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"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," says the actress, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, forty, recalls her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in the United States.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must save the world from dark powers, Rumi has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when she first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having people treat me like a foreigner, grappling with my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she explains.

These were all components of her formative years that mirrored Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at different points in my existence, I hated many parts of me and I longed to become someone else.

"As kids, what you see influences who you become and it seems I just didn't see sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when she was young.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their mixed background and culture.

"In my view K-Pop has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe this movie 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 the actress admits she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to say 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 connect with everyone working on the film in person, she says.

The movie was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Immigrants 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, Cho 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 Korean or Asian.

"But now, in the modern era, when it seems the world and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

Due to this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that the film 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 some hope and a unifying element as one."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, 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 AI is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Certainly, I believe there will be digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I know our voices are already being altered, but I trust the public have appreciation and want and love for something real."

The film has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are calling for a follow-up.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to await the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware there's lots of murmurs, I've heard wonderful things," she says. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would riot if it didn't happen."

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