Ahn Hyo-Seop: Relationship, Military Exemption & More

Ahn Hyo-Seop, the Canadian actor of South Korean origin who rose to fame through dramas like Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic 3, has drawn public curiosity on several fronts: his relationship status, his exemption from mandatory military service, and his current projects. This guide answers the most searched questions about him using verified reports from entertainment outlets, official social media, and biographical databases. We have reviewed coverage from Koreaboo, GMA Network, Pinkvilla, The Times of India, and other sources to separate confirmed facts from speculation.

Last checked: 2026-06-20

Full Name: Ahn Hyo-Seop · Born: April 17, 1995 · Nationality: Canadian · Occupation: Actor, Singer · Height: 187 cm · English Name: Paul Ahn

Is Ahn Hyo-Seop in a relationship?

Ahn Hyo-Seop directly addressed this question on January 10, 2024, through the fan communication platform Weverse DM. According to a Pinkvilla report, he wrote unequivocally: “I don’t have a girlfriend.” The Times of India independently confirmed the same statement, noting that it came amid persistent rumors linking him to several co-stars.

Shutting down dating rumors: the Pinkvilla report

The most persistent rumors have connected him to Business Proposal co-star Kim Se-jeong, driven by their on-screen chemistry and behind-the-scenes clips. In mid-2023, speculation intensified when both posted travel photos from Japan. Kim Se-jeong addressed this directly on a Weverse Live broadcast, as reported by Koreaboo: “There’s a rumor that Hyo Seop oppa and I went to Japan together? Why would I go to Japan with oppa?” She clarified that she traveled with her best friend and older brother.

“I don’t have a girlfriend.”

— Ahn Hyo-Seop, via Weverse DM, January 10, 2024 (as reported by Pinkvilla)

A 2025 roundup on Fanplus notes that none of his alleged relationships have ever been officially acknowledged by him or his agencies, characterizing the various “girlfriend” stories as unconfirmed gossip amplified by fan expectations.

Why is Ahn Hyo-Seop exempt from military service?

Ahn Hyo-Seop’s exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service stems from his Canadian citizenship. South Korean law generally requires able-bodied male citizens to serve roughly 18–24 months before around age 30, but foreign citizenship can exempt an individual from this obligation. Multiple entertainment outlets, including GMA Network and The Times of India, have reported that his exemption is attributed to his Canadian nationality rather than any health condition.

The Facebook announcement on military exemption

Coverage of his exemption began circulating widely in late 2023. A Koreaboo article titled “One of Korea’s most popular K-Drama and movie actors, Ahn Hyo Seop, has been fully exempted from mandatory military duty” explained that his family moved to Canada when he was about seven, and he was later scouted by JYP Entertainment while attending high school there. This background—growing up in Toronto and holding Canadian citizenship—places him outside the conscription pool.

For context, DailyO explains that South Korean exemptions can be granted for medical issues, exceptional athletes and artists, sole breadwinners, certain family situations, or conscientious objection. Ahn’s case falls under the foreign-citizenship category, which is distinct from health-based exemptions granted to actors like Kim Woo-bin (nasopharyngeal cancer) or Seo In-guk (osteochondral lesions causing chronic ankle pain), as noted by The Times of India.

What is Ahn Hyo-Seop doing now?

As of early 2025, Ahn Hyo-Seop remains active in the Korean entertainment industry. His most recent major project was Dr. Romantic 3, which aired in 2023. He maintains an active presence on Instagram at @imhyoseop, where he shares updates with his followers.

Current drama projects and Instagram activity

His career trajectory includes notable roles in Still 17 (2018), Abyss (2019), Dr. Romantic 2 (2020), Business Proposal (2022), and A Time Called You (2023), as documented by GMA Network. His Instagram feed shows a mix of professional photoshoots, behind-the-scenes content, and personal posts, though he is known for being relatively private about his personal life.

Is Ahn Hyo-Seop Canadian?

Yes. Ahn Hyo-Seop is a Canadian actor and singer of South Korean origin. He was born in Seoul on April 17, 1995, and his family emigrated to Canada when he was about seven years old, as reported by Koreaboo. He holds Canadian citizenship and uses the English name Paul Ahn.

Dual citizenship and his move to South Korea

While attending high school in Canada, he was scouted by JYP Entertainment, which led him to return to South Korea to pursue an entertainment career. He initially debuted as a singer with the song “Love You” before transitioning to acting with his debut in Splash Splash Love in 2015. His Canadian background is frequently noted in international coverage, with outlets like GMA Network emphasizing his upbringing in Toronto and his status as a transnational star with a large overseas fan base.