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"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I lacked blue eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to come to terms with her identity as part human, part demon – and when she first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, identifying as American but having others view me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a female," she says.

These elements were components of her formative years that mirrored the character's path.

"I can honestly say, at different points in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences your development and I feel like I just didn't see enough people that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the kind that she lacked when in her youth.

Cho says many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I believe the film is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was not guaranteed and Cho says she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but whenever there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like a gamble," she says.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew in person, she says.

The film was launched amid increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

As an Asian-American living in the US "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, Cho came to realise that the racism she had experienced when in her youth stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"But now, in the modern era, when it seems the society and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it feels very special, she notes, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like this movie of the summer, because there was a need for positivity and a unifying element as one."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in future it could be used to make a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

The actress acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still seek out art created by humans.

"Certainly, I believe there will be AI actors and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I know our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope the public have some respect and desire for something real."

The film has also been dominating the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its score appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are demanding a sequel.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the platform or the production company, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I'm aware there's lots of murmurs, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I think fans everywhere would riot if there wasn't."

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