Ahn Hyo-seop from <K-Pop Demon Hunters> shared his thoughts on the film's success and behind-the-scenes of the recording.
As the Netflix animated film <K-Pop Demon Hunters> continues to achieve explosive global success, actor Ahn Hyo-seop, who voiced the leader of the idol group 'Saja Boys', Jinu, conveyed his thoughts through his agency, The Present Company.
Ahn Hyo-seop explained about the film, saying, "<K-Pop Demon Hunters> is a work that contains a lot of charm. It carries a message of accepting one's unique beauty, recognising one's own specialness, and loving oneself as they are." He also recalled the process of recording Jinu's voice, stating, "Not only my voice but also facial expressions and movements were filmed together. The recorded reference video was reflected in detailing the character's expressions, emotions, and movements when creating the character Jinu. It was a work that transcended simple voice acting, where body and expression were intertwined. That’s how Jinu and I could synchronise."
Below is the full Q&A with Ahn Hyo-seop.
Q1. What led you to participate in <K-Pop Demon Hunters>? I heard you received a letter from the production team, is that true?
A: I was curious about the new genre and the method of voice acting.
And I had a strong desire to leave something enjoyable for the fans who love us from abroad. The way the work conveys the message of 'love' through music and K-pop also approached me uniquely.
Before participating in the project, director Maggie Kang sent me a letter, and 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 <K-Pop Demon Hunters>?
A: It is a work that possesses a lot of charm. This work is a fantasy while also being a story that connects with our reality. There is a phrase in Korean that I love, which means "beautiful", and it also carries the meaning of "being myself". This work contains a message of accepting each person's unique beauty, recognising their own specialness, and loving themselves as they are.
Q3. What kind of character is 'Jinu' that you played?
A: Jinu made a dangerous choice to trade with the demon to be with his family, and as a result, he loses his soul. Nevertheless, I think he is a character who lives with warmth while holding onto affection and kindness towards humanity. In that sense, I believe viewers will feel both compassion and love.
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 USA, so we worked via video call. During the recording, I had a camera next to the microphone, and we filmed not only my voice but also my facial expressions and movements together. The recorded reference video was reflected in detailing the character's expressions, emotions, and movements when creating Jinu. In fact, the completed face and style of Jinu are based on my appearance. Even the clothing, like hoodies. It was a work that transcended simple voice acting, where body and expression were intertwined, and I believe these processes played an important role in bringing the character to life. I think that’s how Jinu and I could synchronise.
Q5. What was it like working with director Maggie Kang and director Chris Applehans?
A: It was truly an honour to work with director Maggie Kang and director Chris Applehans. Since the genre of animation was a new working method for me, there were unfamiliar and difficult parts, but both directors guided me delicately and warmly, so I was able to adapt quickly.
For example, 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 three-dimensionally within the animation. I was impressed by their efforts to create an open environment where I could express freely.
Q6. What does the demon inside Jinu look like?
A: The demon inside Jinu is created from the pain and guilt that has 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, I believe we can face ourselves and become stronger individuals.
Q 7. What kind of world is the background of this film?
A: It may look like a fantasy, but upon closer inspection, it resembles the world we live in. Good and evil coexist, and it is a place where people's desires and sacrifices collide. Within that, K-POP seems to act as a symbol of hope.
Q 8. How did you feel when you first saw this film?
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 realised. However, when I actually saw the completed film, it had become a truly beautiful and moving work that far exceeded my imagination, almost unbelievable. 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.
Q 9. What is the most different aspect of this film compared to other animations you have seen?
A: I think the biggest difference is that it is an animation centred on emotions. Usually, in 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 composition was very new and impressive to me.
Q 10. What message do you want to convey through this work?
A: I hope the message that everyone has their inner darkness and sometimes needs the courage to acknowledge and face it is conveyed. And ultimately, it is a story about gaining the strength to believe in one's own voice and move forward, so I hope it brings comfort and courage to many people.
Q 11. 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 realise everything that comes to mind. And within that, it can contain very deep emotions, philosophies, and messages. Whether adult or child, stories that touch the heart are the power of animation.
As a long-time fan of Sony Pictures and a lover of animation, I was truly happy and meaningful to be able to participate in this work. I am so glad to meet you through Netflix.
