Kakao to Produce AI Short Animation Featuring Ryan with OpenAI
Kakao is partnering with OpenAI to create a short animation starring Ryan.
Kakao is partnering with OpenAI to create a short animation starring Ryan.
Kakao has announced a collaboration with OpenAI to produce its first AI-driven short animation featuring Ryan, a beloved character from the Kakao Friends series. The animation, titled 'Still, Ryan', is set to be released online on November 11, 2026, and will run for approximately five minutes.
The project is being led by animation director Han Ji-won and AI supervisor Kim Young-jun, who are utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT Image feature in the production process. The team generated images based on sketches and prompts, employing around 1,500 prompts to craft specific scenes. The narrative follows Ryan as he navigates his worries and dreams, ultimately finding his own path.
Kakao held a special screening event on November 8, 2026, at Movieland in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, where attendees could learn more about the AI-assisted production process. Director Han expressed her intention to portray Ryan as a character with relatable struggles, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys.
The animation will be available on Ryan's official Instagram and Kakao Friends' YouTube channel, as well as on OpenAI's social media platforms. This project marks the 10th anniversary of Ryan, showcasing the character through innovative production techniques.
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