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This exclusive piece delves into remarkable conversations and narratives from around the globe.

"{I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and fair hair, because those were the beauty standards back then," says Arden Cho, who portrayed the lead character in the streaming platform's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, forty, is describing her childhood in the southern state, as the firstborn child of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in the United States.

In the film, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must save the world from dark powers, the protagonist has to come to terms with her identity as a hybrid being – 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 identity as an Korean-American, as a Asian-American, as a female," she explains.

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

"I can honestly say, at various stages in my existence, I hated a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, what you see influences who you become and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, KPop Demon Hunters achieved millions of streams in just two weeks, and reached the top 10 of the streaming rankings in 93 countries. To be part of the pioneering animation set in Korea, with Asian protagonists, was for Cho "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that she lacked when in her youth.

She notes many individuals of Korean descent have told her it's "such a refreshing moment", making them proud for the first instance of their dual heritage and cultural roots.

"In my view K-Pop has genuinely broken barriers. K-beauty has had such a big impact on Korea being loved. But I feel like the film is the one that tipped it over the edge, of, inspiring travel to Korea, now," she comments.

But the film's success was uncertain and Cho says she felt the team making it were "sometimes facing an uphill battle".

"It seems it's unfortunate to mention this, but any time there's an Asian-led project, people feel like it's a risk," she says.

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

The film was launched against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the United States as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in many states.

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

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

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

"But now, in the modern era, when I feel like the society and people ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she says.

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

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like this movie of the summer, because we just needed some hope and a unifying element as one."

The growth of AI is a major concern for the entertainment sector, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to produce a film like the animation.

Cho acknowledges she is aware that technology is already being used to replicate performers' vocals, but aims to "maintain faith in people" that audiences will still pursue art created by humans.

"Sure, I believe they're going to have digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they already exist. I know our voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have appreciation and want and love for authentic creations."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with multiple songs from its soundtrack featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan creations, and audiences around the world are calling for a sequel.

Cho reveals she would like to confirm the inquiry of whether that will happen – but both she and fans will have to wait for the platform or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I know there's lots of murmurs, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "Only time will tell, and I believe fans everywhere would riot if there wasn't."

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