Actor Kim Seon-ho (39) has captivated female viewers worldwide not only with his looks and acting skills but also with his "voice."
As the Netflix drama Can This Love Be Translated? has topped the global non-English show category for two consecutive weeks, the response to male lead Kim Seon-ho's voice is heating up. In the drama, Kim Seon-ho plays the role of interpreter Joo Ho-jin, translating Japanese into Korean for the female lead Cha Mu-hee (played by Go Yoon-jung) through an earpiece. There are scenes where Kim Seon-ho's voice is heard saying, “Can you hear me, Cha Mu-hee?” during Go Yoon-jung's solo cuts, and his voice distinctly fills the screen at these moments.
Kim Seon-ho is known for his fair skin, double eyelids, and dimples, giving him a "pretty boy" face. However, his voice is deep and husky. This contrast adds to his charm, captivating global female viewers. Fans from various countries are showering him with praise, saying, “Just hearing Kim Seon-ho's voice is healing,” “I was thrilled when Kim Seon-ho interpreted,” and “His voice sounds even more amazing with my eyes closed.”
Besides Kim Seon-ho, male actors often leave a strong impression with their deep voices, sometimes even taking on voice-over roles in commercials. Why does a man's deep voice, as attractive as his appearance, appeal so much?
Kim Seon-ho: Deep and Husky Tone + Stable Vocalization
Kim Seon-ho's voice is fundamentally deep and slightly husky. Fans describe it as having "masculine and stable vocalization" and "a sweet, lingering softness as a charm point." In Interpreter, his role as a translator highlights this tone, with reactions calling it “luxurious and kind.”
Having honed his basics on the theater stage, Kim Seon-ho's pronunciation is clear and stable. His relaxed jaw joint enriches his resonance, making his voice feel like an arrow hitting its target. His breathing and tone control are natural, and he conveys emotions well without monotony when delivering lines. His calm, deep voice provides a sense of stability akin to a professional voice actor.
Overall, Kim Seon-ho's voice is not excessively deep but maintains a moderately masculine yet soft balance that lingers in the ears. It is clear that his charming voice, along with his delicate acting, plays a significant role in making the hearts of global viewers flutter.
Why a Man's Deep Voice Sounds Attractive
Various studies in evolution, physiology, and psychology have investigated why a man's low and soft voice sounds attractive.
According to research, a man's deep voice signals high levels of the male hormone testosterone. In experiments, female participants rated artificially lowered voices as more masculine and attractive. More testosterone leads to thicker and longer vocal cords, lowering the fundamental frequency. This results in a voice that sounds thick and deep, which women perceive as masculine and strong. Such a voice can be appealing even without seeing the speaker. Psychologically, a low voice with relatively little variation provides a sense of stability and confidence. However, in several experiments, excessively deep voices were perceived as signals of aggression and danger.
In voice attractiveness studies, not only pitch but also speech speed, intonation, and softness are important. An excessively high and fast voice can sound tense and anxious, while a very low and rough voice can sound threatening. However, a moderately low, soft, and stable tone enhances warmth and intimacy. When sweet lines or comforting words are spoken in a deep and soft tone, the brain perceives the person as more attractive and trustworthy. A low but soft and clear tone like Kim Seon-ho's falls into the "golden range" where it maximizes charm while minimizing perceived aggression.
If You Want a Deep Voice
Training to change pitch is possible by controlling the vocal cord muscles through consistent vocal exercises. Deep voice training focuses on diaphragmatic breathing and vocalization.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Increase lung capacity and support the sound from the abdomen. Inflate the belly when inhaling and exhale deeply so that the belly pulls toward the back. Repeat “hmm” humming for 30 seconds to produce a resonant, stable deep voice.
Lowering the Vocal Cords: Maintain a low “ah~” comfortably for 30 seconds. Speaking softly with "mixed air" adds charm rather than a dry sound.
Clarifying Resonance: Practicing with a chopstick in your mouth or widening the throat while making a “hot” sound can produce a clear, deep voice.
Daily Habits: Speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Reducing nasal sounds and staying hydrated can result in a lively "honey voice." Recording yourself for 10–15 minutes daily and comparing the audio can help you track your progress.
