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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I lacked light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals the actress, who portrayed Rumi in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, forty, recalls her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to accept her identity as a hybrid being – and when she first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

These elements were components of her formative years that paralleled 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, your surroundings shapes your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for young Asian-Americans, the kind that was missing when in her youth.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and cultural roots.

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

But the movie's triumph was not guaranteed and the actress admits she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but whenever there's an Asian-led project, people feel like a gamble," she reveals.

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

The movie was launched amid heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

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

Korean news sources have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, Cho understood that the prejudice 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 this day and age, when I feel like the world 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 the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Perhaps this explains it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for some hope and something to unite us as one."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to produce a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

The actress says she is conscious that AI is already being used to copy actors' voices, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure they're going to have digital performers and singers. I know they're already here. I know performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I trust people have some respect and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its score appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and viewers around the world are demanding a follow-up.

She reveals she would like to confirm the question of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the studio, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I know rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would protest if it didn't happen."

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