Ahn Hyo-seop is a South Korean actor, singer, and model who has swiftly risen to fame with his compelling performances and undeniable charm. Known for his tall frame, warm smile, and versatility, Ahn has become a household name in the Korean entertainment industry. Born in Seoul but raised partly in Canada, his international background has contributed to his unique persona both on and off-screen. Initially aspiring to be a K-pop idol, Ahn trained under JYP Entertainment before pivoting to acting—a move that turned out to be career-defining.
He made his acting debut in 2015 and gained early recognition with supporting roles in dramas like One More Happy Ending and Entertainer. However, it was his breakout performance in Still 17 (2018) that truly showcased his depth as an actor. Since then, he’s led several successful dramas including Abyss (2019), Dr. Romantic 2 & 3, and the massively popular Business Proposal (2022), where he played the charming and emotionally complex Kang Tae-moo. His combination of boyish innocence and mature intensity has earned him a loyal fan base across Asia and beyond.
Ahn Hyo-seop is also musically gifted; he was once part of the project group One O One and continues to sing and play multiple instruments. As of 2025, Ahn is considered one of the top rising stars in Korean drama and has even begun exploring opportunities outside of South Korea, cementing his status as a global talent.
Personal Life
| Original/Real Name |
Ahn Hyo-seop (안효섭) |
| Other/Nickname |
Paul Ahn |
| Profession/Occupation |
Actor, Singer, Model |
| Birthplace |
Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality |
South Korean |
| Age |
30 (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth |
April 17, 1995 |
| Hometown |
Toronto, Canada / Seoul, South Korea |
| Caste/Religion |
Christianity |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign |
Aries |
| Current career status |
Active |
Physical Appearance
| Height (Centimeters) |
187 cm |
| Weight (Kilograms) |
73 kg |
| Body Measurements |
Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color |
Black |
| Eye’s Color |
Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Parents |
Not publicly known |
| Father’s name |
Not disclosed |
| Mother’s name |
Not disclosed |
| Brother’s name |
N/A |
| Sister’s name |
N/A |
Marital Status Affairs Boyfriends Kids & Relationship
| Boyfriend |
N/A |
| Dating |
Rumored to be dating Park Ji-hyun (unconfirmed) |
| Marital Status |
Unmarried |
| Spouse/Husband |
N/A |
| Son |
N/A |
| Daughter |
N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| School |
High school in Canada |
| College/ University |
Kookmin University |
| Educational Qualification |
Degree in International Business |
Controversies
Ahn Hyo-seop has maintained a clean public image with no major controversies. He is widely respected for his professionalism and humility.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Favorite Food |
Kimchi stew, Canadian brunch |
| Favorite Movie |
The Notebook |
| Favorite Actor |
Song Kang-ho |
| Favorite Actress |
Natalie Portman |
| Favorite Color |
Navy Blue |
| Favorite Designer |
N/A |
| Favorite Destination |
Vancouver, Canada |
| Favorite Cafe |
Local cafes in Hannam-dong |
| Favorite daily wear brand |
Uniqlo, Muji |
| Favorite Book |
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami |
| Favorite Athlete |
Son Heung-min |
Money/Net Worth
| Salary |
Estimated $50K–$80K per episode |
| Net Worth |
Approx. $5 million USD (2025 estimate) |
Contact Information
| Official Website |
N/A |
| E-Mail Address |
Not public |
| Phone Number |
Not public |
| House Address |
Seoul, South Korea |
Social Media
| Wikipedia |
Ahn Hyo-seop |
| Twitter |
Not active |
| Facebook |
Not active |
| Instagram |
@imhyoseop |
Personal quote:
“I want to become an actor who makes people feel seen.”
Early Life and Career
Born in Seoul and raised in Toronto from a young age, Ahn Hyo-seop had a multicultural upbringing. Fluent in English and Korean, he returned to South Korea alone at 17 to pursue his dreams in entertainment. Initially training under JYP Entertainment to become a K-pop idol, he missed out on debuting with the boy band GOT7 due to his height and timing.
His decision to transition into acting paid off when he began landing roles that showed off both his emotional depth and comedic timing. In Still 17 (2018), he stole hearts with his portrayal of a sweet high schooler, and his success continued with Abyss and Dr. Romantic 2, the latter of which cemented his place among top young actors. But it was Business Proposal (2022) that turned him into a household name, particularly for international audiences.
Current life/Events:
In 2023–2025, Ahn returned to reprise his role in Dr. Romantic 3, once again proving his acting prowess. He’s currently exploring more global opportunities, with speculation around potential Hollywood auditions and Netflix originals. In 2024, he also appeared in the fantasy romance A Time Called You, further proving his ability to handle emotionally rich and challenging roles.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser known facts about Ahn Hyo-seop
- He was almost a member of the K-pop group GOT7.
- Ahn can play the violin and piano and often practices singing in his free time.
- He has Canadian citizenship but chose to pursue his career in South Korea out of love for Korean dramas.
- He is known for being introverted but warms up quickly with close friends.
- Despite his tall frame, he was once insecure about being too tall for idol choreography.
- He’s an animal lover and owns a dog named “Paul.”
- He loves cooking and has said it helps him unwind after filming.
- Ahn is fluent in English, which has helped him connect with fans internationally.
- He once said if he weren’t an actor, he would have become a business consultant.
- He is a fan of classic literature and often brings a book to the set.
