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This exclusive piece explores remarkable conversations and stories from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I looked Asian, that I lacked blue eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, forty, recalls her early years in Texas, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a female K-Pop trio who must save the world from dark powers, Rumi has to accept her true nature as a hybrid being – 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, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she explains.

These were all aspects of her formative years that paralleled the character's path.

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

"During childhood, your surroundings influences who you become and I feel like I just didn't see sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, the animated feature achieved millions of streams in just 14 days, and reached the highest positions of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To be part of the pioneering animation with a Korean setting, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when she was young.

Cho says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first time of their dual heritage and culture.

"I feel like Korean pop music really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty 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, currently," she comments.

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

"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 meet the entire cast and crew in person, she says.

The film was launched amid increased immigration raids in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," she states. "Newcomers have shaped the nation."

Korean news sources have estimated that up to 150,000 Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be deported.

As an adult, she came to realise that the racism she had encountered when in her youth was largely due to a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the society and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and sometimes I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

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

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and something to unite us all together."

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

Cho says she is aware that AI is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Sure, I'm sure there will be digital performers and singers. I'm aware they already exist. I understand performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and desire for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are calling for a follow-up.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to await the platform or the production company, which made the film, to approve the project.

"I'm aware there's lots of murmurs, I've heard wonderful things," she says. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."

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