[Kulture Issue] "The King of Kings" raises expectations of K-animation to make leap to global stage

Could K-animation become the next K-content leader?

Well, in North America, Korean-made animation “The King of Kings“ is already the king among Korean animation movies targeted at the overseas market.

Today, we want to delve into the K-animation world with our movie expert, Jae Soh, Professor and filmmaker at Seoul Institute of the Arts. Hello Professor Soh!

Q1. Let’s start with this outstanding performance of the made-in-Korea animated movie “The King of Kings“. This one is writing history in the K-animation industry but for now, outside of Korea. Please tell us about the achievement.

Q2. Impressive to have even Hollywood stars voicing the characters so this approach of targeting a foreign audience first, is this a new chapter in the potential of K-animation productions?

Q3. Famous directors like Bong Joon-ho and Kim Tae-yong are also in the process of making animation productions. What do you make of their new attempts?

Q4. Let’s now talk about the first Korean animated film to debut on Netflix. “Lost in Starlight“ is coming in a week from now. What are your expectations? (Bong Joon-ho I heard spoke well of it?)

Q5. Why is Korean animation in the spotlight these days? Was it always a field of strength, or are we seeing significant progress lately?

Q6. Let's shift gears to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, that is wrapping up tomorrow, Saturday. Korean director Heo Ga-young has won the first prize of the "La Cinef," an award dedicated to student-made movies. Please tell us about it.

Q7. Also, staying with Cannes, but also going back to K-animation. For the first time, a Korean animated short film, by director Joung Yu-mi , called “Glasses“ was invited to compete in the short film category. What’s your assessment of this selection?