Researchers from the Washington-based 38 North project have discovered evidence suggesting that North Korean animators may have been involved in the production of popular Western cartoons, including Amazon’s “Invincible” and HBO Max’s upcoming series “Iyanu, Child of Wonder.” This alleged involvement comes despite international sanctions prohibiting most commercial activities between US citizens and North Korean entities.

Uncovering the Evidence

The researchers found files on a North Korean internet server containing animations, instructions, and comments that appear to be related to projects under production for foreign studios. These files were monitored throughout January, with new batches appearing daily, often containing editing comments and instructions in Chinese along with Korean translations.

Michael Barnhart, a North Korea expert at Google-owned computer security company Mandiant, collaborated with 38 North on the project. He stated that there was no indication that the Western companies were aware of the arrangements, which seemed to involve subcontracting work to China.

Western Companies Respond

Amazon and Skybound Entertainment, the California-based producer of “Invincible,” declined to comment on the matter. Skybound stated that they had no knowledge of any North Korean companies working on their animation but would conduct a thorough internal review and cooperate with the appropriate authorities.

HBO Max and YouNeek Studios, the Maryland-based creator of “Iyanu, Child of Wonder,” did not respond to requests for comment.

North Korea’s Animation Industry and Sanctions

North Korea’s premier animation house, the April 26 Animation Studio (also known as SEK Studio), has previously worked on international projects. In 2016, the US Treasury Department designated it as a state-owned enterprise and placed it under sanctions. The US government has also imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that have worked with the studio or acted as intermediaries.

Defector’s Insight

Choi Seong-guk, a North Korean defector and former SEK Studio employee, revealed that the studio had a team dedicated to joint work with foreign studios. He also mentioned that some North Korean cartoonists left the country to work in China, where they were officially employed as construction workers but secretly created animation for Chinese clients, earning significantly more than they would in North Korea.

US Government Warning

In 2022, the US Departments of State, Treasury, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued an advisory warning businesses about the risk of inadvertently hiring North Korean IT workers, as this could put them in violation of US and UN sanctions. The US Treasury spokesperson emphasized that North Korea’s efforts to generate revenue for its weapons programs through cybercrime and contractor abuse are a concern.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this alleged involvement of North Korean animators in Western productions will impact the companies and the enforcement of international sanctions against North Korea.