Ahn Hyo-seop of 'KPop Demon Hunters' steps into US spotlight with appearances on major shows
Ahn Hyo-seop / Younhap
Actor Ahn Hyo-seop has made back-to-back appearances on major U.S. television shows, signaling his growing recognition among North American audiences.
On Monday, he appeared on NBC’s late-night flagship "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," followed by another appearance the following morning on "TODAY."
The high-profile appearances coincide with the global success of the Netflix animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," in which Ahn voices a lead character. The project marks his first English-language dubbing role and his first leading part in a Hollywood-produced animated film, a milestone that has drawn industry attention.
That broader exposure was especially evident in his appearance on "TODAY." First broadcast in 1952, the program is one of the most influential morning shows in the United States, featuring news, politics, business and entertainment. Guest spots are typically reserved for senior political figures and top Hollywood talent, highlighting Ahn’s growing presence in U.S. popular culture.
The momentum has since extended beyond television. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, "KPop Demon Hunters" won best animated feature film and best original song for “Golden,” performed by the fictional group Huntrix. The two wins highlighted both the film’s artistic merit and its commercial appeal.
Industry observers note that Ahn’s performance in the globally successful film has helped establish him as a credible leading presence in international projects.
A packed overseas schedule at the beginning of 2026 lends weight to that assessment. He kicked off the year by attending Samsung’s The First Look showcase at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 4, followed by appearances at the Golden Disc Awards in Taipei and promotional events in New York tied to his U.S. television engagements.
He is also set to return to Korean television in the upcoming SBS drama "Sold Out Again Today," slated for release later this year.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.