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"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked blue eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed Rumi in Netflix's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, forty, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in the United States.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must save the world from dark powers, the protagonist has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, feeling 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 female," she says.

These were all components of her formative years that paralleled the character's path.

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

"During childhood, what you see influences your development and it seems I just didn't see sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in June, the animated feature registered millions of streams in just two weeks, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that she lacked when she was young.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"In my view K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe 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 production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it kind of sucks to mention this, but whenever there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like it's a risk," she reveals.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with everyone working on the film in person, she adds.

The film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in many states.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

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

As an grown-up, she came to realise that the prejudice she had encountered when she was younger stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"But now, in the modern era, when I feel like the society and people ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

Due to this, it feels very special, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters 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 some hope and a unifying element as one."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to produce a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho acknowledges she is conscious that AI is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue art created by humans.

"Certainly, I believe there will be AI actors and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust the public have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

The film has also been dominating the global music charts, with multiple songs from its soundtrack appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and viewers globally are calling for a sequel.

She reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the streaming service or the production company, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she says. "Only time will tell, and I think everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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