Why Studio Gale Is Shifting to Adult Animation [K, to Hollywood]

Entering North America with "Nanolist" via Tving
"Japan's Animation Boom Proves the Shift"

"Korean animation is just getting started." Shin Changhwan, CEO of Studio Gale, made this declaration at "U-KNOCK 2025 in USA," hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency in Los Angeles on November 5 (local time). With the adult animation "Nanolist," the company is set to take on the North American market head-on.

Adult Animation 'Nanolist'

Entering North America with Investment from Tving

Since its founding in 2007, Studio Gale has consistently produced the "Pororo" and "Tayo" series. The company has never stopped developing its own intellectual property (IP). In 2010, it produced the short-form animation "Grami's Circus Show," which made it to the finals of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in 2012. In 2014, it won the Grand Prize for TV Series at Cartoons on the Bay in Italy.

The new project "Nanolist" is an adult-oriented IP targeting viewers aged 18 and older, born out of the global media market's restructuring after the pandemic. Production costs are being funded by the domestic OTT platform Tving. CEO Shin stated, "Tving's commitment is crucial for entering the North American market." Recently, Tving expanded its distribution network for K-content to 17 countries in Asia-Pacific through a partnership with HBO Max.

This adult-targeted strategy is a clear departure from traditional Korean animation. Currently, Japanese theatrical animations are leading the domestic box office. Following "Slam Dunk," "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train," and "Suzume," recent releases like "Demon Slayer: The Infinity Castle Arc" and "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" are drawing both teenage and adult audiences to theaters. CEO Shin commented, "It has now been proven that the main stage for domestic animation is no longer children, but adults."

Studio Gale had already set its sights on this market as early as 2021. However, the environment for securing investment in adult-targeted works was poor, and Netflix was also hesitant to invest in Korean animation. CEO Shin said, "Tving accurately recognized the value of the 'Nanolist' IP," adding, "This project will be an important turning point for the expansion of Korean animation."

Adult Animation 'Nanolist'

Diversifying Revenue with Immersive Media Exhibitions and Pop-up Stores

Studio Gale and Studio N, which jointly hold the business rights to "Nanolist," are preparing new business models with the goal of a global release next year. By combining "immersive media exhibitions" and "pop-up stores" in a B2C business, they plan to expand their revenue structure beyond theaters and OTT platforms.

CEO Shin analyzed that over the past 20 years, the Korean animation industry has grown by focusing on works for preschool children and expanding the toy business, but this formula collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "We are now in a transitional period moving toward an IP-centered market targeting adults," and added, "The trend of expanding into MD, exhibitions, and experiential spaces is accelerating."

Localization is also essential for success in the North American market. CEO Shin questioned, "Would it be possible for a project like 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' to be planned and even funded in Korea? For the time being, it will not be easy."

No matter how much experience one has in planning and production, it is difficult to prove global appeal with only a domestic perspective. He emphasized, "In the North American market, the participation of local producers and artists is essential," and added, "Accurately reflecting cultural codes and popular tastes is necessary to compete."