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This exclusive piece explores extraordinary interviews and stories from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I lacked blue eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," says Arden Cho, who portrayed Rumi in the streaming platform's highly successful animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, recalls her childhood in the southern state, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio who must rescue humanity from evil forces, the protagonist has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having others view me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Asian-American, as a woman," she explains.

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

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

"During childhood, what you see influences your development and it seems I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in June, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and secured the highest positions of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film set in Korea, with Korean leads, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for Asian-American children, the type that was missing when she was young.

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

"In my view K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty has had a significant influence on Korea being loved. But I believe the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, everybody wants to go to Korea, currently," she comments.

But the film's success was not guaranteed and the actress admits she felt the team making it were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"It seems it kind of sucks to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, it's perceived like a gamble," she reveals.

So, when she took on the role, she made an effort to connect with everyone working on the film face-to-face, she adds.

The film was released against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an Asian-American living in the US "it's heartbreaking and disappointing," says Cho. "Immigrants have made America what it is."

Korean news sources have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand individuals from Korea lacking legal status, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be removed.

As an adult, 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 Korean or Asian.

"But now, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and sometimes I feel like we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

Because of this, it's particularly meaningful, she says, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "hope and joy and love to all these different communities".

"Maybe that's why it became the season's hit film, because we just needed some hope and something to unite us all together."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a significant worry for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to make a movie like the animation.

Cho says she is conscious that technology is already being used to replicate actors' voices, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that individuals will still seek out art created by humans.

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

KPop Demon Hunters has also been dominating the global music charts, with multiple songs from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences globally are demanding a follow-up.

She tells us she would like to confirm 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 give it the green light.

"I know 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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