Actor Ahn Hyo Seop, known for voicing Jinu in the animated series "KPop Demon Hunters", revisited one of the toughest moments in his early career: being cut from JYP Entertainment's trainee program.
Before gaining fame as a leading man in K-dramas and films, Ahn pursued a career as a K-pop idol trainee after moving from Canada to Korea.
Per Star News, Ahn described his initial excitement about joining the industry, the opportunity seemed like a chance worth taking without hesitation. But the rigors of being a trainee quickly challenged his dedication.
Looking back at the pivotal moment, Ahn noted that he was well aware of the rationale behind his disqualification, especially his inability to dance.
He said, "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."
The rejection left a deep impact on him. Ahn refrained from talking about this incident for years, perceiving it as a stain in his life. Through his honesty, we understand that it was a hard period in the young singer's life.
Read more: Ahn Hyo Seop's Global Influence Shines as He Becomes the First Korean Star on CBS News
According to Koreaboo, Ahn Hyo Seop's openness about this experience is relatable to those struggling with a similar situation in their lives. It had an impact on his outlook towards failure and growth.
Separately, Life Style Asia reports that Ahn Hyo Seop stars in the 2026 romantic K-drama Sold Out on You, which premiered on April 22. The 12-episode series, available on SBS and Netflix, follows Matthew Lee, a perfectionist farmer and cosmetics researcher, whose life is disrupted when television host Dam Ye-jin arrives in his village.
Ahn described his character as "stiff and cold on the outside, but inside he has a warm heart," who deeply cares for those around him. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays until the finale on May 28.
"Looking back, I know [being cut] was an incredibly valuable experience. I can talk about it comfortably now," he said, reflecting on how early disappointments ultimately fueled his development as an actor.
Read more: Ahn Hyo-seop Breaks Silence on Career Crisis: 'Should I Quit Acting?'
