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India Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: Ahn Hyo-seop on KPop Demon Hunters, Jinu's sacrifice, Jungkook's reaction
There are heartthrobs, and then there's Jinu, a demon idol with a ridiculously handsome face and nonchalant gaze, a bipa-playing musical genius, and now, the animated character who's left fans (several K-pop idols including BTS's Jungkook) in tears. At the heart of it all? Ahn Hyo-seop, who lends his voice to the breakout character in KPop Demon Hunters, the record-breaking animated musical that has taken the world, and Netflix, by by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the animated K-pop-meets-action spectacle has become the most-watched animated film in Netflix history, clocking over 106 million views and counting. And frontlining this phenomenon is Jinu, a fictional idol (part of fictional group Saja Boys) whose voice is brought to aching life by Ahn Hyo-seop in his first-ever voice acting role. 'When I first received the script, I was really drawn to Jinu's layered emotions,' Ahn begins, reflecting on what pulled him, in an exclusive chat with India Today. He adds, 'He's a fascinating character who carries pain on the inside while shining on the outside, with both his past and present coexisting. The world of KPop Demon Hunters was also incredibly intriguing. I had faith in the production team, and the project felt fresh with its unique blend of music, emotion, and action. I'm very thankful to hear that the film is receiving so much love globally, and since it was also my first time trying voice acting, it became a very meaningful experience for me.'For fans used to seeing him command the screen in dramas like Business Proposal, this was a shift, not just in format but in artistic vocabulary. Without his signature gaze or expressive presence, Ahn had to reimagine performance. 'Every part of it was a challenge for me. Conveying Jinu's emotions using only my voice was a big task,' he admits. 'In live-action acting, I usually rely a lot on eye contact and facial expressions, but this time I had to strip all of that away and show his inner world only through my voice.' He shares, 'In previous roles, I used a lighter, more conversational tone, but here I had to really think about how to capture Jinu's pain, sense of responsibility, and sacrifice. I felt like the texture of my acting had to change, and I think that shift came through in the voice. Also, I was in Korea while the production team was working from the US, so I imagine it was challenging for them too, but thanks to the directors' support and understanding, it became a very enjoyable process.' Ahn Hyo-seop recording for KPop Demon Hunters in a studio. Credits: Netflix/ Sony Pictures That depth, both emotional and technical, shows. If one can remember, during a Weverse Live, BTS' Jungkook became emotional watching Jinu's final decision, even wishing aloud that the character had chosen a different path. The Business Proposal actor reacts to it. 'When Jinu said, 'you gave me my soul back,' it felt like everything he truly felt and wanted to say came through in that one moment,' he says. 'I got emotional too. It's also something I've wanted to say to my fans. That line carries such a deep longing for meaning and identity, which really moved me. It was heartbreaking, but it felt like the most Jinu thing he could have done. I'm grateful that so many people, including Jungkook, connected with him and felt his story.' Jungkook of BTS tearing up watching the climax scene of KPop Demon Hunters. Credits: Weverse advertisementThere's a reason Jinu feels so real. In many ways, he mirrors Ahn himself, he claims. 'I've always loved music, and I've expressed that love through fan meetings and performances. Music has been a way for me to communicate stories and messages I want to share, and I think those experiences helped a lot,' he says. 'The emotions I've felt on stage, the connection with fans, and the sense of responsibility, I believe Jinu would have felt all of that too. Even though his emotions are complicated, I think that nonchalant energy he gives off might be a little bit like me in real life.' Ahn Hyo-seop performed Free cover. Credits: AHS IG One such musical moment that took the internet by storm? The actor's soul-stirring cover of Free from the film's OST. Fans couldn't stop replaying it, and for Hyo-seop, the song struck a personal chord. ''Free.' When I first heard it, I felt that it really reflected Jinu's emotions. He's someone who isn't truly free from anything, but in the end, he chooses to let go of himself for someone else. I thought the song captured that part of his journey so well,' he says. 'As many fans around the world already know, all of the songs are great, so it's hard to choose just one. I've seen fans reinterpret the bipa scenes in such creative ways, and the Soda Pop parodies always make me smile. And when I listen to Golden, it really stirs up something inside me.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@imhyoseop)advertisementBut beyond music and mythology, K-Pop Demon Hunters explores something far more personal, the demons we carry within. 'I really relate to that message. Sometimes it's not the world around us but our own thoughts and emotions that feel like the biggest obstacles,' Ahn reflects. 'For me, I don't try to force those feelings away. I try to acknowledge and accept them as they are. I think Jinu might have been someone who needed saving too. Facing his own darkness and choosing to throw himself in for someone else, that kind of courage comes from true strength.'advertisementThere's also vulnerability in Jinu, something that fans around the world have picked up on. And while he's undeniably swoon-worthy, Hyo-seop says there's more than meets the eye. 'To be honest, I think Jinu is pretty cool too,' he smiles. 'He's a character with many layers. He's a demon, and also an idol on stage, but behind that, he carries years of loneliness, pain, and responsibility. I wanted to approach him not just as someone who looks good, but as someone with a deep emotional void. I think everyone has their own reason for liking Jinu, and I'm just incredibly grateful for all the love he's received.' The love isn't limited to South Korea. Ahn Hyo-seop has a massive fanbase in India, and he's ready to cross borders. 'India is definitely a place I really want to visit. When I first started this film, I thought, 'I want to reach out to fans who are far away first.' I really hope I can meet everyone in India someday. Thank you again so much,' he says, with heartfelt sincerity.'To me, KPop Demon Hunters is not just an action fantasy. It's a story about the emptiness inside us, our darkness, and ultimately, love. At the centre of everything I do, I try to deliver this message: no one is perfect, and that's exactly why we need each other. I gain a lot of energy and inspiration from my fans. I believe the reason I can keep going as an actor is because of the people who support and watch me.'And then, in a beautiful coda, Ahn shares a word that sums up both Jinu and himself. 'There's a word in Korean, areumdapda, which means beautiful, but it can also be interpreted as 'being true to yourself.' I think of this project as a gift to those who quietly support me from somewhere out there. Through Jinu, I hope people can find the courage to accept themselves and move forward in a better direction.'Jinu may be animated, but the emotions are as real as they come. And with Ahn Hyo-seop at the mic, KPop Demon Hunters isn't just a record-breaking global hit, it's a reminder that even in fantasy, honesty wins. The film is available on Netflix.- Ends
Asia News Network
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asia News Network
BTS' Jungkook draws over 6.5 million followers in 1 day with new Instagram account
July 18, 2025 SEOUL – Jungkook of BTS proved his global influence once again, amassing millions of new followers in a single day with the launch of his new Instagram account. Though the personal account created on Tuesday had no posts yet, it had already surpassed 6.5 million followers by Wednesday morning. Jungkook confirmed that the Instagram profile was indeed his during a livestream on the new account. He also explained via a follow-up Weverse Live broadcast that the name of the account, 'mnijungkook,' is short for 'my name is Jungkook.' He first launched a personal Instagram account in December 2021, which gained over 50 million followers. However, he deleted the account in 2023, saying he 'wasn't using it.' His new account currently follows the official BTS Instagram and the individual accounts of fellow BTS members. Jungkook completed his military service on June 11. BTS is currently preparing for a full-group comeback, scheduled for spring 2026.
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
BTS' Jungkook draws over 6.5m followers in one day with new Instagram account
Find out what's new on ST website and app. BTS member Jungkook has opened a personal Instagram account for the second time. SEOUL – Jungkook of BTS proved his global influence once again, amassing millions of new followers in a single day with the launch of his new Instagram account. Though the personal account created on July 15 had no posts yet, it had already surpassed 6.5 million followers by the morning of July 16. Jungkook confirmed that the Instagram profile was indeed his during a live stream on the new account. He also explained via a follow-up Weverse Live broadcast that the name of the account, 'mnijungkook', is short for 'my name is Jungkook'. He first launched a personal Instagram account in December 2021, which gained more than 50 million followers. However, he deleted the account in 2023, saying he was not using it. His new account currently follows the official BTS Instagram and the individual accounts of his fellow BTS members. Jungkook completed his military service on June 11. BTS is currently preparing for a full-group comeback, scheduled for spring 2026. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Korea Herald
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
BTS' Jungkook draws over 6.5 million followers in 1 day with new Instagram account
Jungkook launches new account two years after closing one with over 50 million followers Jungkook of BTS proved his global influence once again, amassing millions of new followers in a single day with the launch of his new Instagram account. Though the personal account created on Tuesday had no posts yet, it had already surpassed 6.5 million followers by Wednesday morning. Jungkook confirmed that the Instagram profile was indeed his during a livestream on the new account. He also explained via a follow-up Weverse Live broadcast that the name of the account, "mnijungkook," is short for 'my name is Jungkook.' He first launched a personal Instagram account in December 2021, which gained over 50 million followers. However, he deleted the account in 2023, saying he "wasn't using it.' His new account currently follows the official BTS Instagram and the individual accounts of fellow BTS members. Jungkook completed his military service on June 11. BTS is currently preparing for a full-group comeback, scheduled for spring 2026.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS' RM and Jungkook admit Kim Taehyung has changed: ‘We can't keep up anymore, he's stronger'
BTS is united and the members are back to their chaotic selves, jumping on Weverse Live and goofing off on Instagram with fans. While Jin and J-Hope are busy taking over sold-out shows in Tokyo and Berlin with their solo concerts, the rest, V, Jungkook, Jimin, and RM, went live four times back-to-back. Suga, however, didn't make an appearance. And it was during this run of lives when, alongside fans, even Jungkook and RM admitted that Taehyung's time in the military has clearly changed him. They hailed him as one of the strongest in the group now, physically even ahead of the golden maknae. His time serving in the special unit paid off. Also read: India to soon have its own K-pop bands backed by BTS' agency: Will HYBE's big bet challenge Bollywood's reign? On Tuesday, V started a live stream and added Jungkook and RM. The three called themselves the 'workout crew,' but made it very clear that out of the trio, it's the Winter Bear crooner, once known as the most sensitive, who's taken things to the next level. 'Shocking news! Kim Taehyung is stronger than me,' RM said on the livestream, with Jungkook adding, 'He's stronger than me too.' They both admitted they can't keep up with him anymore. While RM and Jungkook said they've been mostly following the bodyweight training, Taehyung, who served in the Special Forces, leaned towards the full weight training. 'He's bigger than us. We can't even finish the sets he does now,' RM added. Taehyung laughed it off, but explained it was all about routine. 'I forced myself into the habit,' he said. The second oldest served in South Korea's military as part of the Special Duty Team (SDT), which excels in counter-terrorism. Every new recruit and trainee has to undergo very tough training, which also restricts them from engaging much with the outside world, one of the reasons why V largely stayed low-key, while the rest of the members made time-to-time appearances on social media. Also read: BTS' Jimin said he felt 'suffocated' listening to RM's track, knew something was wrong: 'I wonder what kind of jerks he's met' During the conversation, the Indigo hitmaker said, 'Taehyung was lifting weights in the Special Forces. He's way ahead,' and added, 'I go every day at 9:30 now, but what Taehyung is doing is insane. I'd lose to him in a fight.' To which the Celine ambassador said, 'You guys just started again. I've been consistent.' While V joked that both RM and Jungkook are making a fuss out of it and it's not true, fans are convinced, this new version of Taehyung is no joke. He's been through one of the toughest military units. He trained hard, rose to the rank of Sergeant, and even became an ace marksman. What's even more interesting is that the Singularity crooner earned the Special Warrior badge, an elite honour given to soldiers who are overachievers in all three areas: performance, strength, and discipline. As part of this recognition, Taehyung will now be listed in the unit's Hall of Fame for a year. On the work front, all BTS members have made it to the United States, where they're currently working on a song together. J-Hope and Jin, who are headlining their individual shows, are scheduled to join the others in Los Angeles. Earlier this month, the septet confirmed their comeback, addressing fans through a half-hour Weverse live. RM, the leader of the group, said they'll be rolling out their new album next spring, following which, chances of a world tour are on the horizon. The details of the same are currently under wraps.
