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"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I lacked blue eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

In the movie, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to accept her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, 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 elements were aspects of her early life that mirrored the character's path.

"I can honestly say, at different points in my life, I hated many parts of me and I longed to become someone else.

"As kids, what you see shapes your development and I feel like I just didn't see enough people that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when in her youth.

Cho notes many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their dual heritage and cultural roots.

"In my view Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," she comments.

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

"I feel like it's unfortunate to mention this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like it's a risk," she says.

So, when she accepted the part, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew in person, she says.

The film was launched amid heightened enforcement actions in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Immigrants have made America what it is."

Reports have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, she came to realise that the racism she had encountered when she was younger stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the world and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times it appears we feel so hopeless," she says.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness 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 some hope and something to unite us as one."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a major concern for the film industry, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like the animation.

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

"Certainly, I believe they're going to have AI actors and vocalists. I know they're already here. I understand our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope the public have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

The film has also been dominating the global music charts, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are calling for a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm 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 made the film, to approve the project.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."

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