🔗 Share this article

This exclusive piece explores remarkable conversations and stories from worldwide.

"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," reveals the actress, who portrayed Rumi in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, forty, recalls her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her journey toward belonging in the United States.

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 part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having others view me like I'm not, grappling with my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman," she explains.

These were all aspects of her early life that paralleled Rumi's journey.

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my existence, I hated many parts of me and I longed to become a different person.

"During childhood, your surroundings influences who you become and it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, and reached the highest positions of the Netflix charts in dozens of nations. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for Cho "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the kind that she lacked when she was young.

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

"In my view K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe 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 says she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

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

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with the entire cast and crew in person, she adds.

The movie was released against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

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

Reports have estimated that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants without proper documentation, including adopted children, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when in her youth stemmed mainly from a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when I feel like the world and individuals should know better, it's deeply disheartening and at times I feel like there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to various groups".

"Perhaps this explains it became the season's hit film, because there was a need for some hope and something to unite us all together."

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

Cho acknowledges she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy actors' voices, but aims to "have hope in humanity" that individuals will still seek out human-made creativity.

"Certainly, I believe they're going to have digital performers and vocalists. I know they're already here. I understand performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope people have appreciation and desire for authentic creations."

The film has also been dominating the global music charts, with seven tracks from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and audiences around the world are calling for a follow-up.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the question 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 rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she shares. "So we shall see, and I think everyone in the world would riot if there wasn't."

• Starting conversations, fostering relationships and challenging misinformation through features, investigations, interviews and remarkable accounts