Korean Animation Studios Shift Toward Domestic Webtoon Adaptations
Korean animation studios are increasingly producing feature films based on local webtoons entirely in-house rather than relying on international partnerships. This strategic shift aims to build domestic production capacity and expand intellectual property beyond traditional children's content.
While past hits like Solo Leveling utilized Japanese infrastructure, studios like Locus are now handling full production for projects such as Guardians of the Video Game. Despite global interest in Korean stories, domestic animated films still struggle to compete with the box office success of imported Japanese titles. Industry experts suggest that focusing on adult-oriented content and new revenue models is essential for the sector's growth. This transition represents a move toward self-sufficiency rather than a complete departure from international co-productions.
