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Studio Mir Co., Ltd. (Korean: 주식회사 스튜디오 미르; RR: Jusikhoesa Seutyudio Mireu) is a South Korean animation studio based in Seoul. Among other works, the studio animated most of the American TV series The Legend of Korra, the fourth season of The Boondocks, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Dota: Dragon's Blood, Skull Island, My Adventures with Superman and X-Men '97, and films like Big Fish & Begonia, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge and The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Studio Mir was founded in 2010 by Jae-Myung Yu, together with executive director Kwang-il Han and head of business development Seung-wook Lee. Yu had previously worked for 20 years in animation, including as an animation director for the series Avatar: The Last Airbender. He chose the studio's name after the Soviet space station Mir, which inspired him for its "scientific breakthrough and collaborative spirit".[1]

The studio began work with 20 animators on its first project, the Nickelodeon animated series and Avatar sequel The Legend of Korra – an unusually significant contract for a new studio, which it obtained thanks to Yu's long working relationship with the creators of both series, Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino. Apart from the animation itself, Mir worked with Nickelodeon Animation Studio to contribute in Korra's pre-production and storyboarding, including its elaborate martial arts choreography. Sometime after the conclusion of The Legend of Korra, former Nickelodeon vice president Mark Taylor worked with Studio Mir to create the animation for the sci-fi animated series Voltron: Legendary Defender with some of the creative team from Korra.[1]

Very little of the animation Mir contributed to has aired in South Korea – only the first season of Korra had a "very quiet release". Because of this, the studio is little-known domestically, and, as a consequence, the company is focused on international collaborations.[1]

The studio is working on their first original series titled Koji and looking for investors for the project.[2]

In February 2023, Studio Mir officially became listed on KOSDAQ as a public company.[3]

Filmography

[edit]

Some titles are listed on the company's online portfolio.[4]

TV series

[edit]
Title Year Co-production(s) Network Notes
The Legend of Korra[5] 2012–2014 Nickelodeon Animation Studio Nickelodeon Preproduction assistance for episodes 1–12, 19–20 and 22–26.

Animation services for all episodes (except episodes 13–18 and 21).

Black Dynamite 2012 Williams Street Adult Swim Animation services for episode 5.
The Boondocks[5][6] 2014 Sony Pictures Television Production studio for season 4.
Guardians of the Galaxy[5] 2015 Marvel Animation Disney XD Animation services for episodes 1 and 2.
Voltron: Legendary Defender[5] 2016–2018 DreamWorks Animation Television
World Events Productions 		Netflix Preproduction assistance and animation services.
Lego Elves: Secrets of Elvendale[5] 2017 The Lego Group Production studio.
Young Justice: Outsiders 2019 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		DC Universe Animation services for episodes 12 and 16.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts[7] 2020 DreamWorks Animation Television Netflix Animation services
Dota: Dragon's Blood[8] 2021–2022 Kaiju Boulevard Production studio
Young Justice: Phantoms[9] Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		HBO Max Animation services
Harley Quinn 2022–present Yes, Norman Productions
Delicious Non-Sequitur
Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment
DC Studios 		HBO Max / Max Animation services for seasons 3 and 4.
Lookism[10] 2022 N/a Netflix Production studio
Skull Island 2023 Powerhouse Animation
J.P.
Legendary Television 		Animation services
My Adventures with Superman 2023–present Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		Adult Swim
X-Men '97[11] 2024–present Marvel Studios Animation Disney+
Devil May Cry[12] 2025–present Shankar Animation
Capcom 		Netflix Production studio
Trigun Stargaze 2026–present Orange

Toho Animation

Crunchyroll CG Modelling Cooperation
Gosu[13] TBA Toei Animation
Studio N 		TBA Production studio
My Adventures with Green Lantern[14][15] Warner Bros. Animation
DC Studios 		Animation services

Additionally, Studio Mir did edits for the 2014 Disney XD English and Korean dubs of the 2005 series Doraemon.

Films

[edit]
Title Year Co-production with Distributors Notes
Big Fish & Begonia[5] 2016 Horgos Coloroom Pictures
Beijing Enlight Media
Biantian (Beijing) Media 		Beijing Enlight Media Animation services
The Death of Superman 2018 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge 2020 Warner Bros. Animation Preproduction assistance and animation services
Batman: Soul of the Dragon 2021 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		Animation services
The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf[16] Little Schmidt Productions
Platige Image
Hivemind 		Netflix Production studio
Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms Warner Bros. Animation Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Animation services
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons[17] 2022 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment
Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham 2023 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment 		Additional background paint services
Babylon 5: The Road Home Warner Bros. Animation
Babylonian Productions, Inc
Studio JMS 		Animation services
Watchmen[18] 2024 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment
Paramount Pictures
The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep[19] 2025 Little Schmidt Productions
Platige Image
Hivemind 		Netflix Production studio
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender 2026 Paramount Pictures
Nickelodeon Movies
Avatar Studios 		Paramount+ Additional animation services
Co-production with Flying Bark Productions

Shorts

[edit]
Title Year Co-production with Notes
Think Like a Man[6] 2012 Rainforest Films Animated opening sequence.
ASURA Online[5] 2013 Tencent 2D trailer.
League of Legends - Road to the Cup[5] Riot Games
Guardians of the Galaxy[5] 2015 Marvel Animation Season 1 shorts.
League of Legends - Bard: Mountain[5] Riot Games
Turtles Take Time (and Space) 2016 Nickelodeon Animation Studio
DC Showcase: Sgt. Rock 2019 Warner Bros. Animation
DC Entertainment
DC Showcase: Death
Batman: Death in the Family 2020 Interactive film
Dota 2 - Marci[20] 2021 Valve 2D animation.
Star Wars: Visions 2023 Lucasfilm Short: "Journey to the Dark Head"
Wayfinder - Grendel - Character Trailer[21] 2024 Airship Syndicate Additional animation and composing.

Video games

[edit]
Title Year Co-production with Notes
Sackboy: A Big Adventure 2020 Sumo Digital
Sony Interactive Entertainment 		2D cutscene animation services

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Studio Mir

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Studio Mir Co., Ltd. is a studio specializing in high-quality 2D production for global television series, films, and promotional content. Founded in 2010 by Jae-Myung Yu, the studio is headquartered in and emphasizes collaborative workflows inspired by the Mir, employing approximately 120 experienced artists and directors to deliver full in-house production services as of 2025. Since its establishment, Studio Mir has built a reputation for partnering with major international studios and streaming platforms, including , , Warner Bros., and , contributing to the animation of acclaimed projects that blend dynamic action sequences with detailed character designs. The studio's breakthrough came with its work on Nickelodeon’s (2012–2014), where it handled key animation production, followed by DreamWorks’ Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018). Among its most notable contributions are Netflix originals like (2021), Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020), DOTA: Dragon's Blood (2021–2022), and (2025), as well as projects such as contributions to select episodes of (2019) and recent series including (2024) and (2023). Studio Mir has also animated promotional content for brands like (LEGO Elves: Secrets of Elvendale, 2017) and ( character promotions, 2014), showcasing its versatility in adapting to diverse styles and narratives while maintaining high production standards. Through these collaborations, the studio has played a pivotal role in elevating South Korean animation's presence in the global market, earning recognition for technical excellence and creative innovation.

Overview

Founding and Establishment

Studio Mir was established on October 28, 2010, by Jae-Myung Yu, a veteran who had previously worked at on projects like , together with executive director Kwang-il Han and head of business development Seung-wook Lee, along with other former employees including key animator Ki-Hyun Ryu. The studio was incorporated as a limited liability company, Studio Mir Co., Ltd., headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with an initial focus on providing high-quality 2D animation outsourcing services to international clients. It began operations from a modest office space on the 17th floor of the IT Mirae Tower in Gasan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, a hub for digital and creative industries in southwestern Seoul. The founding was driven by the rising global demand for Western-style production, particularly from American networks and streaming services seeking detailed and fluid, dynamic action sequences that blended influences from both Eastern and Western traditions. Yu, drawing on his extensive experience in overseas collaborations, aimed to position the studio as a competitive player capable of delivering premium quality to meet these needs.

Mission and Specialization

Studio Mir's core mission is to pioneer advancements in the animation industry through collaborative efforts, inspired by the space station Mir, which exemplified unity among diverse talents from around the world. By bringing together seasoned artists and emerging creators, the studio seeks to foster innovation and establish new standards in content production, particularly in the evolving landscape of 2D animation for global audiences. This collaborative ethos underpins their objective to transcend traditional boundaries and deliver high-impact visual storytelling that resonates internationally. The studio specializes in premium 2D services tailored for international television series and films, with a strong emphasis on action-oriented narratives, fluid fight , and character-driven plots that blend dynamic visuals with compelling . Their expertise lies in producing visually striking sequences that enhance high-stakes action, as demonstrated in partnerships with major platforms where they handle key elements for globally distributed content. This focus positions Studio Mir as a go-to provider for complex, movement-intensive projects that require both artistic precision and technical proficiency. As primarily an and co-production studio, Studio Mir emphasizes efficient, cost-effective production workflows without originating , instead supporting high-profile projects through subcontracting arrangements that leverage Korean production strengths for Western-style content. Their prioritizes reliable delivery for international clients, enabling major studios to achieve premium quality at scale. Targeting U.S. and European networks and streaming services such as , , and DreamWorks, the studio initially concentrated on global markets to build its reputation, establishing a U.S. branch to facilitate closer collaboration with these partners.

History

Early Development (2009–2012)

Following its , Studio Mir rapidly assembled an initial of 20 animators within the first year, prioritizing experienced 2D artists recruited from established local studios in . This core group laid the foundation for the studio's operational capabilities, enabling it to handle complex workflows from the outset. The studio encountered significant challenges during this formative period, including constrained financial and infrastructural resources, intense competition from larger Korean firms such as Rough Draft Korea, and the need to adapt to stringent international production deadlines. These hurdles tested the young company's resilience, as it navigated a competitive landscape dominated by more established players while building its reputation in the global market. A breakthrough came in 2011 with the studio's first major contract for and main production of Book 1 of , marking Studio Mir's entry into the U.S. animation industry. This opportunity allowed the team to demonstrate its technical prowess and secure a foothold with . By 2011, Studio Mir had secured a series of smaller contracts from Japanese and American clients, which provided steady revenue and experience in diverse project types. These early gigs solidified the studio's and positioned it for larger undertakings in subsequent years.

Expansion and Milestones (2013–2020)

Following the success of its early contributions to , Studio Mir assumed greater production responsibilities for the series in 2013, handling half of the episodes for season 2 (Book Two: Spirits) in collaboration with , while signing a contract for full main production of seasons 3 and 4 (Book Three: Change and Book Four: Balance). This marked a pivotal milestone, allowing the studio to refine its 2D animation pipeline for high-profile American television and solidify partnerships with . The studio's international profile surged in 2016 with the launch of : Legendary Defender, a original series co-produced with , where Studio Mir provided the primary services across all eight seasons. The project's global streaming debut and critical acclaim for its dynamic action sequences significantly boosted Studio Mir's visibility, attracting further collaborations from major Western studios and streaming platforms. By 2017, the studio's facilities in Seoul's Gasan Digital Complex were bustling with expanded teams dedicated to 's second season, reflecting operational scaling to meet rising demand for outsourced . Infrastructure developments during this era included investments in advanced digital workflows to enhance efficiency in inking, coloring, and , supporting the studio's shift toward handling complex, multi-season series. In 2018, Studio Mir secured another key contract with DreamWorks for Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, further demonstrating its capacity for original IP development in the sci-fi genre. As the decade closed, Studio Mir navigated external pressures, including the onset of in 2020, by adhering to health guidelines and maintaining production continuity through adapted processes, culminating in a major multi-year production line partnership with to expand its and animated content output. This agreement underscored the studio's resilience and positioned it for sustained growth in the global streaming market.

Recent Projects (2021–Present)

Following the , Studio Mir shifted its production focus toward streaming platforms, aligning with the accelerated trends, particularly on services like and Disney+. This adaptation emphasized efficient workflows for global clients amid industry-wide disruptions, enabling the studio to maintain output on high-volume series without reported delays in key deliveries. In February 2023, Studio Mir went public and listed on the stock exchange, marking a significant in its growth. Key recent projects include the studio's animation for the third season of Dota: Dragon's Blood, released on in August 2022, which concluded the series' narrative arc with Studio Mir handling the full production pipeline from storyboarding to . In 2023, contributions extended to for and HBO Max, as well as the second volume of Star Wars: Visions for Disney+, where the studio animated episodes blending Korean aesthetics with the franchise's mythology. By 2024, Studio Mir led animation on for Disney+, reviving the classic series with fluid action sequences that earned critical acclaim for its nostalgic yet modern style. Studio Mir has also developed original concepts, including the 2018 pilot for Koji, its first in-house series seeking international investors to expand beyond subcontracting roles. The studio deepened partnerships with Asian-based streaming services through its longstanding collaboration, which facilitated co-productions like Lookism in 2022 and extended to new originals, positioning it amid the regional push for K-animation exports. Looking ahead to 2025, Studio Mir plans expansion into hybrid 2D/CG animation, as seen in its role animating Paramount's The Legend of : The Last Airbender , scheduled for theatrical release in October 2026, which combines hand-drawn characters with 3D environments to innovate on the franchise's legacy. This move aligns with the boom, bolstered by a government investment of over $1 billion through 2030 to grow industry revenue to $1.3 billion and enhance global competitiveness. The studio's staff, currently numbering around 130 as of 2024, supports this growth through targeted recruitment in CG and production roles.

Organization and Operations

Leadership and Key Personnel

Studio Mir is led by its founder and CEO, Jae-Myung Yu, who has held the position since the studio's establishment in 2010. Prior to founding Studio Mir, Yu served as an on Nickelodeon's , contributing to the series through subcontract work at a previous studio. His leadership has emphasized expanding the studio's role in international animation production, including partnerships with global streaming services. Key personnel include Kwang-il Han and head of business development Seung-wook Lee, both co-founders who have shaped the studio's operational and strategic direction since inception. supervisor Ki Hyun Ryu is another pivotal figure, serving as supervising on major projects such as and : Legendary Defender, where he oversaw production and contributed to dynamic action sequences. Ryu's expertise extends to executive production roles, including as the first Korean for Netflix initiatives. The studio's internal structure is organized into specialized departments focused on core animation processes, including storyboarding for initial visual planning, key animation for primary motion creation, and cleanup for refining line work and details. This departmental division supports efficient collaboration across projects, with teams handling tasks from concept development to final .

Facilities and Production Capacity

Studio Mir's main headquarters is located in Geumcheon-gu, , at the 17th floor of IT Mirae Tower, 33 Digital-ro 9-gil. The studio features dedicated floors for bays, where artists collaborate on keyframe and in-between work, and post-production suites equipped for , , and final . This layout enables seamless workflow integration across production stages, minimizing bottlenecks in high-volume projects. The technical infrastructure supports 2D animation tasks, including use of Toon Boom Harmony software. This setup supports collaborative remote access, enhancing productivity for distributed crews. In terms of production capacity, the studio is scalable for international co-productions, as demonstrated by its handling of multiple major projects concurrently. Staff size has grown steadily to meet demand, aligning with historical expansion phases.

Productions

Television Series

Studio Mir has established itself as a key player in the of episodic television series, primarily serving as a subcontractor for North American and international production companies. The studio's involvement typically encompasses a substantial portion of the pipeline, including layout, key , in-betweening, and , while excluding elements like and final . One of its seminal projects is (2012–2014), where Studio Mir provided full animation production for Seasons 1 through 3, delivering the fluid, dynamic sequences that defined the series' action-oriented storytelling. This collaboration with marked an early milestone, showcasing Mir's ability to blend Western narrative styles with high-quality 2D animation. In Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018), Studio Mir handled key and in-between across all eight seasons, contributing to the 78-episode series in partnership with . The studio's work emphasized intricate designs and large-scale battle choreography, enhancing the reboot's visual spectacle. Other notable television contributions include Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020), for which Mir provided full animation production in collaboration with DreamWorks, focusing on vibrant world-building and character-driven action. Similarly, in Dota: Dragon's Blood (2021–2022), the studio specialized in action sequences for all three seasons, supporting the fantasy adaptation with its signature fluid combat animation. By 2025, Studio Mir had subcontracted on over 20 television series, cumulatively contributing to more than 1,000 episodes across projects like The Boondocks Season 4, Harley Quinn, Skull Island, My Adventures with Superman, X-Men '97, and the Netflix series Devil May Cry (2025). This extensive output underscores the studio's role in elevating global animated television through reliable, high-impact subcontracting.

Feature Films

Studio Mir has expanded its portfolio into animated feature films, often serving as an animation services provider for international co-productions, with a focus on delivering high-quality action-oriented sequences and character work in both 2D and CGI formats. Beginning with contributions to Chinese fantasy epics and progressing to full productions for DC Comics adaptations and originals, the studio's feature film involvement highlights its versatility in hybrid pipelines that blend traditional hand-drawn techniques with digital effects. By 2025, Studio Mir had participated in eight major feature films, collaborating with partners such as , B&T Studio, and Red to enhance visual storytelling in genres ranging from epics to . One of the studio's earliest feature credits was (2016), a Chinese mythological where Studio Mir provided assistance, contributing to the film's lush, fluid 2D visuals inspired by traditional styles blended with modern digital effects. Directed by Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun, the project marked Studio Mir's entry into full-length theatrical , supporting B&T Studio in creating intricate environmental designs and transformative sequences that earned praise for their ethereal quality. In 2018, Studio Mir handled key animation for , a Animated Original Movie that adapts the iconic 1992 comic storyline. The studio's role included in-betweening and cleanup for intense fight scenes, enabling the film's fast-paced, visceral combat that contrasted Superman's heroic feats against Doomsday's brutality, in collaboration with . This project showcased Studio Mir's ability to integrate their signature dynamic posing into American superhero narratives. The studio's contributions to the DC lineup continued with Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021), providing animation services for this martial arts-infused origin story set in the 1970s. Studio Mir focused on the film's choreography, drawing from their expertise in fluid motion to animate Bruce Wayne's training montages and climactic battles, working alongside director to evoke a retro kung fu aesthetic. Studio Mir fully produced the Netflix anime film The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021), a focusing on the Vesemir's origins. Directed by Kwang Il Han and written by Beau DeMayo, the film features dynamic monster battles and intricate world-building in the universe, blending Eastern animation styles with Western fantasy elements to critical acclaim for its action sequences and character development. A milestone came in 2022 with Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons, Studio Mir's first full CGI-animated feature, where they managed the entire production pipeline from layout to . This coming-of-age tale, directed by Matt Peters, benefited from the studio's emphasis on high-frame-rate action sequences—featuring detailed particle effects and dynamic camera work not typically feasible in television budgets—resulting in a visually explosive depiction of young heroes Jon Kent and . In 2024, Studio Mir provided animation services for the two-part adaptation of Alan Moore's , Watchmen Chapter 1 and Watchmen Chapter 2. For these R-rated CGI films, the studio handled character rigging, key , and effects integration, capturing the source material's gritty, deconstructed superhero tone through meticulous facial expressions and environmental destruction in co-production with and Paramount. The duology's darker, more mature visuals allowed Studio Mir to explore complex emotional beats alongside high-stakes violence. Culminating their feature work to date, The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025) saw Studio Mir take on full production responsibilities for this anime film, adapting Andrzej Sapkowski's short story with director Kwang Il Han. The studio's hybrid 2D/3D approach emphasized immersive underwater sequences and monster designs, collaborating with CD Projekt Red to faithfully render 's world in a style that blends Eastern flair with Western fantasy depth, released to critical acclaim for its fluid combat and atmospheric storytelling.
Film TitleYearRoleCollaboratorsKey Highlights
2016Animation assistanceB&T StudioLush 2D mythological visuals
2018Key animation and cleanupIntense superhero battles
Batman: Soul of the Dragon2021Animation services choreography
: Nightmare of the Wolf2021Full production (anime-style)Dynamic monster battles and
Batman and : Battle of the 2022Full CGI productionHigh-frame-rate action sequences
Chapter 12024Animation services (CGI), ParamountGritty
Chapter 22024Animation services (CGI), ParamountEnvironmental effects and violence
: Sirens of the Deep2025Full production (anime-style), CD Projekt RedHybrid pipeline for fantasy immersion

Other Media (Shorts and Video Games)

Studio Mir has produced several animated shorts and pilots, often serving as promotional or conceptual pieces for potential series or events. One notable example is the 2018 pilot for Koji, an original fantasy adventure project created by the studio in collaboration with Wolfbat Studios. The short follows a lightning-powered boy and his giant water-manipulating cat companion on a quest to combat evil forces overtaking their world, targeting audiences aged 6-11 while exploring broader themes of friendship and heroism. Directed by Han Cheong-il and featuring by Alexander Snow, the pilot showcases Studio Mir's signature fluid action sequences and vibrant world-building, though it remains unproduced as a full series. In the realm of promotional shorts, Studio Mir contributed to Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 with the 2023 episode "Journey to the Dark Head," a self-contained story blending Japanese influences with Star Wars mythology. Produced for , the short depicts a young Jedi's confrontation with dark forces in a feudal-inspired setting, emphasizing themes of temptation and redemption. This project highlights the studio's versatility in adapting established franchises into concise, visually striking narratives under tight creative constraints. For video game-related media, Studio Mir has created cinematic trailers and character introductions, particularly for ' League of Legends. The 2013 short "Road to the Cup" served as a hype piece for the game's Finals, featuring stylized depictions of global heroes converging in an epic tournament narrative. Notably, the entire and main were completed in just six weeks, demonstrating the studio's capacity for rapid, high-quality output in promotional contexts. Similarly, the 2015 "Bard: Mountain" character trailer introduced the wandering caretaker through a mystical journey to protect sacred treasures, blending ethereal visuals with dynamic chibi-style action that garnered millions of views on release. These pieces exemplify Studio Mir's expertise in game cinematics, where iterative feedback from developers allows for polished, lore-expanding content distinct from longer-form series. Additional shorts include contributions to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (2015), where Studio Mir animated select season 1 interstitials featuring the team's interstellar antics in bite-sized adventures. These works underscore the studio's role in short-form content, often prioritizing quick turnarounds—typically 1-3 months for standalone projects—compared to the extended revision cycles common in cinematics, enabling efficient collaboration with international clients.

Style and Impact

Animation Techniques

Studio Mir specializes in 2D digital animation production, utilizing layered techniques to generate smooth, fluid motion between key frames. This approach involves creating multiple layers for characters, backgrounds, and effects, allowing animators to isolate and refine elements independently for greater control and efficiency. The studio primarily employs Toon Boom Harmony software for this process, which supports vector-based drawing and to facilitate dynamic character deformation and movement. The production workflow at Studio Mir is structured across distinct stages to optimize collaboration and quality. Pre-production begins with storyboarding handled by in-house Korean artists, who develop detailed sequential sketches to outline scene composition, timing, and action flow. In the production phase, key frames are primarily created internally by the studio's team, with selective outsourcing for or cleanup to manage workload on high-volume projects. occurs in-house, encompassing , , and final effects integration to maintain stylistic consistency. A key innovation for Studio Mir has been the adoption of hybrid 2D/3D compositing, integrating traditional hand-drawn 2D characters with 3D-modeled environments and effects for added depth and realism in complex scenes. This technique was tested and refined in projects starting around 2023, enabling seamless blending of mediums while preserving the fluidity of 2D aesthetics. The studio has verified this hybrid approach through multiple global streaming releases, enhancing visual impact without fully transitioning to full CGI. Studio Mir's signature style emphasizes exaggerated facial expressions and physics-based animation principles, such as realistic and in movements, which contribute to emotionally resonant and visually engaging sequences. This contrasts with the more rigid, line-focused stylization common in Japanese , favoring a Western-influenced vibrancy that prioritizes expressive and dynamic for character-driven .

Notable Collaborations and Influence

Studio Mir has established significant long-term partnerships with major Western studios, beginning with for the production of from 2012 to 2014, where it handled the majority of animation and contributed to and storyboarding. This collaboration marked an early milestone in blending Korean artistry with American storytelling. Since 2016, the studio has deepened ties with and , delivering original content such as Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016–2018), which featured hand-drawn animation blending 2D and CGI elements, and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020), a exclusive that showcased vibrant, post-apocalyptic visuals over multiple seasons. These projects highlight Studio Mir's role in co-producing high-profile series, transitioning from traditional outsourcing to creative partnerships. The studio's work has garnered prestigious industry recognition, including a nomination at the 44th in 2017 for Outstanding Achievement for Animation in a /Broadcast for the Voltron: Legendary Defender episode "Return of the Gladiator," affirming its excellence in action-oriented 2D animation. This accolade, presented by the International Animated Film Society, underscored Studio Mir's growing reputation among global animators. Further nominations and contributions to award-winning projects, such as Dota: Dragon's Blood (2021–2022), have solidified its status in streaming-era productions. As of 2025, the studio continues to expand its influence through collaborations like X-Men '97 (2024) for , which earned multiple including for Best General Audience Animated Broadcast . Studio Mir has influenced the animation industry by pioneering a visible and branded approach to 2D outsourcing for Western studios, moving beyond anonymous service roles to emphasize artistic identity and collaboration. This model has encouraged other Korean studios to seek recognition in international projects, elevating the sector's profile and contributing to South Korea's exports, which reached approximately $120 million in 2023 and are projected to grow under initiatives targeting $170 million by 2030. By partnering on globally streamed series, Studio Mir has helped boost the cultural reach of Korean animation, fostering a in the industry through efficient, high-quality production standards.

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