Heo Seop, star of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' says 'Production team sent love calls via letters... Curious about voice acting' [Q&A]
[UD News=Kim Nayeon Reporter] Actor Ahn Hyo-seop, who participated in voice acting for the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters 'KPop Demon Hunters'", entered the top 10 in 93 countries worldwide immediately after its release, recording first place in 41 of those countries, attracting attention with unprecedented global success. At the center of this is Ahn Hyo-seop, who took on the role of the protagonist 'Jinwoo'.
"'K-Pop Demon Hunters'" is a work that has garnered attention for simultaneously incorporating Korean cultural identity and global sensibilities, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, which was also behind worldwide hits such as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." The film is co-directed by Maggie Kang, who is of Korean descent, and Chris Applehans, known for "Wish Dragon." Notable cast members include Aden Jo as Rumi, Ken Jeong as Bobby, and Bae Doo-na as Gwi-ma, among other global stars, adding to the buzz around the project.
The agency, The Present Company, said regarding the success of the work, "K-POP has become a symbolic case that demonstrates how it has grown from a mere music genre to a central element in designing the structure of global content."
An Hyoseob took on the role of 'Jinwoo', a member of K-pop idol group 'Lion Boys' in the drama, delivering all his lines in English and showcasing a high-dimensional performance by expressing even the delicate nuances of emotion through his voice alone. His artistic performances have earned worldwide praise, significantly enhancing the audience's immersion in the work. Thanks to this popularity, some interview videos have been released through Netflix's global official channel, adding more significance to them.
Not only acting but also voice acting, Ahn Hyo-seop has captivated the hearts of global fans, proving his expanded spectrum and immersion through this work. In particular, the anecdote that the co-director, Korean-American director Maggie Kang, personally sent a handwritten letter to cast him, shows the deep trust and affection the production team has for him.
On the other hand, Ahn Hyo-seop is approaching the release of his movie 'The Full Reader Perspective' on July 23rd, and he is also currently filming a new drama called 'Sold Out Every Day.' The actor Ahn Hyo-seop, who possesses both acting skills and genuine dedication to his fans, continues to be actively involved in various projects.
[The following is the full transcript of Hyo Sub Ahn's Q&A]
Q1. What was the reason for your participation in "K-Pop Demon Hunters"? Is it true that you received a letter from the production team as mentioned in the anecdote?
A: I was curious about a new genre and the working method called voice acting.
And I wanted to give something joyful to the fans overseas who have sent us so much love. The method of conveying the message of 'love' given by the work through music and K-pop was also uniquely appealing.
Before joining the project, Director Maggie Kang sent me a letter in which I could feel her warm concern for me and her deep affection for the work. I believed in her sincerity, and naturally developed a desire to create good results together.
Q2. What is the work "K-Pop Demon Hunters"?
A: It's a work that possesses so much charm. The story is both fantasy and closely tied to our reality. Among my favorite Korean words is "beautiful," which also carries the meaning of "being true to oneself." This work contains a message about accepting the unique beauty each person possesses, acknowledging their own special qualities, and loving themselves as they are.
Q3. Who is the character 'Jin Woo' that you played?
A: Jin-woo made a dangerous choice by making a deal with the devil to be with his family, and as a consequence, he loses his soul. Despite this, I think of him as a character who retains warmth and affection for humanity even as he continues to live. Because of this, I believe viewers can feel both empathy and love for him.
I heard that the recording method is special.
A: (excluding the first meeting) I was in Korea while the production team was in the U.S., so we worked via video calls. During recording, I had a camera next to the microphone, capturing not just my voice but also my facial expressions and movements. This reference video was used in detailing Jeon-woo’s expressions, emotions, and movements when creating the character. The completed face and style of Jeon-woo actually have some basis on my appearance, including hoodies and such. It was more than just voice acting; it involved my body and expressions blending together, and I think these processes played a crucial role in infusing life into the character. Through all these processes and the efforts of the production team, I think Jeon-woo and I were able to synchronize.
Q5. How was working with Director Maggie Kang and Directors Chris Applehans?
A: It was truly an honor to work with Director Maggie Kang and Director Chris Applehans. Since animation as a genre was a new approach for me, there were unfamiliar and challenging aspects. However, thanks to the two directors' meticulous and warm guidance, I was able to adapt quickly.
For example, how to convey the flow of emotions solely through voice. Even for the same scene, by trying various densities of emotion, speeds, and pauses in speech, you helped me make the character come alive more three-dimensionally within the animation. I was deeply impressed by this, and I am grateful for the open environment that allowed me to express myself freely.
Q6. What does the demon inside Jin-woo look like?
A: The demon within Jin-woo was created from the pain and guilt that had been crushing him, as well as the suffering and regret from choices he was forced to make. Even though he knows the decisions were unavoidable, those memories continue to torment him.
The voice within comes to me like a low, heavy whisper, always interfering and shaking up the right direction.
Facing this inner darkness and accepting it is never easy, but I think it's a process that we all have to go through eventually. I believe that by facing ourselves during these times, we can become stronger individuals.
Q7. What kind of world serves as the backdrop for this movie?
A: It looks like a fantasy, but when you look closely, it resembles the world we live in. A place where good and evil coexist, and where people's desires and sacrifices collide. In this world, 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 incredibly full feeling in my chest.
While reading the script, I felt it was interesting, but since the animation genre itself 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, surpassing my expectations. Each scene felt like a dream.
More than anything, if I have any fans who will see this work, I want to share this joy with you. I hope you will also be captivated by this story, and feel the fun and emotion within it, just as I did.
Q9. What aspect of this film is the most different from any other animated films you have seen so far?
A: The biggest difference seemed to be that it was an animation centered around emotions. Usually in animations, music often exists as a backdrop, but in this work, the music, story, and emotions were organically connected, making it feel like a stage play, while also approaching it as a film and performance. This structure was very fresh and impressive to me.
Q10. What message do you want to convey through this work?
A: Everyone has their own inner darkness, and I hope that the message gets across that sometimes it takes courage to acknowledge and face it. And in terms of the story, where ultimately one learns to believe in their own voice and gain the strength to move forward, I hope it brings comfort and courage to many people.
Q11. What do you think about the power of imagination in animated films or series?
A: I think animation is a genre that transcends the limitations of imagination. Without the constraints of reality, everything that comes to mind can be visually realized. And within it, there can be very deep emotions, philosophy, and messages. Whether an adult or a child, it has the power to move hearts with its stories.
As someone who has long been a fan of Sony Pictures and loves animation, it was really joyful and meaningful for me to be able to participate in this project. I'm so happy to meet you all through Netflix.
/delight_me@UD News.co.kr
[Photo] The Present Company
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