{
  "id": 1733363,
  "title": "Why Korean animation studios tap screen stars",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/why-korean-animation-studios-tap-screen-stars",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T15:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/films/20260819/why-korean-animation-studios-tap-screen-stars"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Korean animation studios are embracing a new trend by recruiting well-known live-action actors to lend their voices to animated films. This shift in casting strategy is reshaping the way these studios market their original animated features. Prominent actors such as Kim Hyang-gi, Park Bo-gum, Jung Hae-in, and Kang Ha-neul are increasingly taking on voice acting roles, contributing to a growing industry trend.\n\nJung Hae-in is scheduled to provide his voice for the upcoming Korean animated film \"Gill,\" set to release on September 9. \"Gill\" is based on the novel of the same name by author Gu Byeong-mo, and follows the story of Gon, a boy who develops gills after being submerged in deep water, and the characters that inhabit his new underwater world. Other voice actors joining Jung in the cast include Kang Ha-neul, Lee Chung-ah, Yoo Jae-myung, and Kim Sun-young.\n\nThis casting choice is particularly noteworthy, as it reflects a broader industry trend of Korean animation studios seeking out popular live-action stars to voice their original characters. The success of this approach is evident, with previous animated films like \"Pilgrims,\" which featured Kim Hyang-gi, Park Ji-hu, and Lee Joo-young in the voice cast, achieving significant success at the box office. In July, Park Bo-gum voiced the lead character in \"David,\" a film that garnered considerable attention and topped the specialty box office charts. By casting recognizable celebrities, Korean animation studios are leveraging these stars' popularity to effectively promote their original animated features.",
  "summary": "Actors Kim Hyang-gi, Park Bo-gum, Jung Hae-in and Kang Ha-neul are lending their voices to animated features. As A-list actors increasingly take on voice acting roles, Korean animation studios are reshaping how they market their original features. Jung will lend his voice to the Korean animated film \"Gill,\" scheduled to hit theaters Sept. 9. Adapted from author Gu Byeong-mo's novel of the same…",
  "key_points": [
    "Korean animation studios cast live-action actors for voice roles.",
    "Popular actors like Kim Hyang-gi and Park Bo-gum voice animated films.",
    "Casting trend boosts marketing and box office success for animated features."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Why Korean animation studios tap screen stars",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/why-korean-animation-studios-tap-screen-stars-1735241",
        "published": "2026-08-18T15:27:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}