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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," reveals the actress, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's highly successful animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, forty, recalls her childhood in Texas, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

In the movie, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from evil forces, the protagonist has to come to terms with her identity as a hybrid being – and when she first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

"Being born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she explains.

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

"Truthfully, at different points in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences your development and it seems I lacked exposure to enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the highest positions of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for young Asian-Americans, the type that was missing when in her youth.

Cho says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them feel pride for the first instance 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 Korea being loved. But I believe this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress admits she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"I feel like it's unfortunate to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like a gamble," she says.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with everyone working on the film face-to-face, she says.

The film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Immigrants have made America what it is."

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

As an adult, she understood that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing and sometimes it appears there's a sense of despair," she says.

Because of this, it feels very special, 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 there was a need for some hope and a unifying element all together."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the film industry, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to produce a film like the animation.

Cho says she is conscious that AI is already being used to copy actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

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

Cho tells us she wishes she could answer the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both everyone involved will have to await the streaming service or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I know rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."

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