Ahn Hyo-seop Jinu return
Jinu and Ahn Hyo-seop

Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s joint project KPop Demon Hunters recently achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Netflix film to surpass 325.1 million views. The movie has sparked worldwide buzz, even generating Academy Award talk, with Ahn Hyo Seop at the center as the voice of Jinu, a key character in the story.

On September 26, Ahn joined CBS News 24/7 during its prime-time Friday slot, drawing international attention. While originally invited to the New York studio, his drama filming schedule prevented him from attending in person. Nonetheless, CBS arranged a rare cross-continental live broadcast, underscoring his global appeal.

Ahn’s performance as Jinu has captivated fans, with several of his voice-acting scenes becoming viral highlights. During the interview, Ahn impressed with his eloquence, spontaneity, and bilingual agility qualities that critics noted go beyond acting talent to prove his capability as a true global star.

Speaking about the film’s universal themes, Ahn described it as “a story about accepting who you are” and added, “Sometimes our biggest obstacle isn’t the world, it’s ourselves. Jinu and Rumi face that, and instead of running, they grow. And I feel like that’s something a lot of people can relate to.”

Reflecting on the cultural significance, Ahn admitted: “Honestly, it’s very surreal, and it’s really amazing. When I was younger, I never imagined Korean culture to be embraced on such a global scale. To see people around the world singing words in Korean, learning the language, or being inspired by our films and dramas, it makes me really proud. But more than that, it shows how stories and music can cross borders and connect us in ways that are really powerful.”

When asked about the possibility of a sequel, Ahn teased, “I don’t have too much information. What excites me is that all these characters are just beginning their journey. They’ve faced challenges, but there’s still a lot of room for them to grow. I’d love to see how their bond deepens and how their music continues to be a weapon of ‘hope’. And personally, I just wish to see Jinu again. Please give him his soul back.”

Fans and industry experts alike view this CBS appearance not just as a promotional stop but as proof of Ahn’s unique trajectory. Balancing his acting career while representing Korean entertainment on an international stage, Ahn Hyo Seop is being hailed as one of the most promising global stars of his generation. Currently filming Sold Out Again Today, he continues to expand his presence in both domestic and global markets.

Sources: Daum