Must-Watch Korean Animated Films

      Casey Chong showcases a collection of must-see Korean animated films...

      Animated features are often associated with Hollywood and Japanese productions, but Korean animation has carved out its own niche. Whether enchanting viewers through traditional hand-drawn 2D styles or eye-catching 3D animations, Korean animated films frequently weave in human emotions along with culturally and socially significant themes. With that in mind, here’s our selection of the top Korean animated films to consider for your watchlist…

      **Green Days (2010)**

      Directors Ahn Jae-Hoon and Han Hye-Jin chose a labor-intensive retro technique of hand-drawing the animation with pencils, a task that reportedly took 11 years with the help of 14 animators. The outcome? *Green Days* stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing 2D animations ever made, featuring a painterly visual style that evokes nostalgic warmth, set in the 1970s, with its picturesque rural town and accurate pop culture nods, particularly a scene where characters watch the emotional classic *Love Story* starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw in a theater, complete with animated versions of the stars.

      The film chronicles a classic coming-of-age tale involving three teenagers, including Yi-Rang (voiced by Park Shin-Hye), a former relay runner who befriends transfer student Soo-Min (Oh Yeon-Seo) and has a crush on the reserved Cheol-Soo, also known as Charles (Song Chang-Eui). Timeless themes of youthful romance, ambition, and the journey of growing up are beautifully depicted here with strong voice performances by the cast.

      **Leafie, A Hen into the Wild (2011)**

      This film tells the story of the titular hen (voiced by Moon So-Ri), who yearns for freedom and cleverly feigns death to escape from her confinement. When the farmer discards her with the deceased hens, she seizes the chance to enter the wild. *Leafie, A Hen into the Wild* has a premise that seems suitable for a Disney animated film. While at times it resembles one—with talking animals and all—Oh Sung-Yoon’s 2011 adaptation of Hwang Sun-Mi’s children’s novel *The Hen into the Wild* doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of nature, showcasing Leafie’s journey as a domesticated hen navigating through unfamiliar territory.

      The film unflinchingly tackles the grim theme of mortality, particularly with the relentless One-Eyed Weasel (Kim Sang-Hyeon), a predator solely focused on hunting live prey. Nevertheless, Sung-Yoon deftly balances the darker subject matter with a touching and poignant exploration of motherhood, love, and identity. It's worth noting that the film’s ending diverges from the somber original, showcasing a more optimistic conclusion in certain international releases.

      **Satellite Girl and Milk Cow (2014)**

      The title may sound strange because co-writer and director Jang Hyeong-Yoon intended it to be quirky, revolving around a lonely KITSAT-1 satellite from space that transforms into a human girl (voiced by Jung Yu-Mi) and a disgruntled young musician turned milk cow (Yoo Ah-In). Featuring a Merlin (Lee Don-Yong) in an unconventional portrayal as a toilet roll, this film carries the whimsical charm reminiscent of Studio Ghibli while remaining distinct in the realm of Korean animation. The eclectic characters formed by the Satellite Girl, Milk Cow, and Merlin are wonderfully offbeat.

      Jung Yu-Mi excels with her deadpan voice performance, lending itself well to the robotic-like character of the Satellite Girl, who gradually develops feelings for Milk Cow as the narrative unfolds. The film explores the surprising yet bittersweet romance between the two lead characters while maintaining a humorous, fantastical, and mischievous tone throughout its succinct 81-minute runtime.

      **Oseam (2003)**

      With a runtime of less than 80 minutes, *Oseam* offers a lyrical and melancholic experience within its beautifully animated presentation. Director Sung Baek-Yeop, who also co-adapted the screenplay from Jeong Chae-Bong’s novel of the same name, narrates a touching story of two orphans—Gami (Bak Seong-Yeong), a quiet blind sister, and her energetic younger brother, Gilson (Kim Seo-Yeong)—who find refuge at a Buddhist temple. The visuals are captivating, but what truly resonates is the heart of the narrative.

      *Oseam* focuses heavily on themes of spiritual longing and innocence, particularly from the perspective of the innocent Gilson, who still believes they will eventually find their mother, as his older sister struggles to reveal the truth. The film's third act is especially poignant and tragic, making it hard not to root for these orphaned siblings, superbly voiced by Bak Seong-Yeong and Kim Seo-