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"{I hated 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, 40, is describing her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must rescue humanity from dark powers, the protagonist has to accept her true nature as a hybrid being – and when Cho first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

"Being born in America, feeling American but having others view me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she says.

These elements were aspects of her formative years that mirrored the character's path.

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I longed to become someone else.

"During childhood, what you see 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 achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To star in the first Hollywood animated film with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that she lacked when in her youth.

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

"In my view Korean pop music has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I feel like this movie is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," Cho says.

But the movie's triumph was not guaranteed and Cho says she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it's unfortunate to say this, but any time 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 released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an Asian-American living in the US "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Reports have suggested that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, she came to realise that the racism she had encountered when in her youth stemmed mainly from a lack of education, 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 world and people ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing 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 all these different communities".

"Perhaps this explains it became this movie of the summer, because there was a need for some hope and a unifying element as one."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a significant worry for the film industry, creating the potential that in future it could be used to make a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho acknowledges she is aware that AI is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe there will be digital performers and singers. I know they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope the public have appreciation and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the international music rankings, with multiple songs from its soundtrack appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are calling for a follow-up.

She tells us she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, to give it the green light.

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

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