This is part of the Global Women series from the BBC World Service, sharing extraordinary interviews and stories from around the globe.
I hated that I looked Asian, that I didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair, because that's what was beautiful at the time, says Arden Cho, the actress who voiced Rumi, star of Netflix's chart-topping animated film, KPop Demon Hunters.
Cho, 40, is describing her childhood in Texas, as the eldest daughter of Korean immigrant parents and her struggle for acceptance in American society.
In the film, which tells the story of a female K-Pop trio 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 read the script this resonated powerfully.
Being born in America, feeling American but having people treat me like I'm not, trying to figure out my identity as an Asian-American, as a Korean-American, as a woman, she says.
Cho's experiences reflect the character's journey as she articulates her own struggles with self-acceptance and cultural identity.
When the film launched on Netflix in June, KPop Demon Hunters registered 33 million views in just two weeks, soaring to the top 10 in 93 countries, marking a significant moment for representation.
It was a dream come true for Cho to feature in the first Hollywood animated film focused on Korea, expressing that it has made her a powerful role model for many Asian-American children.
With soaring popularity, KPop Demon Hunters has resonated deeply with audiences, offering pride in dual heritage and celebrating Korean culture.
Despite the film's success, Cho acknowledges the challenges faced by Asian-led projects, emphasizing the need for greater representation in media to combat stereotypes and foster understanding.
Cho also remarked that the film provided hope amid difficult times, linking the success of KPop not only to the animated film but to a broader cultural appreciation of Korean art forms, including beauty and music.
