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"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," says the actress, who portrayed the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping movie, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, forty, is describing her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must save the world from evil forces, the protagonist has to accept her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Being born in America, identifying as American but having others view me like I'm not, grappling with my identity as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she explains.

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

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my existence, I hated many parts of me and I wanted to be a different person.

"As kids, your surroundings shapes 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 secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To be part of 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 young Asian-Americans, the type that was missing when she was young.

Cho notes many Korean-Americans have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and culture.

"I feel like K-Pop has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty 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, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho admits she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like it's a risk," she says.

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

The film 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 person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Reports have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

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

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

Due to this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it's sort of like this movie of the summer, because we just needed 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 coming years it could be used to make a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

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 believe they're going to have digital performers and vocalists. I know they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope people have some respect and desire for authentic creations."

The film has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and viewers around the world are demanding a follow-up.

Cho tells us she would like to confirm the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the production company, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she shares. "So we shall see, and I believe fans everywhere would riot if it didn't happen."

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