{
  "id": 2316364,
  "title": "Malaysian animated hit ‘Papa Zola The Movie’ goes full ‘oppa’ with South Korea theatrical debut on Sept 2",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/malaysian-animated-hit-papa-zola-the-movie-goes-full-oppa-with-south",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T06:05:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2026/08/21/malaysian-animated-hit-papa-zola-the-movie-goes-full-oppa-with-south-korea-theatrical-debut-on-sept-2/232187"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — The animated film Papa Zola The Movie is set to grace South Korean theatres on September 2, according to MONSTA. Media director Faiz Zainal Aabidin expressed gratitude to South Korean distributors and cinemas for their confidence in the film. He emphasized that this recognition marks an opportunity to introduce Malaysian animation to a broader audience and highlights the universal appeal of their stories. MONSTA's achievement is noteworthy, as it signifies international distributors' trust in the company's work and the values and culture of Malaysia it portrays. The movie is MONSTA's second release in South Korean cinemas, following BoBoiBoy The Movie in 2016. Zainal Aabidin stated that \"From 'Papa' to 'Oppa', Papa Zola is ready to greet audiences in South Korea with action, adventure and humour that will entertain and delight them.\" Following its release in South Korea, the film is slated for theatrical debut in several other markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait on September 23, before further expanding to Australia, New Zealand and India.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 — The animated film Papa Zola The Movie will be released in cinemas across South Korea from S...",
  "key_points": [
    "\"Papa Zola The Movie\" to debut in South Korean theaters on September 2",
    "MONSTA's second release in South Korea after BoBoiBoy The Movie (2016)",
    "Film to expand to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Australia, New Zealand, India"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The South Korean theatrical debut of Papa Zola The Movie marks a milestone for MONSTA, showcasing the international appeal of Malaysian animation and solidifying the company's presence in global markets.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Train to nowhere? South Korea’s lonely push for peace with the North",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/train-to-nowhere-south-koreas-lonely-push-for-peace-with-the-north",
        "published": "2026-08-21T04:48:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}