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Korean Wave Sweeps Animation and Games in US

A new Korean Wave is on the rise in Animation and Game Software here in the U.S.

The Los Angeles Korean Cultural Service and the Korea Culture and Content Agency (KOCCA) announced on February 23 (Thursday) that Korean animation and games have become immensely popular in the U.S Market among all ethnic and social groups. The boom follows the fantastically successful Korean Wave in Asia where Korean pop music and TV drama such as "Winter Sonata" and "Daejanggum" have won over whole populations.

NCsoft Corporation, the world's leading developer and publisher of online games, has sold more than one-million copies of Korea's Guild Wars and 400 thousand copies of City of Heroes. The latter has had a record $50 million in overseas sales.

In addition, Korean animation companies are enthusiastically launching their products into U.S market making Korean animation the rising player in the American market.

Vooz, the leading company in character development and licensing in Korea, has almost completed PUCCA, one of the main projects of 3D animation, with investment from JETIX, one of the affiliated companies of Disney. Moreover, 3D TV animation "Iron Kid" has succeeded in locking up investment from America's Manga Entertainment with $1.5million.

SIEUNDESIGN Co., Ltd announced it has co-produced and will distribute "Merry Christmas Tete" in the U.S market with The Licensing Group Ltd in U.S on February 23 (Thursday).

The Licensing Group licensed such blockbusters as "Terminator" and "Rambo". It will be responsible for distribution and marketing "Tete" in U.S by investing $10 million, half of the total amount of investment.

This project is headed by Wook-Sang Jang, editor for the popular U.S. animations "Ice Age" and "Sinbad".

Shin Hang-Woo, the managing director of KOCCA USA Office, announced that "this project, which has been made with a support of KOCCA's various export programs, will be the best ideal model for Korean animation exporters.

By Minsoo Kim

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