a key demon hunter, along with Bathhouse Patron and Social Media Fan, contributing to the story of a K-pop group battling supernatural threats.[39] He also lent his voice to Chad, a minor character, in the animated fantasy In Your Dreams, directed by Alex Woo, following siblings navigating a dream world to mend their family. Additionally, in the anime feature Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage, Cho voiced Rōjū Ōtomo, a council elder entangled in a tale of jealousy and spirits in Edo-era Japan.[40]Television and anime
SungWon Cho has contributed voice work to numerous English dubs of anime series and animated television shows since 2018, often portraying supporting characters, antagonists, and additional voices in productions distributed by platforms such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Funimation. His performances frequently feature in action, adventure, and fantasy genres, showcasing his versatility in delivering nuanced characterizations within ensemble casts.[41] In 2018, Cho voiced Hyodo in the Netflix anime series Aggretsuko, with recurring appearances across multiple seasons. He also provided additional voices for the Disney animated series [Big City Greens](/page/Big City Greens). By 2019, Cho contributed additional voices to the anthology series Love, Death & Robots. In 2020, Cho voiced Mustard, a former Galar Champion, and Mienshao in the Pokémon miniseries Twilight Wings.[3] He also portrayed Shark, a volatile member of the Akudama group, in the cyberpunk anime Akudama Drive. Cho's 2021 roles included Kage, the loyal shadow warrior and childhood friend to Prince Bojji, in the fantasy series Ranking of Kings. He voiced Richard Altner in the mecha drama 86 Eighty-Six. The following year, in 2022, Cho provided the English dub for Bajio, a fierce warrior, in Kingdom Season 3.[42] In 2023, Cho voiced Brau 1589, a formidable robot gladiator, in the Netflix sci-fi series Pluto, adapted from the Astro Boy manga.[43] He also joined the long-running Pokémon franchise as Sidian in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, along with additional recurring voices across the series up to 2025.[44] Additionally, he assumed the role of Cat Viper, the Mink leader, in One Piece. Cho's 2024 contributions featured prominently in several high-profile dubs. He voiced Senshi, the veteran dwarf protector and chef, in Delicious in Dungeon. In Solo Leveling, he portrayed Woo Jinchul, the stoic leader of the Korean Hunters Association.[45] Cho also voiced Mousse, the bespectacled martial artist, in the reboot of Ranma ½.[46] Other roles that year included Tatsuya Haga in The Fable.[47] In 2025, Cho voiced Boiled in Sakamoto Days.[48] Throughout this period, Cho has continued to provide additional and recurring voices in various anime series from Crunchyroll, including Beyblade X (2023) and ongoing projects up to 2025. He also reprised Sagwan, a black market dealer, in Beastars season 3.[41]Web series
SungWon Cho's contributions to web series encompass starring roles and voice work in digital platforms, often blending his comedic background with narrative storytelling in online-exclusive formats. Cho stars as Detective Joe Furuya in Anime Crimes Division, a live-action comedy series produced by RocketJump in partnership with Crunchyroll that premiered in 2017. In the show, set in the fictional Neo Otaku City, Furuya investigates crimes targeting anime culture alongside his partner Diesel, showcasing Cho's deadpan humor in a parody of police procedurals. The series, which ran for two seasons through 2018, marked Cho's live-action debut and involved his creative input as a key performer and influencer drawing from his online persona.[49][23][50] Beyond Anime Crimes Division, Cho has voiced characters in Rooster Teeth's animated web series, leveraging his skills in ensemble productions. In gen:LOCK (2019–2021), he portrayed Henry Wu, a Polity scientist captured by antagonists to aid in mecha development, appearing in multiple episodes as a guest star. He also lent his voice to King Atlus in the long-running Red vs. Blue, Toro in Nomad of Nowhere (2018), and Brian in Camp Camp (2017–present), contributing to the studio's diverse slate of online animated content up to 2025.[51][52] Cho has made guest appearances in short-form web series focused on tabletop role-playing, including Critical Role's "Avowed One-Shot" in February 2025, where he played the character Hasporo in a Dungeons & Dragons adventure inspired by the video game Avowed. This one-off episode, streamed live and archived online, exemplifies his involvement in interactive web content adapted for digital audiences.[53][54]Video games
SungWon Cho has voiced characters in over 60 video games since entering the industry around 2015, often bringing his versatile range to supporting and lead roles in action, RPG, and adventure titles.[55] His work spans major franchises, including contributions to English dubs of Pokémon games and high-profile releases from studios like Gearbox and Santa Monica Studio. In 2015, Cho began accumulating credits with smaller roles, such as additional voices in indie titles like Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator, where he voiced characters like Craig's Dad and Additional Voices.[56] By 2018, he expanded into more prominent parts, including Kalash in the supernatural adventure Unavowed and King Alexian in BattleCON: Online. That year also saw him as Brian and the Interdimensional Prince in the comedic dating sim Monster Prom, alongside voicing the Coach in 2MD: VR Football. Cho's breakthrough in video games came in 2019 with the role of FL4K, the robotic vault hunter, in the critically acclaimed looter-shooter Borderlands 3, a performance praised for its quirky, gender-fluid delivery that became iconic within the series.[2] He also contributed to Pokémon media that year, voicing Sidney in the mobile RPG Pokémon Masters EX, marking his entry into the franchise's English dubs for games.[57] Other 2019 credits included Krosl in Genshin Impact and various roles in Judgment.[58] The 2020s saw Cho's portfolio grow rapidly. In 2023, he voiced Richter Belmont and Death in the roguelike hit Vampire Survivors, as well as Misedor in the strategy RPG Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny and characters in Boyfriend Dungeon.[59] By 2022, he took on Ratatoskr, the mischievous squirrel companion, in God of War Ragnarök, adding witty banter to the Norse mythology epic. That year also featured Zilla in Shadow Warrior 3 and additional voices in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.[60] In 2024, Cho continued with roles like Grimson in Ys X: Nordics and multiple characters including Inferdin, Lux, Galak, Dwarf, and Richard in the dubbed Card-en-Ciel.[61] He provided voice work for Richter Belmont and Death in the Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania expansion.[55] By 2025, Cho's credits included general voice acting in The Outer Worlds 2, where he portrayed Head Refresher Gould, Vice President Willard Konnen, and Mads Parminter, enhancing the sci-fi RPG's satirical corporate elements.[62] He also voiced the antagonist Lord Ruse in the action-platformer Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, delivering a menacing presence to the boss character.[63] Additional 2025 roles encompassed one of the player voices and Matsuba in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, Doug and Gerald Dabrowski in Date Everything!, contributions to Avowed and Skin Deep.[64] His ongoing Pokémon involvement persisted with dubs in titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025).[3]Awards and nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Shorty Awards | Vine of the Year | ProZD (various Vines) | Finalist | |
| 2018 | Streamy Awards | Acting in a Comedy | Anime Crimes Division | Nominated | [65] |
| 2023 | Crunchyroll Anime Awards | Best Voice Artist Performance (English) | Kage in Ranking of Kings | Nominated | [66] |
| 2025 | Crunchyroll Anime Awards | Best Voice Artist Performance (English Dub) | Senshi in Delicious in Dungeon | Nominated | [67] |