'Your Letter' highlights Korean sensibilities in global animation market
AKMU's Lee Su-hyun voices So-ri, the protagonist of the upcoming animated feature "Your Letter." Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Kim Yong-hwan, director of the upcoming animated feature “Your Letter,” wanted to create a film that captures a distinctly Korean story, setting and emotional tone, brought to life by Korean voice actors.
"When I first saw the original webtoon, I felt a beautiful and lasting impression," Kim said at the film's premiere at a theater in Seoul, Monday. "As I kept reading it, the resonance grew stronger.”
Adapted from the webtoon of the same title by Cho Hyun-ah, the film follows So-ri, a transfer student who stumbles upon a mysterious letter in her desk, leading her on a scavenger hunt to find a series of letters filled with hidden clues.
Kim believes the film’s distinctly Korean sensibilities set it apart in an industry often dominated by American and Japanese animation.
"We tried to realistically and naturally capture Korean stories, actors and settings," he said. "The film has a unique charm because it’s filled with our own emotions and narratives."
The film's art quality has also drawn praise, with its two-dimensional animation considered comparable to the highest standards of Japanese animation.
A scene from the upcoming animated feature "Your Letter" / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
For the main character So-ri, singer Lee Su-hyun of AKMU makes her debut as a voice actor. Kim chose her for the role because he believed her clear voice was the perfect match for So-ri.
"I decided that Lee Su-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," Kim explained.
Lee, who also sang on the film's original soundtrack, expressed her passion for the project.
"I love animation so much that it's probably my second-favorite thing after music," she said.
She recalled her commitment to the role.
"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," she said. "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."
A scene from an upcoming animated film “Your Letter” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Her dedication shines through in her performance, bringing So-ri to life and enriching the film with her sweet, melodic songs.
Ho-yeon, the character who wrote the mysterious letters, was voiced by actor Min Seung-woo, known for his role as Jinu in the Korean version of Netflix’s "KPop Demon Hunter."
"The final product was far better than what I imagined during the recording process," Min said. "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 voiced Dong-sun, who joins So-ri on her quest to find the mysterious letters.
"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," he said.
“Your Letter” will hit theaters on Oct. 1.