Actor Ahn Hyo-seop shared his thoughts and behind-the-scenes experiences regarding his participation in the dubbing of ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’.
The Netflix animated film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ has entered the top 10 in 93 countries worldwide and has ranked first in 41 countries, making headlines. At the center of it all is Ahn Hyo-seop, who plays the lead role of Jin-woo.
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ is produced by Sony Pictures Animation, known for global hits like ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. Co-directed by Korean-American director Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, known for ‘Wish Dragon’, the film has garnered attention for capturing both the identity of Korean culture and a global sensibility. The main cast includes global stars such as Aden Cho as Lumi, Ken Jeong as Bobby, and Lee Byung-hun as Gwi-ma, adding to the buzz.
Ahn Hyo-seop plays Jin-woo, a member of the K-pop idol group Lion Boys, delivering all his lines in English and showcasing high-level acting by expressing the nuances of emotions solely through his voice. By mastering voice acting, Ahn Hyo-seop has captured the hearts of global fans and proven his expanded spectrum through this work.
Notably, the fact that co-director Maggie Kang personally sent a handwritten letter to propose casting him demonstrates the deep trust and affection the production team has for him.
Ahn Hyo-seop stated through his agency, “Before participating in the project, Director Maggie Kang sent me a letter, in which I could feel her warm interest in me and deep affection for the work. I believed in that sincerity, and naturally, I wanted to create good results together.”
He also expressed, “I hope the message that everyone has an inner darkness and that sometimes it takes courage to acknowledge and face it is conveyed. Ultimately, it’s a story about gaining the strength to believe in one’s own voice and move forward, and I hope it brings comfort and courage to many people.”
Ahn Hyo-seop is set to release the film ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ on July 23 and is currently filming the new drama ‘Today’s Sold Out’.
Below is the full Q&A with Ahn Hyo-seop
Q1. What led you to participate in
A: I was curious about the new genre and the method of voice acting.
I also had a strong desire to leave some joyful memories for the fans who love us from abroad. The unique way of conveying the message of ‘love’ through music and K-pop also appealed to me.
Before participating in the project, Director Maggie Kang sent me a letter, in which I could feel her warm interest in me and deep affection for the work. I believed in that sincerity, and naturally, I wanted to create good results together.
Q2. What kind of work is
A: It’s a work full of charm. This piece is a fantasy that is closely related to our reality. There’s a Korean phrase I love, “beautiful,” which also carries the meaning of “being oneself.” This work conveys the message of accepting each person’s unique beauty, recognizing their own specialness, and loving themselves as they are.
Q3. What kind of character is ‘Jin-woo’ that you played?
A: Jin-woo made a dangerous choice to trade with Gwi-ma to be with his family, and as a result, he loses his soul. Nevertheless, I think he is a warm character who lives while holding onto affection and warmth for humanity. In that sense, I believe viewers will feel both compassion and love for him.
Q4. I heard the recording method is special.
A: (Except for the first meeting) I was in Korea while the production team was in the U.S., so we worked via video call. During the recording, I had a camera next to the microphone, capturing not only my voice but also my facial expressions and movements. The reference video recorded in that way was reflected in detailing the character’s expressions, emotions, and movements when creating Jin-woo. In fact, the completed Jin-woo’s face and style are based on my appearance, including outfits like hoodies. It was a process that went beyond simple voice acting, where body and expression were integrated, and I believe these processes played a crucial role in bringing the character to life. I think all these processes and the efforts of the production team allowed Jin-woo and me to synchronize.
Q5. What was it like working with Director Maggie Kang and Director Chris Appelhans?
A: It was truly an honor to work with Director Maggie Kang and Director Chris Appelhans. Since the genre of animation was a new working method for me, there were unfamiliar and challenging aspects, but both directors guided me delicately and warmly, allowing me to adapt quickly.
For example, they helped me explore how to convey the flow of emotions through voice alone. Even in the same scene, they encouraged me to try various intensities of emotion, speech speed, and pauses, helping the character come to life more dimensionally within the animation. I was impressed by their support in creating an open environment for free expression.
Q6. What does the inner demon of Jin-woo look like?
A: Jin-woo’s inner demon is shaped by the pain and guilt that have weighed him down, as well as the pain and regret stemming from unavoidable choices. Even if it was an unavoidable decision, those memories continue to torment him.
The inner voice comes as a low, heavy whisper, always obstructing and shaking the right direction.
Facing and accepting this inner darkness is never easy, but I believe it is a process that we all go through. Through such times, we can confront ourselves and become stronger individuals.
Q7. What kind of world is the background of this movie?
A: It may look like a fantasy, but upon closer inspection, it resembles the world we live in. It’s a place where good and evil coexist, where people’s desires and sacrifices collide. In that context, K-POP seems to act as a symbol of hope.
Q8. How did you feel when you first saw this movie?
A: I felt an indescribable sense of fullness in my heart.
While reading the script, I found it interesting, but since the genre of animation was unfamiliar to me, I couldn’t quite imagine how it would be realized. However, when I actually saw the completed film, it turned out to be an incredibly beautiful and moving work that far exceeded my imagination. Each scene felt like a dream.
Above all, if there are fans who will watch this work, I want to share this joy with them. I hope you all get immersed in this story like I did and feel the fun and emotion within it.
Q9. What is the most significant difference between this movie and other animations you have seen?
A: I think the biggest difference is that it is an animation centered on emotions. In most animations, music often exists as a background, but this work connects music, story, and emotions organically, making it feel like a stage while also approaching it as a film and a performance. This structure was very new and impressive to me.
Q10. What message do you want to convey through this work?
A: I hope the message that everyone has an inner darkness and that sometimes it takes courage to acknowledge and face it is conveyed. Ultimately, it’s a story about gaining the strength to believe in one’s own voice and move forward, and I hope it brings comfort and courage to many people.
Q11. What do you think about the power of imagination that animated films or series possess?
A: I believe animation is a genre that transcends the limits of imagination. Without the constraints of reality, it can visually realize everything that comes to mind. And within that, it can contain deep emotions, philosophies, and messages. Whether for adults or children, stories that resonate with the heart are the true power of animation.
As a long-time fan of Sony Pictures and a lover of animation, I am truly happy and honored to have participated in this project. I am so glad to meet you through Netflix.
