Kpop Demon Hunters is turning out to be a surprising global hit, climbing to the top spot in Netflix charts across 22 regions. This animated series, co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, has impressed viewers not just with its stylish animation and vibrant storytelling, but also with its cast—especially the voice behind the character Jinu. That voice belongs to none other than rising K-drama heartthrob Ahn Hyo Seop, and fans can’t seem to get enough of him.
Known widely for his roles in hit shows like Business Proposal, Dr. Romantic (both seasons), and Lovers of the Red Sky, Ahn Hyo Seop has become a beloved name in Korean entertainment. Born on April 17, 1995, in South Korea and raised in Ontario, Canada, he holds Canadian nationality and often goes by the English name Paul Ahn. What many people might not know is that before he found his place in acting, he was actually training to be a K-pop idol under the well-known JYP Entertainment. That’s the same company behind big groups like TWICE, 2PM, and Stray Kids. Though he eventually stepped away from idol training, his K-pop background played a key role in shaping his current path.
After leaving the K-pop trainee world, Ahn Hyo Seop began focusing on acting and joined a project group called One O One to gain more industry experience. His first big break came with the web drama Splash Splash Love, but it was Still 17 that helped him become a more recognized face in the acting world. However, it was Dr. Romantic 2 that catapulted him into major fame, especially thanks to his on-screen chemistry with co-star Lee Sung Kyung, who herself became popular from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. The two made their characters feel so real and endearing that viewers quickly became invested.
He later solidified his star status with Business Proposal, where he played Kang Tae Mu opposite Kim Sejeong. Even though the story leaned into classic rom-com territory, his charm and comic timing kept it refreshing and fun. Fans adored his performance so much that he became the subject of countless memes and fan edits online, proving how much he had grown in popularity beyond just Korea.
Now, his role in Kpop Demon Hunters is taking his fame even further. Voicing Jinu, the charismatic leader of an animated boy band called Saja Boys, Ahn brings a cool edge and emotional depth to the character. His real-life K-pop trainee experience and fluent English—thanks to his years living in Canada—made him an ideal choice for the role. While the singing parts of the character are voiced by artist Andrew Choi, Ahn’s acting brings Jinu’s personality and struggles to life, especially as he finds himself at odds with a rival demon-hunting group called Huntrix.
Looking ahead, Ahn Hyo Seop has another major project lined up that’s got fans buzzing: Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, a big-screen adaptation of a hugely popular web novel. In the film, he’ll be playing Kim Dok Ja, alongside other top stars like Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, and Jisoo. With all of this momentum, Ahn Hyo Seop is clearly not just a K-drama favorite anymore—he’s becoming a global name.