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"{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, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, recalls her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child 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 save the world from dark powers, Rumi has to come to terms with her true nature as a hybrid being – and when she first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having people treat me like I'm not, grappling with my identity as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she explains.

These elements were components of her formative years that paralleled Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I longed to become a different person.

"As kids, what you see shapes who you become and it seems I just didn't see enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the kind that she lacked when she was young.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "a breath of fresh air", making them feel pride for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I feel like this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

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

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention 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 took steps to meet the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she says.

The film was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent living in the US "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

Korean news sources have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea lacking legal status, 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 in her youth was largely due to a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the world and people should know better, 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 "hope and joy and love 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 major concern 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 conscious that AI is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still pursue art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe there will be AI actors and vocalists. I'm aware they already exist. I know our voices are already being altered, but I hope the public have appreciation and desire for something real."

The film has also been dominating the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its score appearing in the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan art, and audiences globally are calling for a follow-up.

She tells us she would like to confirm the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the production company, which produced the movie, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if it didn't happen."

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