🔗 Share this article

This exclusive piece explores remarkable conversations and stories from worldwide.

"{I hated 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 the actress, who voiced Rumi in Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.

The performer, 40, recalls her early years in the southern state, as the eldest daughter of parents who emigrated from Korea and her struggle for acceptance in American society.

In the movie, which narrates the tale of a girl group who must rescue humanity from evil forces, the protagonist has to accept her true nature as part human, part demon – and when she first read the script, this struck a deep chord.

"Growing up in the US, feeling 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 woman," she says.

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

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

"During childhood, your surroundings influences your development and it seems I just didn't see enough people that look like me."

When it debuted on the platform in the summer, the animated feature achieved 33 million views in just 14 days, and reached the highest positions of the Netflix charts in 93 countries. To be part of the first Hollywood animated film with a Korean setting, with Korean leads, was for her "a dream come true" – but it has also made her a inspiring figure for young Asian-Americans, the type that was missing when in her youth.

Cho says many Korean-Americans have told her it's "a breath of fresh air", making them proud for the first instance 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, currently," Cho says.

But the movie's triumph was uncertain and the actress says she felt the production crew were "occasionally struggling against odds".

"I feel like it kind of sucks to say this, but whenever there's an production with Asian leads, people feel 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 film was launched against the backdrop of heightened enforcement actions in the US as part of mass deportation efforts, which triggered demonstrations in numerous regions.

As an person of Asian descent living in the US "it's deeply saddening," she states. "Newcomers have made America what it is."

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

As an grown-up, Cho understood that the racism she had experienced when in her youth was largely due to a lack of education, as people didn't know what it signified to be of Asian descent.

"However today, in this day and age, when it seems the world and individuals should know better, it's deeply disheartening and at times it appears we feel so hopeless," she expresses.

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

"Maybe that's why it's sort of like the season's hit film, because there was a need for positivity and something to unite us as one."

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.

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

"Certainly, I'm sure there will be digital performers and vocalists. I'm aware they already exist. I know performers' voices are already being manipulated, but I hope people have appreciation and want and love for something real."

KPop Demon Hunters has also been leading the global music charts, with seven tracks from its score featured on the prestigious charts. It has its own fan art, and audiences around the world are calling for a follow-up.

She reveals she wishes she could answer the inquiry of if a sequel is planned – but both everyone involved will have to wait for the streaming service or the studio, which produced the movie, 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 think fans everywhere would protest if it didn't happen."

• Initiating discussions, building connections and challenging misinformation through features, in-depth reports, interviews and extraordinary stories