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"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, 40, recalls her childhood in the southern state, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the film, 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 a hybrid being – and when she first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, feeling 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 explains.

These were all aspects of her early life that mirrored Rumi's journey.

"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 it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in June, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the Netflix charts in dozens of nations. To star in the pioneering animation with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when in her youth.

She says many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "a breath of fresh air", making them feel pride for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"In my view K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress admits she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

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

So, when she took on the role, she took steps to connect with everyone working on the film face-to-face, she adds.

The movie was released amid increased immigration raids in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent living in the US "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," she states. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, she came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger was largely due to a lack of education, as people didn't know what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she says.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and a unifying element all together."

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

The actress says she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Certainly, I'm sure they're going to have AI actors and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust the public have some respect and desire for something real."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack appearing in the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I think everyone in the world would riot if it didn't happen."

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