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This exclusive piece explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from around the globe.

"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from evil forces, Rumi 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 others view me like I'm not, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she says.

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

"I can honestly say, at different points in my life, I despised many parts of me and I wanted to be someone else.

"As kids, what you see shapes who you become and it seems I lacked exposure to enough people that look like me."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and reached the highest positions of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when in her youth.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and cultural roots.

"I feel like Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty has had a significant influence on global appreciation for Korea. But I believe the film is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," Cho says.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho says she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it kind of sucks to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like a gamble," she says.

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

The movie was released amid heightened enforcement actions in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when in her youth stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as people didn't know what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the society and people ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes it appears we feel so hopeless," she says.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and something to unite us all together."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to make a film like the animation.

The actress says she is aware 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.

"Sure, I believe 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 want and love for something real."

The film has also been dominating the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its score appearing in the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan art, and viewers globally are demanding a sequel.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"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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