Actor Ahn Hyo Seop has proven his global influence by appearing live on CBS News, marking the first time a Korean actor has been featured on the American broadcast network in a real-time interview.
The Netflix–Sony Pictures animated feature film, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', has surpassed 325.1 million cumulative views, becoming the first Netflix project to reach over 300 million views. The film has sparked a worldwide sensation and is even being discussed as a potential Academy Awards contender, with Ahn Hyo Seop at its center.
On September 26, Ahn Hyo Seop appeared on the Friday evening live broadcast of CBS News 24/7, capturing the attention of viewers across the globe. CBS is one of the three major U.S. terrestrial networks, and having a Korean actor in a live prime-time interview is both symbolic and unprecedented.
Originally, CBS intended to host Ahn Hyo Seop in their New York studio, but filming schedules prevented him from appearing on site. Nevertheless, the network coordinated a live split-screen broadcast, overcoming time zone and technical challenges, further demonstrating his global impact.
Ahn Hyo Seop provided the voice acting for Jinwoo, a member of the in-film group Saja Boys. From his debut scenes to the highlights, his performance drew immense attention and heated fan reactions. Scenes showcasing his delicate acting have even been dubbed “the scene of controversy” by viewers.
During the live interview, Ahn Hyo Seop impressed audiences with articulate speech, quick thinking, and linguistic flexibility. Experts praised his poise on a global stage, noting, “Prime-time live broadcasts require more than just acting skills.”
Discussing the film’s universal message, he said, “It’s a sincere story about accepting yourself. Sometimes the greatest obstacle isn’t the world, but yourself. Jinwoo and Lumi face that and grow,” highlighting relatable themes for audiences. He added, “Seeing people around the world singing along to Korean lyrics and learning the language fills me with pride. More than that, the music and story connect us across borders.”
Regarding the sequel, Ahn Hyo Seop hinted at more character growth, saying, “These characters are just beginning their journey.” He added earnestly, “I want to meet Jinwoo again. Please, bring back his soul,” delighting fans with a playful reference to Jinwoo’s lines while raising anticipation for the next season.
Industry insiders and fans interpret this not simply as a news interview, but as a singular, irreplaceable move by Ahn Hyo Seop. Balancing his acting career while representing Korean content on the global stage, he is expanding his role as a next-generation world star.
Currently filming his next project, 'Today Sold Out Again', all eyes are on what surprises he will deliver next.
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