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"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I lacked light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping movie, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must save the world from evil forces, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Being born in America, identifying as American but having people treat me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

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

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my life, I despised a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences 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 14 days, and reached the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. 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 made her a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that she lacked when in her youth.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their mixed background and culture.

"In my view Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I feel like the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and Cho admits she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she adds.

The film was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

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

Reports have suggested that up to 150,000 individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the world and people ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and sometimes I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Due to this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it became 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 film industry, raising the possibility that in coming years it could be used to make a film like the animation.

The actress acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and singers. I know they're already here. I understand our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have some respect and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and audiences globally are demanding a follow-up.

Cho tells us she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the production company, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"I know rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she says. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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