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This feature explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked light-colored eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced Rumi in the streaming platform's highly successful movie, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, is describing her early years 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 female K-Pop trio who must save the world from evil forces, the protagonist has to accept her true nature as a hybrid being – and when Cho first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Being born in America, identifying as American but having others view me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my identity as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she explains.

These elements were aspects of her early life that mirrored Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at different points in my life, I hated a lot of myself and I longed to become a different person.

"As kids, your surroundings shapes who you become and it seems I just didn't see sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the pioneering animation with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that she lacked when she was young.

She says many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"In my view K-Pop 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 pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho says she felt the team making it were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it's unfortunate to say this, but whenever there's an production with Asian leads, it's perceived like it's a risk," she reveals.

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

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

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," she states. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, Cho came to realise that the racism she had encountered when in her youth was largely due to a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals should know better, it is beyond disappointing 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".

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and something to unite us as one."

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 the animation.

The actress says she is conscious that AI is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure there will be digital performers and vocalists. I know they already exist. I understand performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have some respect and desire for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters 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 audiences globally are demanding a sequel.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the question of whether that will happen – but both everyone involved will have to await the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, to give it the green light.

"I know rumors are circulating, 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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