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"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked light-colored eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," says Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's chart-topping movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, is describing her childhood in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to come to terms with her identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, feeling American but having others view me like a foreigner, grappling with my identity as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

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

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my life, I despised a lot of myself and I longed to become a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences who you become and I feel like I lacked exposure to enough people that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters 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 Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the kind that she lacked when in her youth.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"I feel like Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," she comments.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho says she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to meet the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she says.

The film was launched amid increased immigration raids in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

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

Reports have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, she came to realise that the racism she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a lack of education, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in this day and age, when I feel like the world and people should know better, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it feels very special, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness to all these different communities".

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like the season's hit film, because we just needed some hope and something to unite us as one."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a major concern for the film industry, raising the possibility that in coming years it could be used to produce a movie like the animation.

The actress acknowledges she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy actors' voices, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Sure, I believe there will be AI actors and singers. I know they're already here. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and want and love for something real."

The film has also been dominating the global music charts, with seven tracks from its soundtrack appearing in the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the streaming service or the production company, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"I know rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."

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