A CGI animation center targeting the Chinese market recently opened in Seogwipo. It is planning to support Korean and Chinese producers of computer animation as well as facilitate domestic and international distribution. Joseph Kim has more.
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Korea seeks greater presence in animation industry

Currently, the USA and Japan account for 60% of the animation market. Over the past 3 years, Korea has accounted for less than 10%.

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Asia CGI Animation Center opens in Seogwipo

With 10 million newborn babies a year, China’s animated entertainment market targeting children is rapidly increasing.

Jeju’s first cgi animation production center targeting the Chinese market opened in Seogwipo city. Ten billion won was invested in this center, which houses a computer graphics workroom and virtual reality simulation room.

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Chinese, Korean studios to collaborate

Studios in China and Korea are hoping to work jointly to produce high quality animated programs to draw investment and distribution from the Chinese market.

Additionally, special guest lectures and training sessions from industry professionals will be held to stay on top of the latest trends.

[Interview]
Kim Yong-soo / Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning
After the FTA between Korea and China last year, we are looking to expand exchanges and cooperation in the digital content field. In that sense, it is very meaningful that the Asia CGI Animation Center has opened in a location where Korea and China can work synergistically.
< 김용수 / 미래창조과학부 정보통신정책실장 >
작년에 한-중 FTA가 체결돼서 콘텐츠 분야에서 양국 간의 교류와
협력은 더욱 더 확대될 것으로 생각합니다. 그런 의미에서
한중 협력의 거점 역할을 할 수 있는 아시아 CGI 애니메이션 센터가 개소한 것은 매우 의의가 크다고 볼 수 있습니다.


The potential for the Chinese animated media market is huge as the lack of content coupled with low competition is the right environment for success. Some Chinese studios have praised Korea’s technology and ideas and expressed excitement for co-produced content for the Chinese market.

[Interview]
Luo Ran / Head of Chining Cartoon, China’s Hunan TV
I’m happy that we can talk about a cooperative platform between the two countries. We are excited to collaborate with Korea in the making of a great industrial animation structure.
< 루오란 / 중국 후난TV 찐잉카툰 사장 >
양국의 애니메이션 협력 플랫폼에 대해 이야기할 수 있어서 기쁘게 생각합니다. 더 훌륭한 애니메이션 산업 구조를 구축하기 위해 한국과 함께 협력 체계를 개발할 것입니다.

In the animation center, 3 small and medium sized firms are working on production and editing.

Moreover, since Chinese citizens can visit Jeju without applying for a visa, it is expected to draw more investors to secure the market.

[Interview]
Kim Gang-deok / President, Korea Animation Industry Assn.
One obstacle in doing business is bringing Chinese investors to Korea because it is difficult to get visas. However Jeju doesn’t require visas, so they can come and go without any hassle.
< 김강덕 / 한국애니메이션산업협회 회장 >
사업을 해보면 가장 힘든 게 중국의 높은 사람들이 한국 들어오는 문제입니다. 비자가 안 나오거든요. 그런데 여기는 무비자이기 때문
그들이 가장 편하게 올 수 있고요. 그리고 제주도는 중국인들한테
좋은 휴양소로 알려져 있습니다.

[reporter] Joseph Kim

Anticipation is high, but only time will tell whether the CGI Animation center will lead to an expansion into other Asian and global markets.

Joseph Kim KCTV.