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This exclusive piece explores extraordinary interviews and stories from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," reveals Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, recalls her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, Rumi has to come to terms with her identity as a hybrid being – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having others view me like I'm not, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a female," she explains.

These elements were aspects of her formative years that mirrored Rumi's journey.

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

"As kids, what you see shapes your development and it seems I just didn't see enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, the animated feature achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the Netflix charts in dozens of nations. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that she lacked when in her youth.

She notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their mixed background 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 pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," Cho says.

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

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

So, when she took on the role, she took steps 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 extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

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

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

As an grown-up, she understood that the prejudice she had experienced when in her youth stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as people didn't know what it signified to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the world and people ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears 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's sort of like this movie of the summer, because we just needed 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 coming years it could be used to produce a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho says she is conscious that AI is already being used to copy actors' voices, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe there will be AI actors and vocalists. I know they're already here. I understand performers' voices are already being altered, but I trust people have some respect and desire for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with multiple songs from its soundtrack appearing in the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan art, and audiences around the world are demanding a follow-up.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the production company, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would protest if it didn't happen."

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