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This exclusive piece explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from worldwide.

"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, 40, recalls her childhood in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, which tells the story of a girl group who must rescue humanity from evil forces, Rumi has to accept her identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having others view me like I'm not, grappling with my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

These were all components of her formative years that mirrored Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at various stages in my life, I hated many parts of me and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings shapes who you become 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 33 million views in just 14 days, and reached the highest positions of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To star in the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the kind that was missing when in her youth.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "a breath of fresh air", 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 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," Cho says.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress admits she felt the team making it were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"I feel like it's unfortunate to mention this, but any time there's an production with Asian leads, people feel like a gamble," she reveals.

So, when she accepted the part, she took steps to meet the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she adds.

The movie was released against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the United States 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. "Immigrants have made America what it is."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to 150,000 individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the world and individuals 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 feels very special, she says, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness 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 as one."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the film industry, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to make a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to copy performers' vocals, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still pursue art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and vocalists. I know they already exist. I understand performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have some respect and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been dominating the global music charts, with multiple songs from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and viewers around the world are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – 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 says. "So we shall see, and I think fans everywhere would riot if it didn't happen."

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