Behind the phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters lies Choi Sung-hyun (Andrew Choi), one of the silent architects behind iconic groups like TVXQ!, BoA, EXO-K, and SHINee. From shaping modern K-Pop behind the scenes to becoming the singing voice of Jinu, Andrew Choi shares his journey of stepping into his own voice.
A year ago, K-Pop Demon Hunters arrived in our lives like a wonderful surprise. An animated film, yes, but above all a work driven by artists who put in several years of hard work, doubts, passion, and music to build a universe capable of touching children and adults alike. We thought we were watching a film "just to have a good time," and in the end, it settled into our homes, our conversations, and our playlists. It became a small phenomenon — something that brings people together, makes them smile, and gets them singing.
Behind this success, however, are artists whose names do not always appear on the front line. Creators who shaped modern K-Pop, contributed to writing its history, defined its aesthetic, and guided artists to success. Among them, Choi Sung-hyun — Andrew Choi — holds a very special place. Before becoming the singing voice of Jinu, he was one of the silent masterminds behind iconic groups such as TVXQ!, BoA, EXO-K, and SHINee. For years, he composed, wrote, produced, and built musical universes for others with the humility characteristic of those who work in the shadows.
Then comes a more intimate, simpler, and truer dimension: my son. A little boy who discovered Jinu like one discovers a friend. Who sings his lines in the living room, dances to his choreography, and lives the character with disarming innocence. For him, Jinu is not an animated character: he is a voice that accompanies him, an energy that feeds his dreams. So when I learned that Andrew Choi was going to perform at Korean Heritage Night at Angel Stadium, I knew it was a unique opportunity. A chance to meet the artist behind this voice that has been echoing in our home for months. A chance to connect my profession, my son's passion, and the man who brought Jinu to life.
Thanks to his participation in this event, the interview was able to take place on August 5, 2026. Korean Heritage Night is not just a cultural celebration: it is a moment where the Korean community, families, fans, and artists gather in an immense venue steeped in history. Seeing Andrew Choi step onto the stage of this legendary stadium to represent Korean culture in front of thousands of people was already a powerful moment. Being able to chat with him afterward in a quieter, more human setting was a privilege.
Meeting Andrew Choi was an opportunity to talk about the film, yes, but above all to talk about him. About his journey, his influences, and how he has built himself as an artist. To understand how a man who shaped K-Pop for over a decade is now experiencing this transition toward a more personal, assumed, and free identity. What was meant to be an interview about an animated character turned into a sincere, humble, and deeply human conversation — reflecting Choi Sung-hyun himself.
1. How would you describe your artistic identity and the musical direction that defines you today?
Andrew Choi: “Honestly, I am still discovering it. After spending many years writing for other artists in the K-Pop scene, the idea of having my own artistic identity remains something new to me. I spent a long time shaping the sound of others, not my own. Today, I am in an exploration phase: learning what it means to express my own voice without hiding behind someone else's. It is a path that builds over time.”
2. What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer, songwriter, and producer?
Andrew Choi: “I loved singing from a very young age. Music was always around me, and I naturally drifted toward songwriting over the years. The popular music I heard on the radio sparked a curiosity in me: to understand how a song is born, how a melody can convey an emotion. That curiosity became a vocation.”
3. What artists or musical influences have shaped your sound over time?
Andrew Choi: “R&B really fueled my desire to sing and write more seriously. Babyface, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, and Mariah Carey are among my favorites. Their emotional depth, vocal style, and sense of melody shaped the way I approach music. They taught me that a song can be both technically beautiful and deeply personal.”
4. What has been the most defining moment of your artistic journey so far?
Andrew Choi: “Meeting the fans and hearing how the music touched them. When someone tells you that a song helped them or accompanied them through a difficult time, it reminds you why you create. Those moments go beyond any award.”
5. You are the official singing voice of Jinu in Saja Boys. How did this collaboration begin?
Andrew Choi: “EJAE recommended me to Sony as a vocalist for the demo tracks of Sodapop, and I am deeply grateful to her. While working on adjustments with Ian Eisendrath, he asked if I would be interested in lending my voice to one of the Saja Boys. I accepted immediately. A few months later, I was in the studio recording Jinu’s voice. Everything happened very naturally.”
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6. What is the most challenging part of creating a vocal identity for a fictional character like Jinu?
Andrew Choi: “I simply wanted everyone involved to be satisfied with my performance. I knew that the story and songs took four to five years of work, and I wanted to do justice to that investment. I could never have achieved this without Ian Eisendrath, who directed me vocally throughout the entire process. Credit belongs to him as much as to me: he shaped the character’s voice alongside me.”
7. You participated in the K-Pop Demon Hunters project. What drew you to this production and what role did you play in it?
Andrew Choi: “Disney films have always had a magical effect on people, including me. The universe, the characters, the music… everything stayed with me long after the movie ended. I think KPDH possesses that same mysterious magic. Being part of a project carrying this kind of emotional energy feels almost surreal. I feel lucky to participate in something I previously admired from the outside.”
8. How has working on K-Pop Demon Hunters influenced your artistic perspective or future projects?
Andrew Choi: “KPDH completely changed my vision of what I can bring as a singer-songwriter. I spent most of my career behind the scenes, but this film opened up new possibilities — not only as an author, but also as an artist and voice actor. It expanded my perception of my role in music.”
9. How do you feel about performing at Korean Heritage Night and representing Korean culture in front of such a diverse audience in Southern California?
Andrew Choi: “It is an incredible honor. When I was a child, I never could have imagined seeing Korean culture recognized and celebrated on such a scale. Being invited to sing at Angel Stadium to celebrate our heritage is truly a dream come true. It is a moment that connects my childhood, my culture, and my artistic journey.”
10. What message would you like to pass on to the fans present at the event who are discovering your work through this celebration?
Andrew Choi: “This is a celebration, so I hope you will join me and sing along. Moments like these are meant to be shared.”
What was meant to be an interview about an animated character turned into a sincere, humble, and deeply human conversation — reflecting Choi Sung-hyun himself.
