The decision by Fantastic Beasts’ producers to cast an Asian actress as a character who becomes a slave to Voldemort did not sit well with many fans, and now, Claudia Kim is addressing the issue.

The actress, who we recently learned will play Nagini, made a few comments during a promotional event in South Korea earlier this week. The remarks were roughly translated by AllKPop.com, so it’s important to remember that these comments may not be an exact transcription of what she said.

Kim said the backlash “was unexpected,” and she echoed a perspective that a few fans have taken: “When I found out that I’m playing Nagini, I thought it was meaningful because it’s an important character in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. ‘Harry Potter’ is a franchise film with many Caucasian actors, so I thought many Korean viewers would be happy.”

Kim believes the controversy will die down once fans see Nagini on screen. “I’m looking forward to viewers being satisfied and the controversy fading away once the film premieres,” she said. “I don’t perceive such controversy solely in a negative way. I believe changes can be made by giving attention to an Asian’s promotions (like this) and through the people that look into such issues.”

The actress also stood by Rowling, etc’s decision to cast the character as an Asian woman, noting that director David Yates is very familiar with the series, so she “followed him with trust.”

“Scriptwriter J.K. Rowling probably searched for an Asian actress because she researched the origin of Nagini,” she said. “I’m not sure if it’s just my pride, but I think I was able to bring out a different vibe as a Korean in Hollywood.”

For her part, Rowling addressed the controversy by explaining Nagini’s name origin.

Editor’s note: Johnny Depp, who co-stars in this film, has been repeatedly accused of violence. He allegedly beat his ex-wife Amber Heard (read the accusations by Heard and Depp’s former associates). J.K. Rowling responded to the controversy. In July 2018, Depp was accused of punching a crew member on the set of a film in April 2017. In October 2018, Depp responded to the accusations made by Heard. Why are we telling you this?