Analysis of leaked cloud server files suggests a North Korean animation studio may have made the upcoming Summer 2024 animated film despite being under sanctions.
This week, 38North published an article revealing that a North Korean animation studio is said to have produced the upcoming isekai anime series Dahlia in Bloom. This is despite sanctions currently in place that prohibit businesses from working with North Korean state-owned companies. Analysis of leaked files shows that the North Korean studio is likely April 26 Animation Studio, also known as SEK Studio. 38North added that the studio is North Korea's leading animation studio, producing many series for domestic television.
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Analysis of the records also revealed that instructions in Chinese were provided to the North Korean studio, 38North said, adding that a Chinese company may have acted as an intermediary between the North Korean studio and Dahlia in the studio. Bloom cartoons and others. Other animated series the studio is said to have in the works are Iyanu, Child of Wonder and HBO's Invincible Season 3. They also identified files that may suggest ties to Japanese animation studio Ekachi Epilka (Demon Lord, Try Again!).
Anime projects are often outsourced overseas to reduce labor costs
Despite its risks, outsourcing in the Japanese anime industry is often done due to significantly lower labor costs. While it bolstered the industry's pace of production, with over 200 anime series produced annually, many believe that foreign studios' lack of training in Japanese animation styles has led to many errors and must retake the exam. Jujutsu Kaisen 0's animation director, Nishii Terumi, frequently emphasized the issue of retakes, alluding to this when she said more and more animation studios were going bankrupt.
On the contrary, outsourcing often has the negative effect of amplifying discrimination and prejudice against other countries. An animator recently emphasized that there are many people in Japan who especially despise South Korea and China, adding that “the basic assumption is [was] that China should not be used unless it is cheap.” Many overseas studios and animators also reported that they had to go without pay for months after completing their work.
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Although this is just the latest controversy surrounding outsourcing to North Korean film studios, the general practice has recently been the subject of heated discussion as information has emerged that a child may have once working on a Winter 2024 anime series. Although their actual age is unclear, it has prompted discussion about how Internet recruitment and low investment in human resources lead to a scramble to hire anyone available.
Dahlia in Bloom will be released in July 2024, with animation by Typhoon Graphics and Imagica Infos. J-Novel Club licensed the original novel series in North America, describing: “After dying from overwork in Japan, Dahlia is reincarnated into a world filled with magic. Raised by a master magic tool maker, she develops a passion for the craft and However, before her father can see her wedding, he suddenly dies. As if this weren't enough, the day before their wedding, her fiancé declared that he was in love—but not with her! ”
“Dahlia finally realized that she needed to live for herself. She vows from now on to be her own woman and devote herself to her craft, even if it's not the quiet life she's always hoped for! From a chance encounter with a knight to starting her own company, there are many challenges ahead but this young craftswoman is no longer a shrinking purple flower – she is Dahlia and she is ready to bloom.”
Source: 38North