Ahn Hyo-seop Wins ‘D Awards Impact’ — A Year That Cemented His Global Presence

Actor Ahn Hyo-seop has been named one of the winners of the ‘D Awards Impact’ at the 2nd D Awards, highlighting a year that significantly expanded his reach across both streaming platforms and cinema.

The ceremony took place on February 11 at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium in Seoul, bringing together artists who left a defining mark on Korean pop culture over the past year.

A Performance Year That Bridged Global OTT and Theaters

The ‘D Awards Impact’ category honors figures who demonstrated standout influence across drama, film, and entertainment.

For Ahn Hyo-seop, 2025 was a turning point.

He gained international attention through his voice performance in the Netflix animated series K-Pop Demon Hunters, where he portrayed Jinwoo, the leader of fictional boy group Saja Boys. His detailed voice acting was widely praised for adding emotional depth to the character, contributing to the project’s global popularity.

At the same time, he led the fantasy blockbuster Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, taking on the central role of Kim Dokja. The film required both physically demanding action sequences and emotionally layered acting, further positioning him as one of the next-generation leading actors on the big screen.

Defining “Impact” Beyond Popularity

The D Awards emphasized not only chart success or ratings but measurable cultural influence.

Ahn’s simultaneous presence in global OTT content and large-scale theatrical releases reflected a rare dual momentum. His projects resonated with both domestic audiences and international viewers, strengthening the global footprint of Korean content.

The recognition signals more than one successful year. It marks a shift in how Ahn Hyo-seop is perceived within the industry not only as a rising star, but as a central figure capable of carrying large-scale productions across formats.

Expanding the Scope of Korean Content

As Korean storytelling continues to evolve beyond traditional drama formats, actors who can navigate multiple platforms are becoming increasingly significant.

By contributing to both animation and live-action productions with global visibility, Ahn demonstrated versatility and range. His performances helped bridge genres while expanding the international appeal of Korean narratives.

With this latest award, his trajectory appears firmly aligned with long-term global positioning rather than short-term popularity.

The question now is not whether Ahn Hyo-seop has influence but how far that influence will extend in the coming years.