“KPop Demon Hunters” Actor Says Getting Rejected By JYP Became A “Stain” On His Life

Actor Ahn Hyo Seop, who is now best known for being the voice of KPop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys member Jinu, looked back on what he calls one of the lowest points of his life.

Before rising to fame as a solid K-Drama and K-Movie lead, Ahn Hyo Seop once pursued a very different dream. While living in Canada, he was scouted by JYP Entertainment and moved to Korea to train as a K-Pop idol, stepping into the industry with curiosity and little hesitation. At the time, he saw it simply as an exciting opportunity, an experience worth taking a chance on.

But what started as a dream quickly became something far more difficult. As the rigorous trainee lifestyle set in, Ahn Hyo Seop began to feel his passion for music shift. Repetitive, high-pressure training made him question whether something he once loved could start to feel like a burden, ultimately leading him to reconsider what role music should play in his life.

Then came the moment that would stay with him for years: his elimination from the program. And he didn’t sugarcoat the experience. Looking back, he admitted that he understands why the decision was made, even pointing to his own weaknesses in dance as a major factor.

Of course, I was cut because I wasn’t good enough… But honestly, if I were in their position, I would have eliminated myself too. Singing felt like something I could improve, but I was really bad at dancing. It was the first time I cried and said, ‘Dad, I’m sorry.’ My father trusted me enough to send me, and I felt like I had let him down.

— Ahn Hyo Seop

In that moment, the disappointment felt overwhelming for the rookie star—less like a simple setback and more like a defining failure. So, for years after his debut as an actor, he couldn’t even bring himself to talk about it.

The experience lingered in his mind as a “stain” on his life, a painful memory he would rather forget. But now, with time and perspective, Ahn Hyo Seop shared that he finally sees things differently!

Looking back, I know it was an incredibly valuable experience. I can talk about it comfortably now.

— Ahn Hyo Seop

Watch the full episode here: