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This feature explores extraordinary interviews and narratives from worldwide.

"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful back then," says Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character in the streaming platform's chart-topping movie, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, forty, recalls her early years in Texas, as the eldest daughter 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 come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first read the script, this resonated powerfully.

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

These were all components of her formative years that paralleled Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at various stages in my life, I hated many parts of me and I longed to become someone else.

"As kids, your surroundings influences your development 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 achieved 33 million views in just two weeks, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film with a Korean setting, with Korean leads, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the kind that was missing when she was young.

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

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had such a big impact on global appreciation for Korea. But I believe the film is the one that pushed it further, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, now," she comments.

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

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but whenever 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 everyone working on the film in person, she says.

The movie was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in many states.

As an Asian-American residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Reports have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea lacking legal status, including adopted children, are among those who could be deported.

As an grown-up, Cho 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 the modern era, when it seems the world and individuals ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and at times it appears we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because we just needed positivity and something to unite us as one."

The growth of AI is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like the animation.

Cho acknowledges 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 art created by humans.

"Certainly, I'm sure they're going to have digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have some respect and want and love for authentic creations."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been dominating the global music charts, with seven tracks from its soundtrack appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and audiences around the world are demanding a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware there's lots of murmurs, the feedback is positive," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I think fans everywhere would protest if there wasn't."

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