🔗 Share this article

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 fair hair, because those were the beauty standards at the time," reveals Arden Cho, who voiced the lead character in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho, forty, is describing her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents 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 identity as part human, part demon – and when Cho first saw the screenplay, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, feeling American but having others view me like a foreigner, grappling with my identity as an Korean-American, as a Korean-American, as a female," she says.

These elements were components of her early life that mirrored Rumi's journey.

"Truthfully, at different points in my existence, I despised a lot of myself and I wanted to be a different person.

"During childhood, what you see shapes your development and I feel like I lacked exposure to sufficient individuals that shared my appearance."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, the animated feature registered millions of streams in just 14 days, and secured the top 10 of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To star in 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.

She notes many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first instance of their mixed background and culture.

"I feel like K-Pop really, truly, has paved the way. K-beauty 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, now," she comments.

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

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

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

The movie was released against the backdrop of increased immigration raids in the US as part of extensive removal policies, which sparked protests in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent residing in America "it's deeply saddening," says Cho. "Immigrants have shaped the nation."

Reports have suggested that up to one hundred fifty thousand Korean immigrants lacking legal status, including those who were adopted, are among those who could be removed.

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the prejudice she had encountered when she was younger was largely due to a knowledge gap, as many were unaware what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in the modern era, when it seems the world and individuals ought to be more informed, it is beyond disappointing and at times it appears there's a sense of despair," she says.

Because of this, it feels very special, she notes, that KPop Demon Hunters could bring "optimism and happiness to all these different communities".

"Perhaps this explains it became the season's hit film, because we just needed positivity and a unifying element all together."

The advancement of artificial intelligence is a major concern for the film industry, raising the possibility that in future it could be used to produce a film like KPop Demon Hunters.

Cho acknowledges she is aware 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'm sure there will be digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they're already here. I know performers' voices are already being altered, but I hope people have some respect and desire for authentic creations."

The film has also been dominating the international music rankings, with seven tracks from its score appearing in the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and viewers globally are calling for a follow-up.

Cho reveals she wishes she could answer the question of whether that will happen – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which made the film, to give it the green light.

"I'm aware rumors are circulating, I've heard wonderful things," she shares. "So we shall see, and I believe everyone in the world would protest if it didn't happen."

• Starting conversations, building connections and challenging misinformation through features, investigations, interviews and remarkable accounts