Actor Ahn Hyo-seop, known as 'Kedeon', said, "I felt the sincerity in the director's letter... I reflected my image in Jinho's character."

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[Q&A in English] 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' participant Han Hyo-seop

(Seoul=UD News) Reporter Koo Seunga = Actor An Hyoseop, who participated in the voice acting for the animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', which has become a hit after ranking first on Netflix globally, shared his thoughts.

K-Pop Demon Hunters' is a project produced by Sony Pictures Animation, known for global hits such as 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.' The film is co-directed by Korean-American director Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans, known for 'Wish Dragon.

An Hyoseop took on the role of Jinwoo, a member of the K-pop idol group Lion Boys, in the drama, delivering all his lines in English. He also demonstrated his ability to handle voice acting in addition to his acting, proving an even broader spectrum and immersion.

He said through his agency The Present Company on the 27th, "'K-Pop Demon Hunters' is a work that possesses a lot of charm." What was the reason for your participation in "K-Pop Demon Hunters"?

▶I had curiosity about a new genre and the working method called voice acting. Also, I had a strong desire to leave some joyful memories for the fans who love us overseas, and the way of conveying the message of 'love' from the work through music and K-pop seemed unique. Before participating in the project, Director Maggie Kang sent me a letter, in which I could feel her warm concern for me and deep affection for the work. I believed in her sincerity, and naturally developed a desire to create good results together.

-What kind of character did you play named 'Jin Woo'?

▶Jinwoo made a dangerous choice to make a deal with Guma in order to be with his family, and as a result, he loses his soul. Despite this, I think of him as a character who retains affection and warmth for humanity while living on. In this sense, viewers may feel both empathy and love for him.

-The recording method was special.

▶(Except for the first meeting) I was in Korea while the production team was in the US, so we worked via video calls. During recording, I placed a camera next to the microphone to capture not just my voice but also my expressions and movements. This reference video was used in detailing Jeonwoo’s expressions, emotions, and movements when creating the character. The completed face and style of Jeonwoo actually have some basis on my appearance, including hoodies and similar outfits. It was more than just voice acting; it involved my body and expressions blending together. I believe these processes played a crucial role in infusing life into the character. Through all these processes and the efforts of the production team, Jeonwoo and I were able to synchronize.

-Director Maggie Kang, how was your collaboration with Director Chris Applehans?

▶I feel really honored to have been able to work together. Since animation was a new working method for me, there were parts that felt unfamiliar and difficult. However, thanks to the two directors who guided me with meticulous care and warmth, I was able to adapt quickly. For example, they showed me how to convey emotions through voice alone. Even for the same scene, they encouraged me to try various approaches in terms of emotional intensity, speech speed, and pauses, which helped the character come alive more three-dimensionally within the animation. I'm grateful for the open environment that allowed me to express myself freely. -How did you feel when you first watched this movie?

▶It was an indescribably full feeling in my heart. Even while reading the script, I found it interesting, but since animation as a genre was unfamiliar to me, I couldn't really imagine how it would be realized. However, when I finally saw the completed film, it turned out to be much more beautiful and touching than I could have imagined, almost unbelievably so. Each scene felt like a dream. Above all, if there are fans who will see this work, I want to share this joy with them. I hope you will also get immersed in this story as I did and feel the fun and emotion within it together.

-What is the most different aspect of this film compared to any animated films you have seen so far.

▶The biggest difference is that it's an animated work centered around emotions. Usually in animations, music often exists as a background element, but in this piece, the music, story, and emotions are organically connected, making it feel like a stage performance. At the same time, it also felt like a film and a performance. This structure was very fresh and impressive.

-What message do you want to convey through this work?

▶Everyone has their own inner darkness, and I hope that a message encouraging the courage to acknowledge and face it sometimes is conveyed to everyone. And insofar as it is a story where one ultimately learns to believe in their own voice and gain the strength to move forward, I hope it brings comfort and courage to many.

-What do you think about the power of imagination in animated films or series?

▶I think animation is a genre that transcends the limitations of imagination. Without the constraints of reality, it allows us to visually realize everything that comes to mind. And within it, there can be very deep emotions, philosophy, and messages. Whether adult or child, it can move hearts with its stories, and I believe that is the power of animation. As someone who has been a long-time fan of Sony Pictures and loves animation, I am truly happy and honored to have been able to participate in this project. I'm so happy to meet you all through Netflix.

seunga@news1.kr

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