The South Korean animation industry saw great success this year overseas.<br />Sales grew at international expos by more than a third.<br />The Korean government is also looking to support the industry.<br /> Yoon Jung-min reports. <br />South Korea's animation industry is gaining popularity around the world and could be the next 'Korean Wave' <br />According to the Korea Creative Content Agency, local cartoon producers sold some 142 million U.S. dollars of products at world's top four animation expos this year, a 34 percent increase from the year before. <br /><br />One local animation studio that has gone global is Studio Gale. This year, the company signed a contract with a Singaporean company to co-produce the animation "Tish Tash."<br />Founded in 2008, Studio Gale boasts expertise in a range of 3D animations from slapstick comedy to action adventure.<br />It has also worked with another producer Iconix on children's favorites "Pororo, the Little Penguin" and "Tayo."<br /><br />"Korean animations for pre-schoolers, such as Pororo and Tayo, are very popular overseas. On the other hand, the U.S. animation industry is focused on family animations including theatrical animation films. I believe the Korean animation industry also has great potential for family animations if we focus on them."<br /><br />Other local producers, such as Hongdangmoo and Mostapes, have also seen success in overseas markets this year.<br /><br />"Korean animation designed for children is popular overseas. The moving pictures are very delicate and pleasing to watch,... and Asian values contained in the movies appeal to foreign markets."<br /><br />As the content industry emerges as a promising future growth engine, the Korean government is also pushing for its development.<br />At Thursday’s ministerial meeting, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon emphasized the importance of bolstering the content industry,... including games, animation and music.<br /> He called on ministries and the public sector to work together to support the industry. <br /><br />With the government's support, the content industry is expected to build on its recent success.<br />Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News. <br />
