Actor Ahn Hyo-seop participated in the voice acting for the Netflix animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters', which entered the top 10 in 93 countries worldwide immediately after its release, recording the number one spot in 41 countries and drawing attention with its unprecedented global success. At the center of this is Ahn Hyo-seop, who plays the lead role of 'Jin-woo'.

'KPop Demon Hunters' is a project that involved Sony Pictures Animation, known for producing global hits like 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse', and is co-directed by Korean-American director Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans of 'Wish Dragon'. It has garnered attention as content that simultaneously embodies the identity of Korean culture and a global sensibility. The main cast includes global stars such as Aden Choi as Lumi, Ken Jeong as Bobby, and Lee Byung-hun as Gui-ma, further heightening the buzz.

The agency The Present Company stated regarding the film's success, "K-POP has now become a symbolic case showing that it has established itself as a central element in designing the structure of global content."

Ahn Hyo-seop plays the character 'Jin-woo', a member of the K-pop idol group 'Sajaboys', delivering all the lines in English and showcasing high-level acting by expressing the nuances of emotions solely through his voice. His sensuous performance has received praise from viewers worldwide, enhancing the immersion of the film. Thanks to this popularity, some interview videos have been released through Netflix's global official channel, adding significance.

Not only showcasing his acting but also captivating global fans with his voice acting, Ahn Hyo-seop has demonstrated an expanded spectrum and immersion through this project. In particular, the anecdote that the co-director, Korean-American director Maggie Kang, personally sent a handwritten letter with the casting offer shows the deep trust and affection the production team has for him.

Meanwhile, Ahn Hyo-seop is set to release the film 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' on July 23 and is currently filming the new drama 'Sold Out Again Today'. His active career, characterized by acting skills and sincerity towards fans, is ongoing.

[Next is Ahn Hyo-seop's Q&A transcript.]

Q1. What led you to participate in 'KPop Demon Hunters'? There's a story about receiving 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 really wanted to leave enjoyable memories for the fans who have shown great affection from abroad. The message of 'love' that the work conveys through music and K-pop approached me uniquely.

Before participating in the project, director Maggie Kang sent me a letter, and within it, I could feel her warm interest in me and deep affection for the work. I believed in her sincerity, and a natural desire grew within me to create good results together.

Q2. What kind of work is 'KPop Demon Hunters'?

A: It is a work that encompasses many charms. This piece is a fantasy while also connecting to our reality. There is a saying in Korean that I love, which means 'beautiful,' but it also implies 'being myself.' This work conveys the message to embrace each person's unique beauty, acknowledge their specialness, and love themselves as they are.

Q3. What kind of character is 'Jin-woo', the character you played?

A: Jin-woo made a dangerous choice to make a transaction with Gui-ma to be with his family, and as a result, he loses his soul. Nevertheless, I think he is a warm character who lives with affection and kindness towards humanity. In that regard, viewers may be able to feel both empathy and love.

Q4. I heard the recording method is special.

A: ( excluding the first meeting) I was in Korea while the production team was in the United States, so we worked remotely. During the recording, a camera was placed next to the microphone to capture 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 Jin-woo. In fact, the completed face and style of Jin-woo are partly based on my appearance, including outfits like hoodies. It was a project that transcended simple voice acting, blending body and expression, and I believe these processes played an important role in breathing life into the character. I think all of this effort made it possible to synchronize between Jin-woo and me.

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 method I was encountering for the first time, there were unfamiliar and challenging parts, but both directors guided me with sensitivity and warmth, allowing me to adapt quickly.

For example, regarding how to convey the flow of emotions solely through voice. Even with the same scene, they would have me try various intensities of emotions, speech speeds, intervals, etc., helping the character come to life more vividly within the animation, which left a strong impression. I am also grateful for creating an open environment that allowed me to express freely.

Q6. What does the inner demon of Jin-woo look like?

A: The inner demon of Jin-woo is created from the pain and guilt that has oppressed him and the pain and regret resulting from unavoidable choices. Even if it was an inevitable decision, those memories continue to torment him.

The voice inside him comes as a low and heavy whisper, constantly obstructing and shaking his right path.

Facing and accepting this inner darkness is never easy, but I believe it is a process that we all go through eventually. Through such times, we can face ourselves and believe we can become stronger.

Q7. What kind of world serves as the background for this movie?

A: It may seem like a fantasy, but upon closer examination, it resembles the world we live in. Good and evil coexist, and people's desires and sacrifices collide. Within this, 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 sensation of my heart being filled to the brim.

I found it interesting 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, seeing the completed movie, it turned out to be a work that surpassed what I had imagined, truly beautiful and moving beyond belief. Each scene felt like a dream.

Most importantly, I want to share this joy with my fans who will watch this work. I hope you all immerse yourselves in this story like I did and feel the fun and emotion within it.

Q9. What sets this movie apart from other animated films you've seen?

A: I think the biggest distinction is that this is an animation centered around emotion. Typically, music serves as a background in many animations, but this work has music, story, and emotions organically tied together, making it feel like a performance while simultaneously feeling like a film. This composition was very new and impressive to me.

Q10. What message do you want to convey through this work?

A: I hope the message conveyed is that everyone has inner darkness, and sometimes the courage to acknowledge and confront it is necessary. Moreover, I hope it becomes a story where in the end, one believes in their own voice and gains the strength to move forward.

Q11. 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, it can visually realize everything that comes to mind. Within that, deep emotions, philosophies, and messages can also be included. Whether young or old, the stories that touch the heart seem to be the power of animation.

As a long-time fan of Sony Pictures and a lover of animation, I was very happy and meaningful to be able to participate in this project. I am thrilled to meet you through Netflix.

[Photo] The Present Company

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