Director Kim Yong-hwan's upcoming animated feature film "Your Letter" represents a bold effort to introduce distinctly Korean sensibilities and storytelling to the global animation market. The film, adapted from Cho Hyun-ah's webtoon of the same name, aims to stand out in an industry traditionally dominated by American and Japanese productions through its authentic Korean narrative and emotional depth.
The story follows So-ri, a transfer student who discovers a mysterious letter hidden in her school desk, which leads her on an intriguing scavenger hunt to find a series of additional letters containing secret clues. At the film's premiere held at a Seoul theater on Monday, Kim explained his motivation for the project, saying, "When I first saw the original webtoon, I felt a beautiful and lasting impression. As I kept reading it, the resonance grew stronger."
Kim emphasized that the film's unique appeal lies in its authentically Korean perspective and storytelling approach. "We tried to realistically and naturally capture Korean stories, actors and settings," the director stated. "The film has a unique charm because it's filled with our own emotions and narratives." This focus on Korean sensibilities represents the director's conscious effort to differentiate the work from the predominantly American and Japanese animated films that currently dominate the international market.
The production has garnered significant attention for its high-quality two-dimensional animation, which industry observers consider comparable to the highest standards typically associated with Japanese animation studios. This technical achievement demonstrates the growing capabilities of Korean animation production and represents a significant milestone for the domestic animation industry.
Lee Soo-hyun of the popular musical duo AKMU makes her voice acting debut as the film's protagonist So-ri. Director Kim specifically chose Lee for the role based on her vocal qualities, explaining, "I decided that Lee Soo-hyun's pure voice would be a good fit for So-ri. I also thought audiences would be able to immerse themselves more in the story through her voice." Lee also contributed to the film's original soundtrack, adding another layer of musical talent to the production.
Lee expressed her enthusiasm for the project and her dedication to the role. "I love animation so much that it's probably my second-favorite thing after music," she shared. Reflecting on her preparation for the voice acting role, Lee added, "When I was offered the part, I knew I'd be working alongside some amazing voice actors, and I didn't want to be a burden. I decided to take this opportunity and do my absolute best, pouring my heart into it as much as I would for one of my own albums."
The supporting cast includes actor Min Seung-woo, known for his role as Jinu in the Korean version of Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunter," who voices Ho-yeon, the character responsible for writing the mysterious letters. Min praised the final result of the production, stating, "The final product was far better than what I imagined during the recording process. It had a resonance beyond my expectations, and the music and soundtrack numbers perfectly complemented the film. I hope the film offers comfort and healing to many people."
Kim Min-ju rounds out the main voice cast as Dong-sun, the character who accompanies So-ri on her quest to uncover the mystery behind the letters. Kim Min-ju described his impression of the story, noting, "At first, I thought it was a magical, fairytale-like story. But at the same time, it has Korean elements, and even some realistic parts. I found that aspect to be particularly charming."
"Your Letter" is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on October 1st, marking what many in the industry hope will be a significant step forward for Korean animation in the global entertainment market.
