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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," says the actress, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's highly successful movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, forty, is describing her childhood in Texas, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in the United States.

In the film, 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 she 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 Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she explains.

These elements were 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.

"As kids, your surroundings influences your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, the animated feature registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the first Hollywood animated film with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the kind that was missing when she was young.

She notes many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first instance of their mixed background and culture.

"I feel like K-Pop 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 tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," she comments.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and Cho says 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 it's a risk," she reveals.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to meet the entire cast and crew in person, she says.

The movie was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Reports have estimated that up to 150,000 individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, Cho came to realise that the racism she had encountered when she was younger stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when it seems 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 expresses.

Because of this, it feels very special, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness to all these different communities".

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like the season's hit film, because we just needed some hope and a unifying element all together."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the film industry, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to produce a film like the animation.

Cho acknowledges she is conscious that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still seek out art created by humans.

"Certainly, I believe there will be AI actors and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand our voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been dominating the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its score appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are demanding a sequel.

She 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 give it the green light.

"I'm aware there's lots of murmurs, the feedback is positive," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would protest if there wasn't."

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