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This feature delves into extraordinary interviews and narratives from around the globe.

"{I disliked that I had Asian features, that I didn't have light-colored eyes and fair hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, the K-pop themed animation.

The performer, 40, is describing her childhood in the southern state, as the firstborn child of parents who emigrated from Korea and her journey toward belonging in American society.

In the movie, which tells the story of a girl group who must save the world from evil forces, Rumi has to come to terms with her true nature as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this resonated powerfully.

"Being born in America, feeling American but having others view me like a foreigner, trying to figure out my sense of self as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she says.

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

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

"As kids, your surroundings shapes who you become and it seems I lacked exposure to enough people that shared my appearance."

When it launched on Netflix in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the streaming rankings in dozens of nations. To star in the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for her "an aspiration realized" – but it has also established her as a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that she lacked when she was young.

She notes many Korean-Americans have expressed it's "such a refreshing moment", making them feel pride for the first time of their mixed background and cultural roots.

"I feel like K-Pop has genuinely broken barriers. Korean cosmetics 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, now," Cho says.

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

"I feel like it kind of sucks to say this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like it's a risk," she reveals.

So, when she accepted the part, she took steps to meet the entire cast and crew face-to-face, she says.

The movie was launched amid increased immigration raids in the United States as part of extensive removal policies, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

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

As an grown-up, she understood that the prejudice she had encountered when she was younger was largely due to a lack of education, as many were unaware what it meant to be Korean or Asian.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the society and individuals ought to be more informed, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she says.

Due to this, it feels very special, she says, that the film could bring "optimism and happiness to various groups".

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

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in coming years it could be used to make a movie like the animation.

The actress acknowledges she is conscious that technology is already being used to copy actors' voices, but wants to "have hope in humanity" that audiences will still pursue human-made creativity.

"Sure, I believe there will be digital performers and singers. I'm aware they're already here. I understand our voices are already being altered, but I trust people have some respect and desire for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the Billboard Hot 100. It has its own fan art, and audiences globally are calling for a sequel.

She tells us she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both she and fans will have to await the platform or the production company, which produced the movie, to approve the project.

"I know rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "So we shall see, and I believe fans everywhere would riot if there wasn't."

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