The producers of Dahlia in Bloom – an upcoming isekai romance anime – have released a statement following a bombshell report that North Korean animation studio SEK Studio/April 26 Animation Studio has made the series. this movie.
Following the investigation, the producers of Dahlia in Bloom were unable to deny the possibility that North Korean animators were used in the production of the series. Through the official account of Dahlia in Bloom X (formerly Twitter), they apologized for the disturbance caused and arranged their chain of events. First, they commissioned Typhoon Graphics (Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Villa) to produce the anime, which then outsourced parts to Chinese production companies. One of these companies is suspected of further processing this product for a North Korean studio. Following the allegations, the producers requested a list of every animation studio used.
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An outsourced Chinese animation studio refused to comply with Dahlia in Bloom's audit
One of the Chinese film studios refused to comply with the audit. As a result, Dahlia in Bloom's production committee concluded that “we cannot deny the possibility that a North Korean production company may have been involved in the production of this series and have decided to let all Related parts are remanufactured by domestic employees.” before broadcasting them.” They added that for future products, “we will strive to ensure appropriate manufacturing processes, including with our subcontractors.”
Outsourcing Anime production is popular to cut down on animation costs
North Korean animators are likely working on a number of American anime and cartoons that have made headlines around the world. The country is currently under US sanctions that prohibit countries from working with North Korean state entities. According to a JAniCA survey, the anime industry relies heavily on outsourcing and freelance work, with only 47.3% of animators in Japan being permanent/in-house employees. Comments by Kingdom animation director Jun Arai suggest that production committees may prefer this, highlighting loopholes that allow animators to be paid even less than minimum wage. Both freelancing and outsourcing have risks for employee engagement. This is another heated discussion after it was reported that a child may have been involved in helping create the 2024 anime series. An investigation has been launched following rumors of a child being involved once again, this time in an anime series by the famous studio SHAFT. Translations of these latter findings can be viewed below.
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Dahlia in Bloom will adapt the original novel series by Hisaya Amagishi, licensed by J-Novel Club. The series' official description reads: “After dying from overwork in Japan, Dahlia is reincarnated into a world filled with magic. Raised by a master magical toolmaker, she develops a passion for the craft and becomes engaged to her father's apprentice. Before her father could see her wedding, however, he suddenly passed away. As if this was not enough, on the day before their wedding, her husband-to-be declared that he loved —but not with her!
“Dahlia finally realized that she needed to live for herself. She vows from now on to be her own woman and devote herself to her craft, even if it's not the quiet life she's always hoped for! From a chance encounter with a knight to starting her own company, there are many challenges ahead but this young craftswoman is no longer a shrinking purple flower – she It's Dahlia and she's ready to bloom.”
Source: Official account of the anime Dahlia in Bloom X (formerly Twitter)
