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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have blue eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," reveals the actress, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's highly successful movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, 40, recalls her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the film, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must save the world from dark powers, Rumi has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having people treat me like I'm not, grappling with my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she explains.

These were all aspects of her early life that paralleled Rumi's journey.

"I can honestly say, at different points in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be someone else.

"During childhood, what you see shapes who you become and it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, the animated feature achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To be part of 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 she lacked when she was young.

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

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, currently," she comments.

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

"I feel like it kind of sucks to mention this, but whenever there's an production with Asian leads, people feel like a gamble," she reveals.

So, when she took on the role, she took steps to meet the entire cast and crew in person, she adds.

The movie was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids 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 heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

Reports have suggested that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as people didn't know what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals should know better, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like we feel so hopeless," 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".

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like the season's hit film, because we just needed some hope and something to unite us all together."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to make a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

The actress says she is conscious that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure they're going to have digital performers and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and desire for authentic creations."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are calling for a follow-up.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, 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 riot if there wasn't."

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