Ahn Hyo Seop Profile, Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth & Facts 2026
Ahn Hyo Seop has become one of the most recognized faces in the Korean entertainment industry. From his early days as a JYP Entertainment trainee to becoming a global K-drama star, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. In 2026, he continues to reach new heights—attending the Met Gala, walking the Oscars red carpet, and even making his solo music debut with American R&B star Khalid.
Born in South Korea and raised in Canada, Ahn Hyo Seop brings a unique blend of cultural fluency that has helped him connect with audiences worldwide. Whether you know him from Business Proposal, Dr. Romantic 2, or his recent work in KPop Demon Hunters, there is no denying his star power. This Ahn Hyo Seop profile covers everything you need to know about the actor in 2026—from his biography and career highlights to his net worth and lesser-known facts.
Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ahn Hyo Seop (Paul Ahn) |
| Birth Date | April 17, 1995 |
| Age (2026) | 31 years old |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 188 cm (6’2″) |
| Weight | Approximately 73 kg (161 lbs) |
| Blood Type | A |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Education | Kookmin University (International Business) |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer |
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Agency | The Present Company |
| @imhyoseop | |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $5 million USD |
Table of Contents
Who Is Ahn Hyo Seop?
Ahn Hyo Seop is a Canadian actor and singer based in South Korea. Born in Seoul and raised in Toronto, he moved back to Korea at 17 to pursue his dream of becoming an entertainer. He first debuted as a singer in 2015 with the project group One O One before transitioning into acting.
He gained widespread recognition for his leading roles in hit K-dramas like Dr. Romantic 2 (2020), Lovers of the Red Sky (2021), and Business Proposal (2022)—the romantic comedy that catapulted him to international fame. In 2025 and 2026, Ahn Hyo Seop expanded his portfolio beyond television, voicing the character Jinu in the Academy Award-winning animated film KPop Demon Hunters and starring in the big-budget fantasy film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet.
Fans also know him by his English name, Paul Ahn, a name he adopted during his childhood in Canada. He is fluent in both English and Korean, which has helped him connect with global audiences and land international projects.
Early Life and Education
Ahn Hyo Seop was born on April 17, 1995, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother and an older sister. When he was seven years old, his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada. He spent his formative years there, adapting to a new culture and learning English fluently.
Growing up in Canada, Ahn developed a deep love for music. He played the violin and piano and would often produce tracks with his friends after school. His passion for music eventually led him to make a life-changing decision: at the age of 17, he moved back to South Korea alone to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His family remained in Canada, making the transition challenging. In a 2024 interview, he admitted that he wanted to go back home after just three days due to the cultural differences and loneliness.
Despite the difficulties, Ahn persevered. He later attended and graduated from Kookmin University in Seoul, majoring in International Business.
Career Journey
Pre-Debut Career
After returning to South Korea, Ahn Hyo Seop was scouted by JYP Entertainment and became a trainee. During his trainee days, he was part of the rookie development team that would eventually become the famous boy group GOT7. He even practiced alongside members like Jackson, Mark, and BamBam. However, he did not make it to the final lineup. The reason? His height. At 188 cm, he was considered too tall to fit the group’s choreography. Though disappointing at the time, this setback led him down a different path—one that would make him a household name as an actor.
Debut and Rise to Fame
Ahn Hyo Seop made his acting debut in 2015 with a small role in the drama Splash Splash Love. That same year, he also debuted as a singer with the project group One O One, releasing the single “Love You”. The group had minimal activities and disbanded after a few years, but it allowed Ahn to showcase his musical talent.
His breakthrough came in 2018 with the drama Still 17, where he played the passionate high school student Yoo Chan. The role earned him the Best New Actor award at the MBC Drama Awards.
In 2020, he took on the role of Dr. Seo Woo-jin in Dr. Romantic 2, a medical drama that became a massive hit. His performance earned him the Best New Actor award at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards—one of the most prestigious honors in the Korean entertainment industry.
But it was Business Proposal in 2022 that truly made him a global star. Playing the charming CEO Kang Tae-moo, he won hearts worldwide. The drama topped Netflix charts in multiple countries and cemented his status as a leading actor. He followed this success with Lovers of the Red Sky (2021) and A Time Called You (2023), further proving his versatility.
Recent Activities (2025–2026)
The last two years have been monumental for Ahn Hyo Seop. In 2025, he voiced the character Jinu in the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters. The film won Best Animated Feature at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. He attended the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, walking the red carpet in a classic Tom Ford tuxedo.
In April 2026, his drama Sold Out on You premiered on Netflix. He played Matthew Lee, a farmer-turned-CEO whose quiet life is disrupted by a home shopping network host. The series ranked among Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English TV shows.
May 2026 brought another milestone: Ahn Hyo Seop attended the Met Gala, becoming the first Korean male actor to do so in over a decade. He was invited by luxury brand Valentino. This appearance, along with his Oscar and Jimmy Fallon show appearances, earned him what the media calls a “Global Triple Crown” in television, film, and fashion.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came in May 2026 when Ahn announced his solo music debut. He collaborated with American R&B star Khalid on the single “Something Special,” released on May 22. The track blends K-pop and U.S. R&B seamlessly. Ahn admitted feeling both “nervous” and “thrilled” about the release, as music has always been a hidden passion.
Looking ahead, Ahn is set to star in the rom-com Final Table in the latter half of 2026.
Family Background
Ahn Hyo Seop was born as the youngest of three siblings. His older brother, born in 1989, works as a pharmacist, and his older sister, born in 1991, is an accountant. His family immigrated to Toronto, Canada, when he was seven. They remained in Canada when he returned to Korea at 17.
Not much is known about his parents, as Ahn keeps his personal life private. He has mentioned in interviews that his parents were initially against his decision to pursue entertainment. However, his success has undoubtedly made them proud.
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Ahn Hyo Seop is known for his tall and slender build. He stands at approximately 188 cm (6’2″) and weighs around 73 kg (161 lbs). He has dark brown eyes and black hair. His blood type is A. His height was actually the reason he did not debut with GOT7—he was considered too tall for the group. His striking visuals and tall stature have made him a favorite for fashion campaigns and magazine covers.
Relationship Status
As of 2026, Ahn Hyo Seop is single. He has never publicly confirmed any relationship. He keeps his personal life very private and focuses on his work. When asked about dating, he has mentioned in past interviews that he is fully dedicated to his career.
Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2026, Ahn Hyo Seop’s estimated net worth is around $5 million USD.
His income comes from multiple sources:
- Acting: His primary source of income. He reportedly earns $50,000 to $80,000 per episode for his drama appearances.
- Endorsements: Ahn has been the face of numerous brands, including luxury fashion houses.
- Film Projects: His roles in films like KPop Demon Hunters and Omniscient Reader have added to his earnings.
- Music: His 2026 collaboration with Khalid marks a new income stream.
- Global Appearances: Events like the Oscars and Met Gala have boosted his international profile and brand value.
His net worth is expected to grow as he continues to take on global projects.
Social Media Profiles
Ahn Hyo Seop is active on social media, where he shares updates about his projects and personal life.
- Instagram: @imhyoseop
- He regularly posts photos from brand events, drama sets, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- In June 2026, he shared a heartfelt post marking “one year with Jinu,” his character from KPop Demon Hunters.
- He also uses his platform to announce major projects, including his collaboration with Khalid.
Awards and Achievements
Ahn Hyo Seop has received numerous awards throughout his career:
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | MBC Drama Awards | Best New Actor | Still 17 |
| 2020 | Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actor (TV) | Dr. Romantic 2 |
| 2020 | Asia Artist Awards | Best Actor | Dr. Romantic 2 |
| 2021 | SBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Lovers of the Red Sky |
| 2021 | SBS Drama Awards | Best Couple Award (with Kim Yoo-jung) | Lovers of the Red Sky |
| 2022 | SBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award | Business Proposal |
| 2023 | Asia Artist Awards | Best Actor | Business Proposal |
| 2023 | Asia Artist Awards | Hot Trend Award | Business Proposal |
Beyond awards, 2026 brought major career achievements: attending the Oscars, walking the Met Gala red carpet, and releasing his first solo music collaboration.
10 Interesting Facts About Ahn Hyo Seop
- He was almost in GOT7. Ahn trained with the group that would become GOT7 but was cut due to his height.
- He is fluent in English. Growing up in Canada from age 7 to 17 made him a native English speaker.
- He plays multiple instruments. Ahn can play the piano and violin.
- He has a cat named Ba-ul. When not working, he enjoys staying home with his cat.
- He loves reading. Ahn has recommended books like The Great Gatsby and works by Haruki Murakami to fans.
- He donated to UNICEF. In May 2024, he donated 50 million won to UNICEF Korea for Children’s Day.
- His favorite foods include kimchi stew and bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped pastry).
- His MBTI personality type is INTP.
- He is a homebody. Ahn prefers staying home with a good book over going out.
- Music has always been his first love. Before acting, he trained as a singer and finally made his solo debut in 2026.
FAQ Section
1. How old is Ahn Hyo Seop in 2026?
Ahn Hyo Seop was born on April 17, 1995, making him 31 years old in 2026.
2. What is Ahn Hyo Seop’s height?
He stands at 188 cm (6’2″).
3. What is Ahn Hyo Seop’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $5 million USD as of 2026.
4. Is Ahn Hyo Seop in a relationship?
No, he is currently single and keeps his personal life private.
5. What dramas has Ahn Hyo Seop starred in?
His notable dramas include Business Proposal, Dr. Romantic 2 & 3, Lovers of the Red Sky, Still 17, Abyss, and A Time Called You.
6. What is Ahn Hyo Seop’s English name?
7. Where was Ahn Hyo Seop born?
He was born in Seoul, South Korea.
8. Did Ahn Hyo Seop debut as a singer?
Yes, he debuted as a singer in 2015 with the project group One O One. In 2026, he made his solo debut with Khalid.
9. What is Ahn Hyo Seop’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram is @imhyoseop.
10. What movies has Ahn Hyo Seop appeared in?
He voiced Jinu in KPop Demon Hunters (2025) and starred in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet (2025).
Conclusion
Ahn Hyo Seop has come a long way from being a trainee who was told he was too tall to debut. Today, he stands tall—literally and figuratively—as one of the most sought-after actors in the Korean entertainment industry. In 2026 alone, he attended the Oscars, walked the Met Gala red carpet, starred in a hit Netflix drama, and made his solo music debut with Khalid. His journey from Toronto to Seoul to global stardom is proof that passion and perseverance pay off.