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"{I hated that I had Asian features, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," reveals the actress, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's highly successful movie, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, is describing her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, 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 she first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having people treat me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she says.

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

"Truthfully, at various stages in my existence, I despised a lot of myself and I longed to become someone else.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just 14 days, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for Asian-American children, the type that she lacked when she was young.

Cho says many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"In my view Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, currently," Cho says.

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

"It seems it's unfortunate to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like it's a risk," she reveals.

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

The movie was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in many states.

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

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

As an adult, Cho came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a knowledge gap, as people didn't know what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when I feel like the society and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to various groups".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for some hope and something to unite us all together."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to make a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho says she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure there will be AI actors and singers. I know they're already here. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and want and love for authentic creations."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and audiences around the world are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the studio, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I know there's lots of murmurs, the feedback is positive," she shares. "So we shall see, and I think everyone in the world would riot if it didn't happen."

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