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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals the actress, who portrayed Rumi in the streaming platform's chart-topping movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, forty, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in the United States.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as a hybrid being – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, 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 sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a female," she says.

These elements were aspects of her formative years that mirrored the character's path.

"Truthfully, at different points in my life, I despised many parts of me and I wanted to be a different person.

"As kids, what you see shapes who you become and it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it launched on Netflix in June, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and secured the top 10 of the Netflix charts in dozens of nations. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, 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.

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

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like the film is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress admits she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to meet everyone working on the film face-to-face, she says.

The film was released 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," says Cho. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

Reports have suggested 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, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like there's a sense of despair," she says.

Due to 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 became the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and a unifying element all together."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho says she is aware that AI is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue art created by humans.

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they already exist. I understand performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust people have appreciation and want and love for authentic creations."

The film has also been dominating the global music charts, with multiple songs from its score appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and viewers globally are calling for a follow-up.

She tells us she would like to confirm the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to await the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

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

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