Actor Ahn Hyo-seop shared his thoughts on the global success of K-Pop Demon Hunters.

The Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters (directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans) premiered on June 20 and quickly made waves, ranking No. 1 in the "Top 10" across 41 countries.

At the center of the buzz is the lead character "Jinwoo," a member of the fictional boy group "Saja Boys" and a reaper who hunts souls. Ahn Hyo-seop lent his voice for the English dubbing of Jinwoo.

Q&A with Ahn Hyo-seop

Q. What made you decide to join K-Pop Demon Hunters?

I've always been curious about voice acting. I also really wanted to give something back to fans overseas who have shown me so much love. Before I officially joined the project, director Maggie Kang sent me a heartfelt letter expressing her sincere interest in me and her deep affection for the film. Her honesty resonated with me, and I naturally felt drawn to be part of it.

Q. How was the recording process?

Since I was in Korea and the production team was based in the U.S., we worked together remotely via video call. We recorded not just the audio but also my facial expressions and movements next to the microphone. That footage was then used as a reference for animating Jinwoo — including his emotions, expressions, and gestures. I think that's what allowed Jinwoo and me to become truly synchronized.

Q. What was it like working with directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans?

Animation was a completely new experience for me, so there were parts that felt unfamiliar at first. But the directors guided me with care and patience. They let me explore different emotional nuances, speech tempos, and pacing — even for the same line. They created a space where I could express myself freely, and I'm deeply grateful for that.

Q. What do you think created Jinwoo's inner demons?

Jinwoo's darkness comes from the guilt that weighed on him and the pain from choices he had no control over. Facing that darkness isn't easy — but it's something we all go through. Jinwoo, too, confronts himself and grows stronger because of it.

Q. What were your thoughts after watching the final film?

I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion. When I read the script, I couldn't quite imagine how it would come to life. But when I watched the finished product, it far exceeded anything I had envisioned. It was so beautiful and moving that it almost felt like a dream.

Q. What sets K-Pop Demon Hunters apart from other animations?

I think the biggest difference is how emotion takes center stage. In many animations, music is often just in the background. But here, music, story, and emotion are deeply intertwined — it feels like a performance as much as a film.

Q. What message do you hope this film delivers?

That everyone has darkness within them, and that sometimes, it takes courage to face and accept it. In the end, LUMI (another character) finds the strength to believe in her own voice. I hope this film brings comfort and courage to those who watch it.

K-Pop Demon Hunters tells the story of the K-pop group "HUNTRIX," who live a double life — as global idols on stage and as demon hunters off stage. The film blends K-pop, fantasy, action, and traditional Korean elements in a refreshingly unique way.