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"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," says the actress, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, 40, is describing her early years in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the film, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, Rumi has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho 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, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she explains.

These elements were components of her early life that paralleled Rumi's journey.

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

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

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, 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 Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that was missing when in her youth.

She says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"I feel like K-Pop has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I feel like this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," Cho says.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and the actress says she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she adds.

The movie was released against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

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

Reports have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants 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 experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when I feel like the society and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it became this movie of the summer, because we just needed some hope and a unifying element all together."

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

The actress says she is aware that AI is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still pursue art created by humans.

"Certainly, I believe there will be digital performers and vocalists. I know they already exist. I know our voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have some respect and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been dominating the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its score featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan art, and viewers around the world are demanding a sequel.

She tells us she would like to confirm the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the platform 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 everyone in the world would protest if it didn't happen."

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