 |
| ▲ This photo of Jang Sung-ho, director of world-hit animated film “King of Kings" is provided by Mofac Studios. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 15 (Yonhap) -- “Has there really never been a feature-length animated film about Jesus—a figure who has had such a massive impact on history? That didn’t make sense to me. I felt it was something someone had to do, and I believed I could do it.”
In an interview on Monday in Jongno District, Seoul, director Jang Sung-ho explained why he decided to create the animated film “King of Kings,” based on the life of Jesus.
 |
| ▲ This poster of world-hit animated film “King of Kings," directed by Jang Sung-ho, is provided by Mofac Studios. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Released in the United States in April, the film has grossed over $60 million (approx. 81.5 billion won), surpassing Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” as the highest-grossing Korean film in Hollywood. It also received a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and is set to be released in 90 countries by the end of the year.
Jang said he had always dreamed of making his own film but waited until he felt fully prepared. He began production in 2015, but it took 10 years to complete—twice as long as he originally anticipated.
“There were so many obstacles, especially with funding. As time went on, people who once supported the project began to walk away,” he recalled. “It was painful to continue without any backing or belief from others. Everyone said it would never succeed.”
Still, Jang remained confident in the film’s potential. He believed that the North American market, where Christian content enjoys strong demand, would guarantee profitability if investment could be secured. He also believed that the film’s universal theme of love would resonate beyond religious lines.
“This wasn’t blind faith—it was the result of extensive market research,” he emphasized.
Though the journey was long, the film’s casting came together miraculously. Jamie Thomason, who worked as a casting director at Disney for 16 years, brought in stars such as Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Ben Kingsley, Pierce Brosnan, and Forest Whitaker.
 |
| ▲ This still of world-hit animated film “King of Kings," directed by Jang Sung-ho, is provided by Mofac Studios. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
For the Korean dubbed version, top actors including Lee Byung-hun, Honey Lee, and Jin Sun-kyu participated. Notably, “The Outlaws” producer Jang Won-seok suggested casting Lee Byung-hun, believing a strong actor would elevate the project.
Lee reportedly told Jang he joined the project because he wanted to create a film he could proudly show to children.
Jang shared that he aimed to make a film that was accessible to kids yet not childish for adults. “I wanted to make a film that could touch everyone, regardless of age. I hope the message that ‘love means accepting the other person’s way, not your own’ resonates with audiences.”
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
