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"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I lacked light-colored eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," says the actress, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's highly successful animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, recalls her childhood in Texas, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from evil forces, Rumi has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

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

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

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

"During childhood, your surroundings influences who you become and it seems I just didn't see enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, the animated feature registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the top 10 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 "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.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance 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 global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," she comments.

But the film's success was uncertain and the actress says she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

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

So, when she accepted the part, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she says.

The movie was released amid 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. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, she came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when in her youth stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when I feel like the world and individuals ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she says.

Due to this, it feels very special, she says, 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 significant worry for the film industry, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to produce a film like the animation.

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

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be digital performers and singers. I know they already exist. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I trust the public have appreciation and desire for something real."

The film has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and viewers around the world are demanding a follow-up.

She tells us she wishes she could answer the question 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 know rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she says. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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