Director Kim Yong-hwan has crafted his debut feature film 'Your Letter' as a unique animated experience that translates the emotional depth of its original webtoon source material into a cinematic journey. The film, adapted from the webtoon of the same name, follows transfer student So-ri as she discovers mysterious letters in her desk that guide her through a nostalgic scavenger hunt filled with meaningful discoveries.
In a recent interview at a Seoul café, Kim explained his creative vision for bringing the beloved comic to the big screen. "When I first read the original work, a beautiful resonance remained," Kim told reporters. "The sincerity contained in the letters and the characters' kind actions created a powerful emotional echo. Translating that unique sensibility into the animation was crucial." Despite considering various plot approaches during the early development stages, the director remained committed to preserving the core essence that made the original webtoon so compelling.
Kim's team expanded significantly on the 10-episode source material, incorporating new settings and additional story layers to create a distinct cinematic version that would resonate with movie audiences. "Our primary mission was to effectively translate the webtoon's emotional strength into animation," he emphasized. The director believes that the central role of handwritten letters gives the film particular relevance in today's digital age, offering viewers something increasingly rare in modern communication.
"The letter, which is delivered much slower than a text message or a phone call, is the core of this animation," Kim explained. "This slowness, this sense of space and time and the sincerity embedded in the written word may offer healing and comfort to contemporary audiences." This deliberate pacing represents a conscious departure from the fast-paced, high-intensity animations that currently dominate the market.
One of the film's most distinctive qualities is its authentic portrayal of Korean landscapes and everyday life. Kim emphasized the importance of capturing Korea's unique atmosphere throughout the production process. "We tried to capture Korean settings and actors naturally and realistically," he said. To achieve this authentic visual foundation, the production team invested considerable resources in the film's opening sequence, which depicts So-ri's journey to her new school.
"We poured a lot on the opening, which depicts So-ri's journey to her new school," Kim revealed. "We actually scouted and filmed real locations, including Dongho Bridge, a country village in Hadong and areas in Wonju, to use as the basis for our animation backgrounds." This commitment to authenticity extends throughout the film's visual design, which maintains the gentle aesthetic of the original webtoon while enhancing it for theatrical presentation.
Regarding the visual approach, Kim focused on preserving the emotional core of the story while upgrading the technical aspects for cinema audiences. "We focused on delivering the story's emotion, designing the visuals around Korean settings and school uniforms," he said. "To fit the big screen, we used computer graphics to improve the drawing quality and clearly show character feelings." The film also incorporates elements of magical realism that enhance the storytelling experience.
"We pursued a fantasy tone that makes audiences question whether the events of 'Your Letter' are truly magic or not," the director explained. "We made the fantastical elements more dynamic than in the original, ensuring audiences could fully enjoy the scale on the big screen." This approach creates an engaging viewing experience that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
Kim expressed optimism about the film's potential for international success, citing positive reactions at the Ottawa International Animation Festival last year. "Even though it tells a Korean story, we received a standing ovation, and some viewers cried. At that time, I thought this kind of Korean narrative could resonate well globally," the director recalled. This reception suggests that universal themes of connection and sincerity can transcend cultural boundaries.
The director also praised singer Soo-hyun of vocal group AKMU, who provides the voice for protagonist So-ri and contributes to the film's soundtrack. "Soo-hyun's clear voice was a great fit for So-ri," Kim said. "She prepared extensively with the voice director and showed a deep understanding of the character. Her love for the animation genre and her ability to use her voice freely were great advantages." Initially cast only for voice work, Soo-hyun's involvement expanded when the music director asked her to perform songs for the soundtrack.
As a 2D animated feature, 'Your Letter' inevitably faces comparisons to Japanese animation, but Kim views this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. "We have our own differentiating factors," the director said. "It is important for Korean animators to create works that successfully convey the distinctive emotions of Korea." He believes the film offers something unique in the current animation landscape.
Kim emphasized that his film provides a different kind of viewing experience compared to the aggressive, fast-paced animations currently trending in the market. "Our film might not be aggressive, but it offers a new kind of 'dopamine' based on emotion," he said. "I hope audiences feel that emotional rush when they watch the movie." 'Your Letter' is scheduled to hit theaters on October 1, offering audiences an opportunity to experience this thoughtful approach to animated storytelling.
