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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I lacked light-colored eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," reveals the actress, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's highly successful animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, is describing her early years in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must save the world from evil forces, the protagonist has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when she first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having people treat me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she says.

These elements were components of her early life that mirrored the character's path.

"Truthfully, at various stages in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I longed to become someone else.

"As kids, what you see shapes who you become and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the highest positions of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the kind that she lacked when she was young.

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

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. 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, now," Cho says.

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

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but any time there's an production with Asian leads, it's perceived like it's a risk," she says.

So, when she accepted the part, she made an effort to meet everyone working on the film in person, she says.

The film was launched amid increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in many states.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, she came to realise that the racism she had encountered when she was younger was largely due to a lack of education, as many were unaware what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

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

Because of this, it feels very special, she says, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to various groups".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because we just needed positivity and a unifying element as one."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to produce a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho says she is conscious that AI is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be digital performers and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand 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 seven tracks from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are demanding a follow-up.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the platform or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I know there's lots of murmurs, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "So we shall see, and I think fans everywhere would protest if there wasn't."

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