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This feature explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," says the actress, who voiced the lead character in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, forty, is describing her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, which tells the story of a girl group 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 resonated powerfully.

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

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

"Truthfully, at various stages in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"As kids, what you see shapes your development and it seems I just didn't see enough people that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in June, the animated feature registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To star in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that she lacked when in her youth.

She says many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "a breath of fresh air", making them feel pride for the first instance of their mixed background and culture.

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," she comments.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and Cho admits she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"I feel like it's unfortunate to say this, but any time there's an production with Asian leads, it's perceived like it's a risk," she reveals.

So, when she accepted the part, she made an effort to meet the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she says.

The movie was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have suggested that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as people didn't know what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes it appears there's a sense of despair," she says.

Due to this, it feels very special, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and something to unite us as one."

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

Cho says she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and singers. I know they already exist. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and desire for something real."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are demanding a follow-up.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to await the platform or the production company, which produced the movie, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she says. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would protest if there wasn't."

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