Ahn Hyo Seop Reflects on Global Success of Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’

By Ann Tate | June 28, 2025

By Marie Claire Korea - YouTube: 🎈Ahn Hyo Seop POP QUIZ🎈 (Time: 02m19s)  CC BY 3.0, via wikimedia commons

Netflix’s latest animated sensation KPop Demon Hunters has quickly become a global phenomenon. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film premiered on June 20 and soared to the top of Netflix’s Top 10 rankings in 41 countries. At the heart of the film’s success is Korean actor Ahn Hyo Seop, who voices the English version of Jinwoo—a glamorous K-pop idol by day and a grim reaper by night.

In a recent interview, Ahn Hyo Seop opened up about what drew him to the project and the experience of stepping into the world of animation for the first time.

Choosing the Role: A Personal Connection

"I’ve always been curious about voice acting, and I wanted to give something back to my international fans," Ahn shared. The actor was especially moved by a heartfelt letter from director Maggie Kang, whose passion and sincerity for the project convinced him to join.

Remote Recording Across Continents

Due to scheduling and location differences, all of Ahn’s voice recordings were done remotely from Korea while the production team worked in the U.S. “We set up a camera beside the mic to capture my expressions. Those videos helped animators sync Jinwoo’s emotions with my voice,” he explained. This unique approach brought depth and authenticity to the character’s animated performance.

A New Creative Challenge

Although animation was unfamiliar territory for Ahn, the directors helped him navigate the process. “They gave me room to explore different tones, speeds, and deliveries,” he said. "It felt like creative freedom wrapped in care and guidance."

Understanding Jinwoo’s Emotional Depth

Ahn also discussed the emotional complexity of Jinwoo, a character shaped by guilt and regret. “Everyone has a shadow they must face,” he noted. “Jinwoo’s growth comes from confronting that pain. It’s a very human journey, even in a fantasy setting.”

The Final Product: A Dream Realized

Reflecting on the final version of the film, Ahn said, “My heart was full. It surpassed all expectations. Every frame felt like a dream—so emotional and beautiful.” The actor praised the way music, action, and storytelling were seamlessly blended, describing the experience as more like a live performance than a traditional animated film.

A Message of Strength and Acceptance

At its core, KPop Demon Hunters is about inner strength and accepting one’s darker side. “I hope the film helps people feel seen and supported,” Ahn shared. “Like the lead character Rumi, I hope viewers find the courage to embrace every part of themselves.”

Celebrating Korean Culture Through K-pop and Fantasy

The film follows HUNTRIX, a fictional K-pop girl group who balance their lives as idols and demon slayers. With its bold mix of K-pop glamor, fantasy combat, emotional storytelling, and traditional Korean elements, KPop Demon Hunters has struck a chord with viewers worldwide.

As KPop Demon Hunters continues to top charts and captivate audiences, Ahn Hyo Seop’s heartfelt performance as Jinwoo stands out as one of its many highlights—marking not only a career milestone for the actor but a landmark moment in global K-pop storytelling.