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"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," says Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's highly successful movie, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, is describing her childhood in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the film, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from evil forces, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as a hybrid being – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

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

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

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

"As kids, your surroundings shapes your development and it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. 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 established her as a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when she was young.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first time of their dual heritage and cultural roots.

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I feel like this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress says she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"I feel like it's unfortunate to say 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 took steps to meet everyone working on the film face-to-face, she adds.

The film was released amid increased immigration raids in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in many states.

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

Reports have suggested 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 understood that the racism she had encountered when in her youth was largely due to a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified 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's particularly meaningful, she notes, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

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

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

Cho says she is conscious that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I believe there will be AI actors and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I hope 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 Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are calling for a follow-up.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the question of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to await the platform or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I know rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she says. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would riot if there wasn't."

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