In exciting news for fans of the popular Korean series 'Yumi's Cells,' a feature-length fully-animated version of the show is set to launch next month at the European Film Market in Berlin. This 3D feature animation, titled 'Yumi's Cells: The Movie,' is based on the hit Naver webtoon series of the same name that first debuted in 2015. Produced by Locus Animation and Studio N, the film is currently in post-production and is expected to be delivered later this year.
Barunson E&A, a division of the Korean Barunson conglomerate that produced the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite,' acquired the international rights to the 'Yumi's Cells' property. This acquisition further solidifies Barunson E&A's commitment to bringing original and powerful content to a global audience, without being limited to specific countries, genres, or formats.
The storyline of 'Yumi's Cells' revolves around an office worker named Yumi and the various cells within her brain. Each cell represents a different aspect of Yumi's emotions and actions, including Rational Cell, Emotional Cell, Anxiety Cell, Love Cell, Naughty Cell, and many more. The narrative explores Yumi's personal growth alongside her cells in imaginative and engaging ways.
In 2021 and 2022, 'Yumi's Cells' was adapted into a TV series for Korean streamer Tving. Combining live-action and animation, the show garnered significant attention and propelled lead actor Kim Go-eun into international recognition. The feature movie will continue the story from the final part of the second season of the TV series, delving into the love story between Yumi and Babi, as well as Yumi's pursuit of her dream to become a writer.
The original 'Yumi's Cells' webtoon achieved remarkable success, with an average user rating of 9.9 out of ten per episode. Prior to the TV adaptation, the webtoon had been viewed a staggering 3.2 billion times, solidifying its status as a formidable intellectual property. The TV series ran for 28 episodes across two seasons, with the second season reportedly experiencing a 60% increase in viewership compared to the first. The series was well-received internationally, with rights sold to over 150 territories, including platforms such as Viki, Bilibili, iQiyi, and Amazon Prime Video.
Locus Animation, previously known as Sidus Animation, has been responsible for notable works like 'Red Shoes and Seven Dwarfs.' Studio N, a subsidiary of Naver Webtoon, has also been involved in producing content across various mediums, including the Netflix Original series 'Sweet Home' and Disney+'s 'Vigilante.'
Sylvie Kim, head of Barunson E&A's international business unit, expressed her delight in adding the feature animation adaptation of 'Yumi's Cells,' a globally beloved intellectual property, to their sales lineup. With their participation at the European Film Market, Barunson E&A plans to engage in pre-sales of other titles currently in post-production, including the adventure comedy 'Amazon Bullseye,' starring Ryu Seung-ryong, and 'Forbidden Fairytale,' a daring and imaginative sexy comedy.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of 'Yumi's Cells: The Movie,' the buzz around this animated feature promises to introduce Yumi's captivating tale to a broader international audience. With its imaginative premise and engaging storyline, the film holds the potential to captivate audiences and further solidify the popularity of the 'Yumi's Cells' franchise.
