Ahn Hyo-Seop Says JYP Entertainment Cut Left a ‘Stain’ on His Life | Outlook Respawn

Ahn Hyo-seop, a Korean-Canadian actor known for voicing Jinu in Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters,' discussed his experience as a JYP Entertainment trainee in a YouTube interview. He described his time there as a 'stain' on his life, attributing his dismissal to difficulties with dancing, though he believed singing was a skill he could improve. The hardest part was facing his father, who had supported his move to Korea, as he felt he had let him down. After leaving JYP, Ahn built a successful career in K-dramas, including roles in 'Still 17,' 'Dr. Romantic 2,' and 'Business Proposal.' His English-language acting skills in 'Business Proposal' later helped him secure the voice role in 'KPop Demon Hunters,' which became Netflix's most-watched movie with 518.2 million views. The film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 2026 Academy Awards, marking the first K-pop song to win in that category. Ahn now reflects positively on his time at JYP, calling it a valuable experience. JYP Entertainment is one of the 'Big Four' K-pop agencies, alongside HYBE, SM Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. The agency's trainee programs are known for low acceptance rates and long contracts. Ahn pivoted to acting after leaving the agency, gaining recognition in dramas like 'Queen of the Ring' and 'Still 17,' earning a Best New Actor award. He later starred in 'Abyss,' 'Dr. Romantic 2,' 'Lovers of the Red Sky,' and 'Business Proposal,' before returning to medical dramas and television in recent years. The film 'KPop Demon Hunters' has a confirmed sequel with no announced cast, though the production team plans to retain the original principals.