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This feature delves into extraordinary interviews and stories from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have blue eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," says Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

Cho, 40, is describing 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 tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must save the world from evil forces, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

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

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

"As kids, what you see shapes your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. 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 established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the kind that was missing when in her youth.

She says many individuals of Korean descent have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first time of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I believe this movie is the one that pushed it further, of, inspiring travel to Korea, currently," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was not guaranteed and the actress admits she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like a gamble," she reveals.

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

The film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

As an person of Asian descent living in the US "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Reports have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, Cho understood that the racism she had encountered when in her youth stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when it seems the world and people ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

Due to this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and a unifying element all together."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a major concern for the film industry, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to make a film like the animation.

Cho acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still seek out art created by humans.

"Certainly, I believe they're going to have digital performers and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I know our voices are already being altered, but I hope the public have some respect and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are calling for a sequel.

She reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both everyone involved will have to wait for 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 think everyone in the world would protest if there wasn't."

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