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"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked light-colored eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," says the actress, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's highly successful movie, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, recalls her childhood in Texas, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the film, which tells the story of a girl group who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, feeling American but having others view me like I'm not, grappling with my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

These elements were components of her early life that paralleled the character's path.

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

"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 June, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just 14 days, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To star in the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that was missing when she was young.

Cho notes 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 Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress says 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 production with Asian leads, it's perceived like a gamble," she reveals.

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 film was released amid heightened enforcement actions in the US 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," she states. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Reports have estimated 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 grown-up, Cho came to realise that the racism she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a lack of education, as people didn't know what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in this day and age, when I feel like the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it feels very special, she says, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

"Maybe that's why it became this movie of the summer, because we just needed some hope and a unifying element 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.

Cho says she is conscious that AI is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still seek out art created by humans.

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be AI actors and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I hope the public have appreciation and desire for something real."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are calling for a follow-up.

Cho tells us she wishes she could answer the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which made the film, to approve the project.

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

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