Dongseo University and Jilin Animation University Successfully Complete International Joint Creative Project Workshop "Between Light and Shadow"

Creative Collaboration Between Korean and Chinese Students
Kicking Off Global Animation Production

The Dongseo University (President Jang Je-guk) Global K-Culture Leading Convergence Talent Development Project Team (Director Choi Dong-hyuk) successfully completed the international cooperation creative project workshop "Between Light and Shadow," which was held at Jilin Animation University in Changchun, China, over six days from August 24 to 29, 2025.

The Dongseo University Global K-Culture Leading Convergence Talent Development Project Team is taking a commemorative photo at the international cooperation creative project workshop "Between Light and Shadow" held at Jilin Animation University in Changchun, China. Provided by Dongseo University

This workshop was part of a practical international collaboration project in which students from Korea and China jointly produced a 3D animation, aiming to submit their work to the 2026 International Animation Festival.

Six students from Dongseo University’s Department of Visual Animation, who are enrolled in the Global K-Culture Interdisciplinary Program, collaborated with students from Jilin Animation University in China throughout the entire animation production process, including character design, story development, and 3D modeling.

In particular, the character concepts and designs proposed by the Dongseo University students received high praise from the Chinese side and were adopted as core elements of the "Between Light and Shadow" project. Students from both countries were able to leverage cultural differences as creative assets, focusing on developing content that is both universal and original for a global audience.

During the workshop, Project Director Choi Dong-hyuk delivered a special lecture on "The Future of Animated Films Created with AI," presenting the possibilities of convergence between AI technology and animation creation. In addition, Professor Lee Jeong-seon and Professor Ko Young-ri from Dongseo University’s Department of Visual Animation guided the joint work of Korean and Chinese students in the fields of character modeling and storytelling, respectively.

Students from both countries gained hands-on experience in international co-production through practical programs such as a character concept workshop, advanced 3D modeling, and joint scene directing. They also discussed technical details together, such as applying texturing guides, testing 3D character expressions and poses, and checking the feasibility of motion application, thereby enhancing the quality of their work.

Choi Dong-hyuk, Director of the Global K-Culture Leading Convergence Talent Development Project Team, emphasized, "The 'Between Light and Shadow' project is a model case of practical international collaboration that goes beyond simple exchange to actual production. Korean and Chinese students are creating synergy by utilizing each other's strengths, and when the work is completed for submission to the 2026 international festival, it will mark a new milestone in animation education cooperation between the two countries."

Building on the achievements of this workshop, Dongseo University plans to complete the "Between Light and Shadow" project through continued collaboration with Jilin Animation University. Additionally, as part of the HUSS Global K-Culture Leading Convergence Talent Development Project, the university intends to provide more opportunities for international joint creation, thereby strengthening students’ global competencies.