In a plot twist worthy of its own animated storyline, a recent research report from ’38 North’ has revealed intriguing evidence suggesting that North Korean animators may have had a hand in producing animation projects for both Japanese and U.S. studios.
Despite strict sanctions in place, these alleged contributions to internationally acclaimed works have sparked curiosity and controversy alike.
The report, revealed on April 22, 2024, unearthed a fascinating web of involvement. From the upcoming anime series ‘Dahliya In Bloom’ to the third season of ‘Invincible,’ suspicions point to North Korean animators leaving their mark on global animation landscape. Even unexpected connections to Japanese studio Ekachi Epilka and elements reminiscent of the beloved BBC children’s cartoon ‘The Octonauts’ were found.
The story took a dramatic turn when Nick Roy, the curator of the NK Internet blog, stumbled upon a treasure trove of animation files housed in a North Korean server. With lax security measures in place, anyone could peek into this digital realm, revealing tantalizing glimpses into the daily workflow of North Korean animators.
Could these files be evidence of their clandestine contributions to international projects?
Digging deeper into the digital footprints, the log files revealed a curious pattern of internet connections from China to the North Korean server. Was this a covert channel for passing information between workers in China and their counterparts in North Korea?
The plot thickened as speculation swirled around the possible involvement of the April 26 Animation Studio, better known as SEK Studio, North Korea’s premier animation powerhouse.
SEK Studio’s past collaborations, including ventures with South Korea during the “Sunshine Policy” era, added an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative. However, the studio has not escaped scrutiny, having faced U.S. sanctions since 2016 due to its ties to the North Korean government. Further sanctions targeted Chinese companies allegedly involved with SEK Studio, underscoring the complexities of international partnerships in the animation industry.
As the story continues to unfold, questions linger about the true extent of North Korean involvement in global animation projects. With animation serving as both a creative outlet and a potential propaganda tool, the intersection of art and politics takes center stage in this unfolding drama.