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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 light-colored eyes and blonde hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," says Arden Cho, who portrayed Rumi in the streaming platform's highly successful movie, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, 40, is describing her childhood 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 female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from dark powers, Rumi has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, identifying as American but having people treat me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she explains.

These elements were components of her formative years that paralleled the character's path.

"I can honestly say, at different points in my existence, I hated many parts of me and I longed to become someone else.

"During childhood, what you see influences who you become and it seems I just didn't see enough people that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and secured the highest positions of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation with a Korean setting, with Korean leads, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a powerful role model for young Asian-Americans, the kind that she lacked 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 K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. Korean cosmetics has had a significant influence 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, now," she comments.

But the movie's triumph was not guaranteed and Cho admits she felt the production crew were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to say this, but whenever there's an production with Asian leads, it's perceived 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 adds.

The film was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

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

Reports have estimated that up to 150,000 individuals from Korea without proper documentation, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be deported.

As an grown-up, Cho came to realise that the prejudice she had experienced when she was younger stemmed mainly from a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be of Asian descent.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the society and people should know better, it is beyond disappointing and sometimes it appears there's a sense of despair," she expresses.

Due to this, it feels very special, she says, that the film could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

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

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, creating the potential that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like KPop Demon Hunters.

The actress acknowledges she is aware that AI is already being used to copy actors' voices, but wants to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be AI actors and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I know performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I trust the public have appreciation and want and love for authentic creations."

The film 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 viewers globally are demanding a sequel.

Cho tells us she would like to confirm the question of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to await the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"I know rumors are circulating, the feedback is positive," she says. "Only time will tell, and I think fans everywhere would protest if there wasn't."

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