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This feature explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from around the globe.

"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals the actress, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's chart-topping movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, is describing her childhood in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, 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 identity as a hybrid being – and when she first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having others view me like I'm not, grappling with my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a female," she says.

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

"I can honestly say, at different points in my life, I despised a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings shapes your development and it seems I lacked exposure to enough people that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for young Asian-Americans, the kind that was missing when in her youth.

Cho says many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "a breath of fresh air", making them feel pride for the first instance of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"In my view Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty has had a significant influence on global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like the film is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and Cho says she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

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

So, when she accepted the part, she made an effort to connect with everyone working on the film face-to-face, she says.

The film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in many states.

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

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

As an adult, Cho came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from 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 world and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it became this movie of the summer, because we just needed positivity and something to unite us all together."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like the animation.

Cho acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and singers. I'm aware they're already here. I understand performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust people have some respect and desire for something real."

The film has also been dominating the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and viewers around the world are demanding a follow-up.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, to approve the project.

"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 it didn't happen."

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