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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I lacked blue eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, recalls her early years in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must rescue humanity from dark powers, Rumi has to come to terms with her identity as a hybrid being – and when Cho first read the script, 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 Asian-American, as a woman," she says.

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

"Truthfully, at different points in my life, I despised many parts of me and I wanted to be a different person.

"As kids, your surroundings influences your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when in her youth.

She says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first time of their dual heritage and culture.

"In my view K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," Cho says.

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

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to meet everyone working on the film face-to-face, she adds.

The movie was released amid heightened enforcement actions in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

As an person of Asian descent living in the US "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

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

As an grown-up, Cho came to realise that the racism she had encountered when in her youth stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"But now, in the modern era, when it seems the society and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she says.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because we just needed positivity and a unifying element all together."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the film industry, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to produce a movie like the animation.

The actress says she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still pursue art created by humans.

"Sure, I'm sure there will be AI actors and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I know our voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

The film has also been leading the global music charts, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are demanding a sequel.

Cho tells us she wishes she could answer the question of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she says. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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