Met Gala 2026: Ahn Hyo-Seop Ends 11-Year Drought For Korean Actors With Sparkling Debut; Brings Back Red Scarf

Ahn

Hyo-Seop became the first Korean actor in 11 years to walk down the red carpet of the Met Gala 2026, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 31-year-old actor, who shot to global fame after voicing the character Jinu in the Oscar-winning Netflix animated KPop Demon Hunters (2025), managed to turn heads even at the big fiesta. Currently seen leading the ongoing K-drama titled Sold out On You with Chae Won-Bin, Ahn has had a busy year with back-to-back projects and promotions. His Met Gala attendance, however, adds a new feather in his cap, bringing a historic moment for the Korean entertainment industry.

Ahn Hyo-Seop's historic Met Gala debut

Marking his Met Gala debut, Ahn Hyo-Seop arrived in a sequined black and gold-patterned suit with a silk gold shirt, in line with the "Fashion Is Art" theme. What stood out, however, was his red scarf and gold-studded shoes. Ahn was there as a brand ambassador of a popular luxury brand. This appearance strengthens his status as a global cultural ambassador beyond acting.Ahn Hyo-Seop has become the fourth Korean actor to attend the Met Gala, and the first in 11 years, joining a select few who attended before him. Previous Korean actors at the Met Gala included Lee Byung-Hun and Kim Sung-Soo in 2013, followed by Rain in 2015.

Star of KPpop Demon Hunters

Ahn, famously known for playing the male lead in fan-favourite K-drama Business Proposal (2022), recently made his Oscars red carpet debut too. He appeared with the cast of KPpop Demon Hunters and wore nothing like his Met Gala 2026 attire. At the Academy, he wore a simple suit, holding a handheld fan to cool down the Los Angeles heat. Ahn went to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as well, completing what many describe as a Global Triple Crown across television, film, and fashion. At the Met Gala 2026, Ahn also had another team member from KPpop Demon Hunters, singer-songwriter EJAE, the singing voice of Rumi in the film. This was EJAE's Met debut too.

About Ahn Hyo-Seop's work

Ahn Hyo-Seop started off as a K-pop trainee, and eventually debuted as part of the project group One O One. He made his acting debut with Splash Splash Love in 2015, after its disbandment. Ahn gained widespread recognition through hit dramas like Dr. Romantic 2 and Abyss, and later, one of his biggest hits, rom-com Business Proposal. Ahn was also a part of the Korean thriller Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy alongside Lee Min-Ho, Chae Soo-Bin, Shin Seung-Ho, Nana, Kwon Eun-Seong and Jisoo, which released in 2025. He is currently playing Matthew Lee in Sold Out On You. The series follows two people who are sincere and passionate about their work but surprisingly neglectful of themselves, as their lives become intertwined 24 hours a day.