[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] The Shanghai Animation Industry Association is accelerating efforts to translate exchanges between the South Korean and Chinese animation industries into actual distribution and business partnerships. Moving beyond mere introductions of works, the association has facilitated the entry of Chinese animations into South Korean theaters and is even discussing production collaborations based on AI-generated content (AIGC), thereby shifting the focus of these exchanges toward industrial cooperation.

A delegation of representatives from Chinese animation and game companies, led by the Shanghai Animation Industry Association, participated in the Korea International Broadcasting & Video Market (BCWW) held at COEX in Seoul from the 14th to the 16th and hosted an exchange event for the South Korean and Chinese animation and game industries. The event consisted of the Korea-China Animation and Game Cultural Industry Forum, screenings of Chinese animations, and a special exhibition hall, with key topics including the application of AIGC in the animation industry, IP licensing, joint development, and AI copyright.
The most tangible outcome of this exchange was the entry of two Chinese animated films into the Korean market. Distribution agreements for the Korean rights to “The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain” and “Zhi Nü: Child of the Stars”—both planned and produced by member companies of the Shanghai Animation Industry Association—were finalized through the association’s mediation. Notably, during the event, the theatrical distribution in Korea of outstanding Chinese animated films, including “The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain,” officially began.

Yan Chongguang, Vice President of the Shanghai Animation Industry Association, explained, “Exchange allows works to be seen and gain trust, while cooperation enables them to actually enter the market,” adding, “The association played a role in creating a platform and connecting resources throughout that process.” The distribution of these two works in Korea is particularly significant in that it demonstrates how Korea-China animation exchange has moved beyond mere cultural introduction to actual market entry.
“The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain” has been confirmed for release in South Korean theaters this December under the title “Journey to the West: The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain.” Introduced as one of the representative Chinese works at this event, the film was planned and produced with the participation of member companies of the Shanghai Animation Industry Association. The Association also played a role in connecting the production company with the South Korean distributor during the licensing and distribution process.
“Zhi Nü: Children of the Stars” (original title: “Luo Fan Zhen”) also secured a distribution partnership for the Korean market through the association’s mediation and is set to open in South Korea next January. Dreamfact Entertainment will handle domestic distribution. With both films confirmed for consecutive theatrical releases in Korea, this exchange has moved beyond simply introducing works or exploring commercial potential to actual market entry. It is also significant as an example of cultural exchange between the Korean and Chinese animation industries leading to concrete distribution results.

Cooperation in animation production utilizing AI also emerged as a major topic at this event. Officials from both countries discussed practical issues such as AI-assisted keyframe production, automated animation production, and real-time rendering, as well as copyright attribution for AI-generated content, licensing of source material, and measures to prevent infringement risks.
Vice Chairman Yan Chongguang stated that the goal of participating in this BCWW was “to actually bring China’s outstanding animation and animated film works into the South Korean market and to transform cultural mutual understanding and trust into practical cooperation at the industrial level.” He also outlined a vision to lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between the South Korean and Chinese animation industries in the AI era through the exchange of AI models, production tools, and production expertise.
Exchanges between the South Korean and Chinese animation industries have steadily expanded in recent years. Following the launch of a talent development program in 2024 by the Shanghai Animation Industry Association and the Korea Animation Industry Association, industrial exchanges continued, and in 2025, joint projects were launched to enable companies from both countries to collaborate in the areas of talent, technology, and IP. With Korean companies visiting China and Chinese business delegations visiting South Korea, the cooperation structure is shifting from one-way exchanges to a model centered on mutual market entry.
Vice Chairman Yan Chongguang emphasized the association’s commitment to resolving the issues of limited distribution channels and information asymmetry faced by small and medium-sized content companies as they expand overseas, and to expanding practical cooperation through mutual IP licensing, co-production, and the application of AIGC technology. The association plans to develop short-term exhibitions and exchanges into long-term industrial cooperation through joint research, IP resource sharing, and the establishment of a talent exchange system.