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"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I lacked blue eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed Rumi in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, forty, is describing 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 evil forces, Rumi has to accept her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, identifying as American but having people treat me like I'm not, grappling with my identity as an Korean-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 various stages in my life, I hated many parts of me and I wanted to be someone else.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences your development and I feel like I just didn't see sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in June, KPop Demon Hunters achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To star in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when in her youth.

Cho 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 mixed background and culture.

"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 believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and Cho admits she felt the team making it were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it kind of sucks to mention this, but whenever there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like it's a risk," she reveals.

So, when she accepted the part, she took steps to meet everyone working on the film face-to-face, she says.

The movie was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in many states.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Immigrants have made America what it is."

Reports have estimated 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 came to realise that the racism she had encountered when she was younger was largely due to a lack of education, as people didn't know what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the society and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times 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 various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like this movie of the summer, because we just needed positivity and something to unite us as one."

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

The actress acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Sure, I'm sure they're going to have AI actors and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and desire for something real."

The film has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry 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 give it the green light.

"I know there's lots of murmurs, the feedback is positive," she says. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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