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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 back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, recalls her childhood in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

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

"Being born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she says.

These were all aspects of her early life that paralleled the character's path.

"I can honestly say, at different points in my existence, I despised many parts of me and I longed to become a different person.

"During childhood, what you see influences your development and I feel like I just didn't see sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To star in the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when she was young.

She says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first time of their mixed background and culture.

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," she comments.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho says she felt the team making it were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it kind of sucks to mention this, but whenever there's an production with Asian leads, it's perceived like a gamble," she reveals.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with everyone working on the film in person, she says.

The film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in many states.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," she states. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

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

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the racism she had encountered when she was younger stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the world and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

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

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like the season's hit film, because we just needed some hope and something to unite us all together."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the film industry, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to produce a film like the animation.

The actress acknowledges she is conscious that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure there will be AI actors and vocalists. I know they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust people have some respect and desire for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are calling for a sequel.

She tells us she wishes she could answer the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the production company, which produced the movie, to give it the green light.

"I know rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would protest if it didn't happen."

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