MOVIE
'Catch Teenieping' TV version 5th season to air in October
On the 14th, I met Kim Su-hoon, the general director of the animation 'Heartsping : Teenieping of Love', at the Showbox building in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul.
'Heartsping : Teenieping of Love' is an animated film depicting the first meeting of Romi and Hatchuping as they set out to find their destined soulmates. This work, the first film of 'Catch! Teeny Ping', is a prequel that contains the first meeting of Hatchuping and Romi, which has never been revealed in the TV series, and the story of Hatchuping that no one knew. Released on the 7th, this work is gaining popularity and maintaining the top ranks of the box office.
Director Kim said, "Adults also enjoy Disney and Japanese animation. But when we go to kids' cafes, the mothers just sit there and the kids play. It's exhausting and not good for education. We should be enjoying and talking together, but it's not fun." Regarding the positive response to 'Heartsping : Teenieping of Love' this time, he said, "In that regard, we found enough potential. When I get feedback, the parents like it too." He added, "We're also preparing a musical. Like 'Frozen.' In the past, when people went to musicals like this, only the kids liked it and the adults would fall asleep. I thought we should prepare a musical that adults can also be moved by, so that's why we're making it." He also said, "We've found a lot of potential in other types of content. Like products that families can enjoy together. I thought we should prepare a wide range of products. We're also planning to prepare and produce a movie in the future."
On weekdays, the screening times for 'Heartsping : Teenieping of Love' are mostly during the daytime in theaters, making it difficult for adults to watch it in the evening after work. Regarding this, Director Kim said, "People say it's fun to watch together, but there's still a stereotype that it's 'for kids.' If you tell someone to watch it, they laugh at you. I think it's a process of change. It'll be completely different when you make the second and third parts."
Director Kim said that the Korean market is open and that there is a positive outlook on the potential for growth in the animation industry. He said, “Korea is an important country that breaks the mold when it comes to creating content. Even if it doesn’t make money, it keeps trying. We’ve failed many times. Recently, the success rate has increased and the company is changing,” and added, “We are in the process of accepting, absorbing, and making it our own.” He also said, “I think it’s a transitional period. It’s a process of creating new K-animation. I’m sure it will develop at a rapid pace,” and added, “I think the Korean market with these strengths will definitely enter the global market and succeed.”
The TV version has been aired up to season 4. Director Kim said about the new season 5, "It will be aired in October. It will be fun, so you can look forward to it."
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
