Recent revelations have stirred controversy in the anime industry, as reports surfaced suggesting the involvement of North Korean animators in the production of the popular anime series, Dahlia in Bloom, and another undisclosed project at the Hokkaido-based studio, EKACHI EPILKA.
The disclosures emerged following a report from 38 North, a Stimson Center-based website known for its analysis of North Korean affairs. According to the report, a cloud server with a North Korean IP address was discovered, housing files related to animation work, including instructions and outcomes of daily animation tasks.
These findings hinted at a complex arrangement involving a third-party intermediary facilitating communication between North Korean animators and production studios.
While the report did not definitively identify the North Korean animation studio involved, it speculated that April 26 Animation Studio (also known as SEK Studio) might be linked to the operation. This studio was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2016, raising concerns about the potential implications of its involvement in international animation projects.
In response to the allegations, both the official Twitter account for Dahlia in Bloom and EKACHI EPILKA released statements denying any prior knowledge of involvement with North Korean animators. They emphasized ongoing investigations into the matter, underscoring their commitment to maintaining ethical standards in anime production.
Furthermore, the report highlighted broader concerns about North Korean IT workers posing as non-North Korean nationals to secure employment in various industries, including graphic animation.
This revelation has raised questions about the potential use of VPNs and other methods to disguise their origins and bypass international sanctions.
The controversy has also impacted other projects mentioned in the report, including the third season of the Amazon Original series Invincible and the BBC children’s cartoon Octonauts.
Skybound Entertainment, responsible for Invincible, issued a public statement addressing the allegations and emphasizing its commitment to ethical sourcing and production practices.