Ahn Hyo-seop on 'JTBC Newsroom': 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Khalid and 'The Final Table'

"If it isn't unfamiliar, it isn't fun," actor Ahn Hyo-seop said. "What all my experiences have in common is that you have to make friends with anxiety."

Ahn made the remarks during an appearance on JTBC's "JTBC Newsroom" which aired on Oct. 25. He talked about the success of the Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," his collaboration with pop star Khalid and his latest drama, "The Final Table."

Asked why he continues to take on unfamiliar challenges, Ahn said that overcoming the anxiety of stepping into unfamiliar territory gives him a sense of achievement. That process, he added, also broadens his horizons.

In "KPop Demon Hunters," which was released on Netflix last year, Ahn provided the English voice of Jinu, the leader of the Saja Boys. The film became a global hit, bringing him greater international recognition.. He was nominated at the 2026 Kids' Choice Awards, a U.S. pop culture awards show.

"It was surreal, and it felt really great," he said of the nomination. He said he was happy to be recognized by young audiences.

He also talked about his music. In May, Ahn released "Something Special," a collaboration with global R&B star Khalid. The song made the U.S. Spotify chart.

"I got to record with a singer I grew up listening to, and it was so much fun," Ahn said. "For me, it was a really surreal experience, and I'm grateful for it."

His work abroad didn't stop there. Ahn has appeared on a well-known American talk show and attended both the Academy Awards and the Met Gala. Along with Korean dramas and films, he has worked across English-language voice acting and music.

On Oct. 24, he attended Netflix Korea's 10th anniversary event. He took the stage for "Netflix 10 Years, Michyeonet!" alongside actors from Netflix titles. At the event, he reprised his role as Jinu from "KPop Demon Hunters," which has become the most-watched film in Netflix history.

Ahn currently stars in "The Final Table," which airs Saturdays and Sundays on JTBC. He plays Kang Han, a genius chef. The series follows Korean chefs from around the world who enter a cooking competition.

Ahn described the series as a human drama. As the chefs compete, he said, they look back on pasts and relationships they once turned away from. They also start to think about how they want to live from here.

To prepare for the role, Ahn drew on chef Edward Lee. He said he studied the calm way Lee cooks, which comes from years of experience.

He also compared "The Final Table" to a meal his mother makes.

"My mother's food is made with sincerity, care and love, so even the same dish stays in your memory differently," he said. "If the show makes you want to share a meal with someone, then the message got through."

Asked to describe himself as a food, Ahn picked gochujang, the Korean red chili paste. He said he looks calm on the outside but is passionate on the inside. As gochujang gets a deeper in flavor over time, Ahn said he hopes to become a person with more depth as he gets older.

When asked about his goal as an actor, he gave a simple answer. He wants viewers to see the characters he portrays before they see Ahn Hyo-seop. Each time he takes on a new role, he said, he tries to hide his usual self as much as possible.

"I hope people don't recognize me," he said.