Report: North Koreans may have worked behind the scenes to produce cartoons for Western corporations

Despite international sanctions on North Korea, a study analysis has shown that North Korean animators may have contributed to the creation of well-known television cartoons for major Western companies, such as HBO Max and Amazon.

A study from the Washington-based 38 North project issued on Monday said that researchers found files on a North Korean internet server that contained written instructions, animations, and remarks that seemed to pertain to projects under development for the overseas companies.

These included the animated series “Invincible” for Amazon produced by California-based Skybound Entertainment and the superhero anime “Iyanu, Child of Wonder” by Maryland-based YouNeek Studios that will premiere on HBO Max this year.

Nearly all business dealings between US people and North Korean businesses are prohibited under US sanctions. According to Michael Barnhart, who collaborated with 38 North on the project, there was no indication that the Western companies were aware of the arrangements, which seemed to include outsourcing work to China. Amazon representatives told Reuters to contact Skybound Entertainment and refused to comment. Although Skybound claimed to be unaware, it has started an internal investigation. YouNeek & HBO Max remained silent.