Disney animation ‘Zootopia 2’ poster. Photo Walt Disney Company Korea

Korean staff members who worked on the Disney animated film ‘Zootopia 2’ shared their thoughts on their favorite characters in the film.

Animators Lee Hyun-min and Choi Young-jae, and set extension supervisor Lee Suk-hee, who worked on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film ‘Zootopia 2,’ took part in the ‘Hometown Hero Interview’ video session held on the morning of the 2nd and shared a range of thoughts about the project.

Released on the 26th of last month, ‘Zootopia 2’ kicked off its box-office run by drawing 2.1 million moviegoers nationwide within five days of its domestic release. Animator Lee Hyun-min joined Disney in 2007, and animator Choi Young-jae also started at Disney in 2007 with ‘Bolt.’

Lee Suk-hee, set extension supervisor who worked on the Disney animated film ‘Zootopia 2.’ Photo Walt Disney Company Korea

Set extension supervisor Lee Suk-hee, who mainly works on backgrounds and sets, joined Walt Disney Animation Studios as a set extension artist on the 2017 film ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet.’

Supervisor Lee analyzed the reasons for its success, saying, “More than 700 crew members of different backgrounds, races, ages, and genders worked together, shared their ideas, and refined the work. Because it deals with the coexistence of different animals, I think there were many elements that people of all ages and genders could relate to.”

She then named Judy as the character she is most fond of. Lee said, “As a Korean who is a minority working at a big company like Disney, there are parts where I feel the emotions Judy feels,” and added, “As a Korean woman, I carry both the pressure and pride of wanting to do well, and a determination to excel.”

A scene from the Disney animated film ‘Zootopia 2.’ Photo Walt Disney Company Korea

Animator Lee Hyun-min likewise chose Judy as his favorite character, saying, “I paid particular attention when working on the shapes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. The eyes are large, while the nose and mouth move in compact shapes,” and added, “She is cute yet brave, sophisticated, smart, and cool. I worked hard to bring those qualities to life.”

Animator Choi Young-jae said, “I was originally on Nick’s side, but lately I have grown fond of Judy as well,” adding, “Nick has a sly, easygoing personality, whereas Judy pursues perfection. Even though her face is covered in fur, there are details that come through in her expressions.”

Following the first film, ‘Zootopia 2’ is a sequel arriving after a full nine years. The top duo of Zootopia, Judy and Nick, return and chase a mysterious snake named Gary who is shaking the city, leaping into a new world as they investigate peril-filled cases in this adventure.

Since its release, it has been in the midst of a strong run, surpassing $500 million in global box-office revenue (approx 735.4 billion KRW), not only in Korea. The film is currently in theaters.