Korean April 26 Animation Studio[3] (Korean조선4·26만화영화촬영소; Hanja朝鮮4·26漫畵映畵撮影所; lit. Korean April 26 Animation Film Studio), also known as SEK Studio (abbreviation of "Scientific Educational Korea"), is a state-owned North Korean animation studio, based in Ot'an-dong, Central District, Pyongyang.[4]

SEK Studio
Native name
조선4·26만화영화촬영소
IndustryAnimation
FoundedSeptember 7, 1957 (1957-09-07)[1]
HeadquartersOt'an-dong, Central District, ,
Key people
Jun Ok Kim
Number of employees
900 (2014)[2]
SEK Studio
Chosŏn'gŭl
조선4·26만화영화촬영소
Hancha
朝鮮4·26漫畵映畵撮影所
Revised RomanizationJoseon 4.26 Manhwa Yeonghwa Chwaryeongso
McCune–ReischauerChosŏn 4.26 Manhwa Yŏnghwa Ch'waryŏngso

History

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The studio started operations in September 1957, as 4.26 Children's Film Studio (4.26아동영화촬영소).[1]

SEK Studio worked with foreign animators and companies with relative frequency for a North Korean operation throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Around 1985, it began to outsource animation for European television.[5] It has also done subcontracting work on over 250 foreign animations. They mainly worked on subcontracting Russian, Italian, French, Spanish and Chinese animation, with American animation being outsourced in an indirect way.

SEK has done work on several animated series with Mondo TV, including Pocahontas: Princess of the American Indians[6] and Simba the King Lion,[7][8][9] (due to these two, it has been repeatedly misinformed that SEK has worked for The Walt Disney Company). SEK also has produced features such as the French science fiction epic Gandahar (The Light Years) and Empress Chung.[10]

It was registered as the SEK Studio which stands for Scientific Educational Korea in 1997 in order to take part in an animation festival in France.[11]

According to Cinema Escapist, its most prominent US projects were The Simpsons Movie, Futurama: Bender's Big Score and an episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender.[12] According to the Korean Film Council, SEK Studio outsourced episode 72 of the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.[13]

Recently, international collaborations between SEK Studio and other nations has declined significantly, with only China co-producing content. This can largely be attributed to rising tensions between North Korea and the West, notably the United States.[14] SEK Studio participated in "Shijiazhuang International Animation Exhibition" on September 30, 2014.[15] SEK Studio is expected to introduce a new science fiction genre animation.[16] Since 2010s, SEK studio has contracted with many animation studios in China and outsourced in Chinese TV series, web animations, game graphics and commercials. SEK is currently pursuing large-scale projects with Chinese animation companies. It relates to web animated series that will be produced in China.[17]


In December 2021, the US Treasury accused SEK Studio and companies and individuals related to it, of exploiting North Korean workers to earn foreign currency and avoid sanctions on North Korea.[18] In April 2024, a server leak revealed that some Western television series, such as Invincible and Iyanu: Child of Wonder, as well as the Japanese anime series Dahlia in Bloom, had been worked on by SEK Studio despite sanctions.[19][20]

Previous Names

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SEK Studio was founded in 1957 as April 26 Children’s Animation Film Studio.[14]

  • Korean National Film Studio – Puppet Animation Film Research Institute (1957-1959)
  • Korean National Film Studio – Animation Film Studio (1959-1960)
  • Korean National Film Studio – Animation Film Production (1960-1964)
  • Korean Children's Film Studio (1964-1971)
  • Korean Science Education Film Studio – Animation Film Production Team (1971-1980)
  • Korean Science Education Film Studio – Children's Film Production Team (1980-1996)
  • Korean 4.26 Children's Film Studio (1996-2013)
  • Korean April 26 Animation Studio (2013-)[3]

SEK Studio today

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As of 2003, SEK Studio employed over 1,500[11] or 1,600[21] people and subcontracted work for over 70 companies from around the globe, including Europe, South Korea, China, Canada and the United States. After the introduction of advanced equipment, the number of employees was reduced to about 500.[22] There are 11 animation production teams in SEK Studio, 9 production teams are responsible for overseas animations subcontracting, and the 2 production teams produce domestic animations.[23] According to Animation Career Review, SEK is the 85th most influential animation studio of all-time. SEK Studio's staff is mostly from Pyongyang Art Academy, and SEK Studio has established an animation training institute to teach young students.[24]

In 2014, SEK Studio cooperated with Chinese companies to establish an office in Beijing. SEK Studio also invested $70,000 in Chinese companies.[25] Most employees are in their twenties.[26]

Much of the work produced by SEK Studio is considered to be propaganda for North Korean children, with SEK Studio being state-owned and creating animation intended for a young audience.[14]

Filmography

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SEK has provided animation for the following works:[27]

Television

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SEK Studio has produced over 300 Animations.

English title Original title Year Notes
Prince Hodong and the Princess of Nakrang 호동왕자와 락랑공주 2023-2024 Updated to 6 episodes. Remake of the 1990 film.
Last Match 마지막 경기 2022
Pine tree replanted 다시 심은 잣나무 2021
Diary of a Little Photographer 꼬마촬영가의 일기 2021
Oksoe Defeats a Devil[28] 악마를 이긴 억쇠 2020 First released December 2020, features 5.1 sound.
Kimbap made by Hyuk 혁이가 만든 김밥 2019
A day of Camping 야영의 하루 2018
Our House Rabbit 우리 집 토끼 2017
Ko Jomung [3] 고주몽 2016-2024 Updated to 46 episodes, also translated as Ko Jo Mong.[26]
The Boy General (Series 2) 소년장수 (2부) 2015-2019 50 episodes (51-100), ended in 2019.
Two Boys who Found the Answer 답을 찾은 두 소년 2015
Awangnyo Finds out Fire for Kindling[28] 불씨를 찾은 아왕녀 2012
Ants to Suri Mountain 수리봉으로 간 깜장이 2012
Ant and Big Centipede 개미와 왕지네 2012
Byeolnam and Rubber Ball 별남이와 고무공 2011
Singsing's Golden Fleece 씽씽이의 금빛털옷 2011
The Bustle Caused by Scale Brothers 저울형제가 일으킨 소동 2010
Young Warriors of Goguryeo 고구려의 젊은 무사들 2010-2014 7 episodes, ended in 2014.
An ant with wings 날개를 단 개미 2009
Long Long Sunday 긴긴 일요일 2009
The Enchanted Mountain 금강산 팔선녀 2008 A film based on the Korean fairy tale "The Fairy and the Woodcutter".
The Red Star 빨간별 2008-2012 Stop-motion Animation Film. 12 episodes, ended in 2012.
A Greedy Dog 욕심많은 개 2008 Based on the Aesop Fable The Dog and Its Reflection.
Heungbu and Nolbu 흥부와 놀부 2008 A film based on the Korean fairy tale Heungbu and Nolbu.
Photographed by Chalkak 찰칵이가 찍은 사진 2008
Stonefish Brothers 쏠치형제들 2007
The Oriole's Song 꾀꼴새가 부른 노래 2007
Squirrel and Hedgehog (Series 2) 다람이와 고슴도치 (2부) 2006-2012... The show was discontinued after episode 32 in 2012 for reasons unknown.
The Lazy Pig 놀고 먹던 꿀꿀이 2006 Remake of the 1969 film
A Butterfly and a Cock [3] 나비와 수닭 2006 Remake of the 1976 film.
A Boy Defeats Robbers 도적을 쳐부신 소년 2006 Remake of the 1983 film.
Two Friends Drinking Spring Water 샘물을 마신 두동무 2006
Tong Tong's Story 통통이가 들려준 이야기 2006
Let's Keep the Traffic Order 교통질서를 잘 지키자요 2006-2023 Updated to 24 episodes. Traffic Safety Animated Series for Kids.
A Chodong and Father 초동이와 아버지 2005
A Cat and Kids 야웅이와 꼬마들 2004
A little Squirrel in Tolbaegol 돌배골의 꼬마 청서 2004
A little painter 꼬마화가 2003 North Korea's first CGI (computer-generated imagery) Animation Film.
Grandpa's Mirror 할아버지가 준 거울 2003
Three friends in fantasy 환상속의 세 동무 2002 The first 3D Animation Film by SEK Studio.
The Bell 방울소리 1999-2005 7 episodes, ended in 2005.
Prince Hodong and the Princess of Nakrang 호동왕자와 락랑공주 1990
Welcome to Pyongyang Festival 평양 축전에 오신걸 환영합니다 1989 Animation film on the occasion of 13th World Festival of Youth and Students.
Clever Raccoon Dog 령리한 너구리 1987-2012, 2021-2023 Updated to 78 episodes. [29]
Monkey Brothers 원숭이 형제 1985
Three Friends 세 동무 1985
A Winged Horse 날개달린 룡마 1983
Pencil Bomb 연필 폭탄 1983 Anti-USA Propaganda Animation Film.
A Hedgehog Defeats a Tiger 호랑이를 이긴 고슴도치 1983
A Boy Defeats Robbers 도적을 쳐부신 소년 1983
The Boy General 소년장수 1982-1996 50 episodes (1-50), ended in 1996.
Gun Shooters 포쏘기 선수들 1978
Squirrel and Hedgehog 다람이와 고슴도치 (Series 1) 1977-1982, 1997-2005 26 episodes, ended in 2005.
Raccoon Dog's Height Measurement 너구리의 높이재기 1976
A Butterfly and a Cock [3] 나비와 수닭 1976
Whose Talent is Best? 누구의 재주가 제일 일가? 1976
A Butterfly and a Rooster 나비와 수탉 1976
Brave Wild Goose 용감한 기러기 1975
The Rabbit with The Big Ears 귀가 큰 토끼 1974
Why did the dog cry? 멍멍이는 왜 울었나? 1974
How Raccoon prepared for winter 너구리의 겨울차비 1974
A Little Tree and Sudong 애기나무와 수동이 1972
The Lazy Pig 놀고 먹던 꿀꿀이 1969
Time Bomb 시한폭탄 1967 Anti-USA Propaganda Animation Film.
Pig's Pumpkin Seeds 꿀꿀이의 호박씨 1967
Burned Squad of Flies 불타버린 쉬팔리 부대 1966 Anti-USA Propaganda Animation Film.
The Good Brother 의좋은 형제 1966
Dog and Cat 멍멍이와 야웅이 1965
Brother and Sister 오누이 1964
The Little Flower Pot 작은 화분 1964
Yawoong caught in fishing 낚시에 걸린 야웅이 1962
Deer and Tiger 사슴과 호랑이 1962
Merry Field 흥겨운 들판 1962
Little Red Star 꼬마붉은별 1961
Swallow Brothers 제비 삼형제 1961
The Greedy Pig 욕심많은 돼지 1960
Our Hill 우리 동산 1959 SEK Studio's First Animation Film.
Blue Spring[3] 파란샘물
A Gold Nugget and Maize Cakes[3] 황금덩이와 강낭떡
Slug Raccoon[3] 느렁뱅이 너구리
Bears' Village and Hares' Village[3] 곰동산과 토끼동산
The Story of Two Generals[3] 두 장군 이야기

Animation services

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The list below is a part of the works outsourced by SEK studio.

Title Year Notes
Invincible 2024 [19]
Iyanu: Child of Wonder 2024 [19]
Dahlia in Bloom 2024 [20]
Anatane et les enfants d'Okura [fr] 2019 Project started on 2006, halted until 2019, Studio SEK credited on first episode, credits removed depending masters.
Bu-Bum! La strada verso casa [it] 2016 With Rai Fiction
Sissi The Young Empress 2016
Egyxos [it] 2015 With Rai Fiction and Musicartoon
Flower Angel [zh] 2014 With Shanghai Taomee Network [zh], Chinese Magical girl animated series
Stan Lee's Mighty 7 2014
Star Key [it] 2014 Italian television animated series, With Gama Movie Animation and Rai Fiction
Le straordinarie avventure di Jules Verne [it] 2013
Il sogno di Brent [it] 2013 With Rai Fiction and Lucky Dreams
Baskup Tony Parker [fr] 2011 French television animated series, With Télé images kids and The Walt Disney Company France
Spike Team 2010 Italian series
Giovanni e Paolo e il Mistero dei Pupi 2010
Chumballs 2009
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 2009 Chinese-Japanese Co-produced animated series based on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Angel's Friends 2008 Produced by Mondo TV
Avatar: The Last Airbender 2007 Episode "The Awakening", outsourced by MOI Animation Studio
Jurassic Cubs 2007
Padre Pio 2006
Foot 2 rue [fr] 2005 Italian-French series
La cuisine est un jeu d'enfants [fr] 2004 French series
The Boy 2003
The Spaghetti Family 2003 Italian series produced by Mondo TV
Pororo the Little Penguin 2003 Season 1 (26 episodes); credited as Sam-Cheon-Ri
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2003 Episode 72 (1 Episodes); uncredited
Raindrop, water is adventure 2002 Produced by Motion Pictures, S.A., TVE, TV3 and TVV
The Bellflower Bunnies 2001 Season 1 (4 episodes)
Lazy Cat Dinga 2001 With Hanaro Telecom; credited as Sam-Cheon-Ri
Prudence Petitpas 2001
Marcelino Pan y Vino 2001 Japanese series
Bécassine et le Trésor viking [fr] 2001 French series
Narigota 2001
Les enfants de Toromiro 2000
Les Aventures outre-mer [fr] 2000
La Princesse du Nil [fr] 1999 1999 Animated Series
Sophie's Misfortunes 1998
Dragon Flyz 1996 French-American television animated series
Princess Sheherazade 1996
Papa Beaver's Storytime 1993 1999 episodes; credited as Studio SEK
Pocahontas: Princess of the American Indians 1998 Television animated series, Produced by Mondo TV, Directed by Orlando Corradi
Simba the King Lion 1997 Television animated series, Produced by Mondo TV
Bamboo Bears 1995
Davy Crockett 1994
Les Misérables 1992
Pif and Hercules 1989 Credited as Studio S.E.K.
Ernest Le Vampire [fr] 1989

Film

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Title Year Notes
Futurama: Bender's Big Score 2007 Outsourced by Rough Draft Studios
The Simpsons Movie 2007 Outsourced by Rough Draft Studios
Little Soldier Zhang Ga 2005
Le petit Wang 2005
Tentacolino 2004 Produced by Mondo TV[5]
Corto Maltese, la cour secrète des arcanes [fr] 2002
The Legend of the Titanic 1999 Produced by Mondo TV[5]
Gandahar (Light Years) 1988 [5]
How Wang-Fo Was Saved 1987
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Canadian animator and cartoonist Guy Delisle documented his experiences whilst working at the SEK Studio in his graphic novel, Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea,[30] because SEK studio subcontracted the Corto Maltese animation.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Yonhap News (December 26, 2001). 北`4.26아동영화촬영소` 아동영화 다수 창작 (in Korean). Tongil News. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  2. ^ A Short History of North Korea’s Animation Industry
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Korean Film". korfilm.com.kp. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2020.
  4. ^ "Korea SEK Company". Naenara. Archived from the original on February 13, 2005. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d "Korean-made Cartoon Films Win Popular Acclaim among Animation Film Fan[s] in Europe". PK Report from Pyongyang. The People's Korea. December 26, 2001. Archived from the original on February 23, 2002. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  6. ^ "Mondo tv S.P.A - LIBRARY Pocahontas". Archived from the original on January 24, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  7. ^ Khorsand, Solmaz (April 2007). "Knuddelachse". Datum (in German). Archived from the original on July 17, 2010. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  8. ^ Park Chan-Kyong (February 5, 2007). "North Korea supplies laughs as well as lethal weapons". North Korean Economy Watch. AFP.
  9. ^ "Mondo tv S.P.A - LIBRARY Simba the King Lion". Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
  10. ^ Russell, Mark (August 31, 2005). "Uniting the Two Koreas, in Animated Films at Least". The New York Times.
  11. ^ a b Susan Kitchens (March 3, 2003). "Axis of animation". Forbes. Archived from the original on May 4, 2010. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  12. ^ Anthony Kao (June 6, 2018). "A Short History of North Korea's Animation Industry". Cinema Escapist. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  13. ^ "North Korean animation industry, Expansion into overseas markets" 남북 애니메이션 교류 백서 (PDF) (in Korean). Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  14. ^ a b c "A Short History of North Korea's Animation Industry". Cinema Escapist. June 6, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  15. ^ "북한 애니메이션 산업 육성, 해외진출 확대 전망" (in Korean). Retrieved April 23, 2018.
  16. ^ "북한 "SF애니 과학기술 역군 육성위한 중대한 과업"" (in Korean). April 18, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  17. ^ "韩媒:朝鲜动画达国际水准 用动画片教育孩子" (in Chinese). Retrieved January 24, 2019.
  18. ^ "US targets Chinese, North Korean firms with sanctions". AFP. December 10, 2021.
  19. ^ a b c Lyngaas, Sean (April 22, 2024). "Documents found on a North Korean server suggest US studios may have unknowingly outsourced animation work | CNN Politics". CNN. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Nwaenie, Chike (April 23, 2024). "Anime: North Korea Believed to Have Violated U.S. Sanctions on Upcoming Isekai Series". CBR. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  21. ^ "North Korea Quietly Emerges as Major Player in Animation Industry". Radio Free Asia. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  22. ^ "북한의 비교우위 산업은?...애니메이션!" (in Korean). Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  23. ^ "북 대표적인 아동영화 제작소 '조선4.26아동영화촬영소'" (in Korean). Retrieved May 23, 2018.
  24. ^ Fronczak, Tom. "Top 100 Most Influential Animation Studios of All-Time". Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  25. ^ "中 북한 대중투자 금지 조치의 영향은?" (in Korean). Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  26. ^ a b "Prolific animated cartoon producer". The Pyongyang Times. Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  27. ^ "SEK Animation Studio [kp]". IMDb. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  28. ^ a b "Oksoe Defeats a Devil wows cartoon fans". The Pyongyang Times. March 10, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  29. ^ "Title not available" (PDF) (in Korean). Korea Culture & Travel Institute. 2012. pp. 138–39. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
  30. ^ Delisle, Guy (2004). Pyongyang: A Journey into North Korean. Montreal: Drawn and Quarterly.