Evangelion Korean Dub -

The history of the Korean dub is not monolithic. There are essentially two major versions that fans discuss:

In 2019, Netflix attempted to standardize Evangelion globally. They produced a new Korean dub for the streaming service. This new dub:

Logically, this new dub is "superior" in technical quality. However, it was met with a fierce backlash from older Korean millennials. They called it the "오덥" (O-Dub – Old Dub) movement. Fans argued that the new dub lacked the "soul" of the 1999 version. Kim Seul-ha’s Shinji was replaced with a more standard male teenager voice, losing the androgynous pain.

For Korean fans, the original Tooniverse dub is Evangelion. The flaws (the censorship, the name changes, the hissy audio tapes) are part of the show's history.

The Evolution of Evangelion: A Look into the Korean Dub

The iconic anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" has been a cultural phenomenon since its release in 1995. Created by Hideaki Anno, the series has been widely acclaimed for its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and mecha action. Over the years, Evangelion has been dubbed into various languages, allowing fans from around the world to experience the series. In this piece, we'll take a closer look at the Korean dub of Evangelion and its significance. evangelion korean dub

History of Evangelion in Korea

The Korean dub of Evangelion, also known as "신세기 에반게리온" (Shinsegi Evan Geli on), was first released in 1998 by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). The dub was produced in collaboration with Studio Fantasia, a Korean animation studio. The series gained a significant following in Korea, particularly among the younger generation.

The Dubbing Process

The Korean dub of Evangelion was a massive undertaking, involving a team of talented voice actors, translators, and sound engineers. The dubbing process aimed to preserve the original essence of the series while catering to Korean audiences. The voice cast, including actors like Kim Hwan-jin ( Shinji Ikari), Lee Hyeon-jin ( Rei Ayanami), and Ahn Hyo-seop (Asuka Langley Soryu), brought the characters to life in Korean.

Reception and Impact

The Korean dub of Evangelion received a positive response from audiences and critics alike. Fans praised the dub's faithful adaptation of the original series, with many considering it to be one of the best dubs of Evangelion. The series helped to establish a strong anime fanbase in Korea, paving the way for future anime imports.

Cultural Significance

Evangelion's impact on Korean popular culture extends beyond its initial release. The series' themes of existentialism, psychological trauma, and interpersonal relationships resonated with Korean audiences, who could relate to the characters' struggles. Evangelion's influence can be seen in various aspects of Korean media, from music to film.

The Re-Dub and Legacy

In 2019, a new Korean dub of Evangelion was produced by Studio Sign, in collaboration with Gainax Korea. This re-dub featured a new voice cast and a more modern translation approach. The re-dub allowed a new generation of Korean fans to experience Evangelion, while also providing an opportunity for veteran fans to revisit the series. The history of the Korean dub is not monolithic

Conclusion

The Korean dub of Evangelion holds a special place in the hearts of anime fans in Korea and around the world. The series' impact on Korean popular culture is undeniable, and its influence can still be felt today. As Evangelion continues to inspire new adaptations and spin-offs, its legacy as a cultural phenomenon will endure. The Korean dub of Evangelion serves as a testament to the power of anime to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing people together through shared experiences and emotions.

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To understand the Korean dub, one must understand the state of Korean pop culture in the 1990s. Due to historical tensions, Japanese cultural imports—including films, music, and anime—were officially banned until October 1998. Despite this ban, Japanese media flowed in through underground routes, often via corrupted VHS tapes or satellite broadcasts from Japan.

When the ban was partially lifted, Korean distributors rushed to license the biggest hits of the 90s. Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Slam Dunk had already dominated the local "Tooniverse" channel. But Evangelion was different. It wasn't a show about winning tournaments or collecting Dragon Balls. It was a show about trauma, depression, and the apocalypse. Logically, this new dub is "superior" in technical quality

The Korean dub was first produced by Daewon Media (yes, the same company that makes the famous "PPOMO" slime videos, but originally a major animation distributor) and aired on Tooniverse (채널 투니버스) starting in the late 1990s. Unlike the slow, academic release in the West, Korea got a relatively rapid, broadcast-quality dub.

Unlike modern dubs that rely on "anime voices," MBC hired seasoned stage and TV actors who treated Evangelion as a tragic play.