TVING’s original animation ‘Terror Man’ heralds the debut of a Korean-style dark hero.
Set to premiere exclusively on TVING on January 29, ‘Terror Man’ is an animation based on the popular webtoon of the same name, marking the beginning of Ylab’s ‘Superstring Universe’ hero franchise. It follows high school student Jung-woo, who possesses the ability to sense misfortune and becomes a terrorist to save people, as he confronts a vast conspiracy.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the ‘Superstring Universe,’ the animated adaptation of ‘Terror Man,’ considered the starting point of the franchise, has garnered significant attention, with several exciting viewing points highlighted.
#Creative Team Ensures Quality!
Expectations are high for the collaboration of creators poised to expertly depict the unpredictable onset of a grand war. Eom Sang-yong, director of an Emmy-winning animated episode, ‘Treehouse of Horror 33’ from The Simpsons, leads the project. Umehara Takahiro, known for his work as an episode director on Netflix’s original animation ‘PLUTO,’ is responsible for the character animation, ensuring high quality.
Director Eom stated, “From the early animatics stage, we established the visual direction through discussions with all staff, which became the foundation for the series.” He added, “To dynamically portray the narrative’s changes, we enhanced the depiction of internal shocks and conflicts.” Director Umehara emphasized prioritizing the original work, stating that thorough scene amplification, action design, special effects development, and color setup were ensured.
The production team also meticulously focused on music and voice acting to capture the original’s impact. The involvement of renowned voice actors—including Lee Kyung-tae, Jang Mi, Eom Sang-hyun, Shim Gyu-hyuk, and Jeon Tae-yeol, known for their roles in major animations like ‘Demon Slayer: Mugen Train’—has further heightened fan anticipation. Studio Bazzuca, responsible for planning and production, stated, “The core of voice casting focused on ‘internality’—the ability to draw out hidden stories and emotions.” They added, “The resulting lineup authentically embodies the characters’ individual journeys.” Additionally, Zerobase One member Kim Tae-rae adds to the global excitement by performing the opening song ‘Bomb Bomb,’ which will be released on various music sites at 6 PM on January 29.
#Emergence of a ‘Misfortune-Sensing’ Dark Hero! Focus on Internal Growth Story
The primary viewing point is Jung-woo’s growth story: his transformation from an ordinary high school student who can detect misfortune into a disruptive dark hero. Studio Bazzuca PD Lee Jong-hyuk explained, “While ‘Terror Man’ has the structure of a hero story, at its core is the question: ‘What drives an ordinary person to make extraordinary choices?’ Jung-woo’s guilt, anger, and sense of responsibility propel the narrative.”
Director Umehara likened this growth narrative to ‘light and shadow,’ explaining, “Acts of terror prevent disaster but paradoxically cause misfortune for others. Jung-woo’s struggles, supported by his colleagues, embody the essence of a dark hero.” Director Eom added, “The story portrays a boy overcoming internal traumas to become a hero.”
#Dopamine-Inducing Action Set Against Korea’s Famous Landmarks
The animation’s spectacular rendering and high-quality action direction promise viewers an immersive experience. Director Umehara emphasized maintaining realism even in acrobatic action, while also incorporating props like guns and bombs for added excitement. PD Lee also noted that the animation aims to convey characters’ emotions and stories through its action scenes, enhancing viewer enjoyment.
Notably, pre-released clips featuring action scenes set against iconic Korean locations like Gwangandaegyo, Yanghwa Bridge, and Seonyudo Park have already garnered significant attention. Directors Eom and Umehara meticulously focused on scene representation, even visiting these locations at relevant times to study traffic, environment, and landscape changes. The impending release of thrilling action scenes set against these familiar backdrops has generated considerable interest.
All eight episodes of ‘Terror Man’ will be available exclusively on TVING starting today, January 29.
