Government Launches 150 Billion Won Fund to Propel K-Animation onto the Global Stage

Financial Support for Animation to Be Expanded
Focus on Adult-Oriented Content and Short-Form Animation
Support for Overseas Expansion and AI-Based Content Ecosystem

The government will expand financial support specialized in animation, including the creation of a 150 billion won fund. In addition, support for producing animation targeting young and middle-aged adults will be expanded, and the activation of short-form animation will be encouraged.

Animation Movie 'Toemarok' Still Cut

On April 24, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the "Basic Plan for the Promotion of the Animation Industry (2025-2030)" at a cabinet meeting on current national affairs. The ministry has set six detailed action plans with the goal of increasing domestic animation industry sales from 1.1 trillion won in 2023 to 1.9 trillion won by 2030.

As a key initiative, a new animation-specialized fund will be established and expanded to 150 billion won by 2030. The plan is to invest not only in animation projects but also in related small and medium-sized venture companies to drive growth. The ministry stated, "To encourage diverse production investment, we plan to give preference to animation utilizing content intellectual property (IP)."

The ministry will also focus on new technologies that can create synergy when combined with cultural content. This year, 45 billion won will be invested to create a 75 billion won fund. More than 60% of the total fund will be invested in the production of cultural content incorporating new technologies, as well as in companies and projects related to foundational technologies.

The ministry is also considering a plan to reimburse about 25% of production costs for international co-productions, provided that major production takes place in Korea and certain conditions such as labor cost expenditure and IP ownership are met. The project is being designed based on an analysis of support policies and economic effects in major countries.

Support for producing animation targeting young and middle-aged adults, which is advantageous for expanding secondary markets, will also be increased. The ministry will provide broadcasting opportunities through agreements with online video services (OTT) and support new productions utilizing classic IP. This is an effort to address the current reality in which production is excessively concentrated on content for infants and toddlers, and 3 billion won will be allocated to this initiative this year.

Animation movie 'Love's Hatchuping' still cut

Starting next year, short-form animation will also be included within the scope of support. The ministry will encourage not only new creations but also the conversion of long-form animation into short-form, thereby establishing a virtuous cycle to secure new audiences. In addition, the ministry will support the animation adaptation of existing content such as webtoons and web novels, as well as the production of spin-offs using artificial intelligence (AI), helping to expand the universe of outstanding animation and extend the lifespan of IP.

The ministry will also strengthen support for the commercialization of derivative products (such as clothing and toys) utilizing animation IP. This includes assistance not only for development, distribution, and promotion, but also for business partnerships with large and mid-sized companies, thereby promoting collaborative growth and expanding the cultural product market.

In addition, the ministry will establish Korean pavilions at major animation markets to lay the groundwork for overseas expansion and will systematically support localization efforts such as dubbing and subtitling. Furthermore, the ministry plans to lay the foundation for an AI-based video content industry ecosystem and to nurture relevant professionals in collaboration with universities and institutions.