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 Jinu of the idol group 'Saja Boys', 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, recognizing 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 sync up," he shared the behind-the-scenes story.
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 some joyful memories 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, recognizing one's own specialness, and loving oneself 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 warm character who lives while holding onto affection and warmth for 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 United States, so we worked via video call. During the recording, I placed a camera next to the microphone, filming not only my voice but also my facial expressions and movements. The recorded reference video was reflected in detailing the character's expressions, emotions, and movements when creating the character 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 such processes played an important role in breathing life into the character. I think that’s how Jinu and I could sync up.
Q5. What was it like working with director Maggie Kang and director Chris Applehans?
A: It was truly an honor 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 had me try various intensities of emotion, speech speed, and intervals, helping the character come to life much more three-dimensionally within the animation. I was impressed by how they created an open environment for me to express freely.
Q6. What does the demon inside Jinu look like?
A: The demon inside Jinu is created from the pain and guilt that have oppressed him, 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 a little stronger.
Q 7. What kind of world is the background of this movie?
A: It looks like a fantasy, but if you look closely, it resembles the world we live in. Good and evil coexist, and it is a place where people's desires and sacrifices collide. In that, K-POP seems to act as a symbol of hope.
Q 8. How did you feel when you first saw this movie?
A: I felt an indescribable feeling of my heart being filled.
I felt it was fun while reading the script, 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 became a truly beautiful and touching work that far exceeded what I had imagined, 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 movie compared to other animations you have seen?
A: I think the biggest difference is that it is an animation centered on emotions. Usually, in animations, music often exists as a background, but this work is organically connected with music, story, and emotions, making it feel like a stage, while also approaching it as a movie 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 think animation is a genre that transcends the limits of imagination. Without the constraints of reality, you can visually realize everything that comes to mind. And within that, you can also 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.
