Ahn Hyo-seop is set to make his big screen debut with 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' (hereafter 'ORV'). Riding the wave of success from Netflix's animated series 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (hereafter 'KDH'), which topped the global film category.
The film 'ORV', releasing on the 23rd, is a fantasy action movie that depicts events unfolding as a novel serialized for over a decade becomes reality. Based on a web novel of the same name, the original has amassed over 200 million views. Ahn Hyo-seop plays the role of 'Kim Dok-ja', the novel's sole reader.
Adapting a work with a strong fanbase can have both positive and negative impacts. This adds pressure on Ahn Hyo-seop, especially since 'ORV' marks his screen debut. He admitted, "It would be a lie to say there was no pressure. I felt the need to do well, but that pressure wasn't helpful. Instead of focusing on the scale of the film or my debut, I chose to approach it positively, aiming to create from the reader's perspective."
The reason Ahn Hyo-seop decided to take on the role, despite the pressure, was the film's message of 'solidarity'. In the story, Kim Dok-ja is disappointed by the novel's protagonist, Yoo Joong-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho), surviving alone. Upon encountering the novel's world in reality, Kim Dok-ja resolves to change the ending to one where he survives with his companions. Ahn Hyo-seop shared, "I was drawn to the film's philosophy, emphasizing living together rather than alone." He is said to have portrayed the character's journey with deep eyes and intense emotional acting.
Ahn Hyo-seop has successfully wrapped up several dramas, including 'Still 17', 'Lovers of the Red Sky', and the 'Dr. Romantic' series. His performances in the medical drama 'Dr. Romantic' and the romantic comedy 'Business Proposal' have showcased his versatile acting range. With 'Lovers of the Red Sky', he has also ventured into the fantasy historical genre, showing further maturity.
Additionally, the Netflix animation 'KDH', released last month, has been well-received globally. 'KDH' tells the story of K-pop girl group Huntress members who are heroes saving the world from evil spirits. Ahn Hyo-seop provided the English dubbing for Jin-woo, a member of the K-pop boy group Lion Boys.
In the series, Jin-woo regrets his past of selling his soul to evil spirits after discovering the secret of Huntress leader Lumi. Ahn Hyo-seop delivered a powerful performance with his soft yet strong voice. Having grown up in Canada, he handled the English lines smoothly, expressing the character's complex emotions through his voice. He explained, "The unique way the work conveys the message of 'love' through music and K-pop was appealing." To thank fans, Ahn Hyo-seop also released a cover video of the 'KDH' OST 'Free', receiving positive feedback.
According to Netflix's Top 10, 'KDH' ranked first in the global film category in the last week of June. Ahn Hyo-seop has already received global acclaim for his roles in dramas like 'Dr. Romantic' and 'Business Proposal'. The domestic and international box office performance of his screen debut 'ORV' is highly anticipated.
Breaking boundaries in acting from dramas to animation and now film, Ahn Hyo-seop's busy schedule extends into next year. He is currently filming for the drama 'Sold Out Again Today', set to air in the first half of next year. The romantic comedy revolves around a triple-job farmer and an insomniac show host. Ahn Hyo-seop plays Matthew Lee, who runs the world's only farm producing miraculous ingredients and is also a researcher at a natural cosmetics ingredient company.