Evangelion Korean Dub Link

Unlike the Western dubs, which often re-cast roles for the Rebuild films, the Korean voice actors for Evangelion became legends due to the limited number of roles available in the industry at the time.

In 2019, Netflix attempted to standardize Evangelion globally. They produced a new Korean dub for the streaming service. This new dub:

Logically, this new dub is "superior" in technical quality. However, it was met with a fierce backlash from older Korean millennials. They called it the "오덥" (O-Dub – Old Dub) movement. Fans argued that the new dub lacked the "soul" of the 1999 version. Kim Seul-ha’s Shinji was replaced with a more standard male teenager voice, losing the androgynous pain.

For Korean fans, the original Tooniverse dub is Evangelion. The flaws (the censorship, the name changes, the hissy audio tapes) are part of the show's history.

In the pantheon of anime dubs, the English "VSI" dub and the original Japanese cast of Neon Genesis Evangelion are heavily debated. But nestled deep in the nostalgia circuits of Korean millennials lies a version of Evangelion so raw, so visceral, and so "90s" that it has achieved near-mythical status: The 1997 MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) Korean Dub.

For a generation raised on VHS tapes and late-night cable, these weren't just voices for Shinji, Asuka, and Rei. They were the voices. Here is the story of how a notoriously controversial broadcast censorship and a cast of stage veterans turned a psychological deconstruction of mecha into a Korean rite of passage.

For younger Korean fans who grew up with Netflix, there is a frustrating mystery: Why doesn’t Netflix Korea use the 90s dub?

When Netflix acquired the global streaming rights for Neon Genesis Evangelion in 2019 (including the Japanese original and a new English dub), they also commissioned a brand new Korean dub. This decision infuriated the existing fanbase.

Reasons for the new dub include:

The 2020 Netflix Korean dub (featuring actors like Um Sang-hyun as Shinji) is technically superior in audio quality and is uncensored. However, older fans reject it, claiming it lacks the "soul" and dramatic weight of the Kim Seo-young/Woo Jung-shin era.

The Evangelion Korean dub is more than just a translation; it is a historical document. It represents Korea’s awkward, painful, yet enthusiastic embrace of Japanese pop culture after decades of rejection. You can hear the tension in the voice acting—the struggle to convey existential horror in a language that usually favors melodrama.

For a Western fan who has seen Eva a dozen times, listening to the Korean dub is like viewing the series through a prism. The colors are slightly different. Shinji is Shin-woo. The blood is black. But the hole in the heart of the pilot remains the same.

If you ever get the chance to listen to Lee Myung-hee scream "싫어!" (I hate it!) as Asuka in Episode 22, you will understand why Korea fell in love with Evangelion—not despite the localization, but because of it.

Keywords: Evangelion Korean dub, Shinsegi Evangelion, Tooniverse, Kim Seul-ha, Korean voice actors, Lost anime dub, Evangelion censorship, 1999 Evangelion Korea.

The history of the Korean dub for Neon Genesis Evangelion is divided into four distinct versions, each with a different reputation among fans: 1. The VHS Dub (Late 1990s) Reputation: Generally considered poor by South Korean fans.

Key Issues: It suffered from a very limited pool of voice actors, leading to jarring instances where the same actress voiced both Asuka and Kaworu. The translation was also noted for being unfaithful to the original Japanese script. 2. Girlfriend of Steel Dub

Source: Created for the Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel video game.

Reputation: Well-received by many fans, this version is often cited as a significant improvement over the initial VHS release. 3. Amazon Prime Rebuild Dub

Source: Produced for the Rebuild of Evangelion movies available on Amazon Prime Video. evangelion korean dub

Notable Details: This dub is praised for its high quality and for bringing back several voice actors from the Girlfriend of Steel game. For example, the actress who played Asuka in the game transitioned to voicing Ritsuko for this version. 4. Blu-ray Box Set Dub

Reputation: Frequently cited by enthusiasts on platforms like Reddit as the definitive and best Korean dub of the series. Proactive Recommendation:

Evangelion Korean Dub Report

Introduction

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a beloved anime series that has gained a significant following worldwide. The series, created by Gainax and Studio Khara, has been dubbed into various languages, including Korean. This report provides an overview of the Evangelion Korean dub, its history, and notable aspects.

History of the Korean Dub

The Korean dub of Evangelion was first released in 2000 by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), a major South Korean television network. The dub was produced in collaboration with Studio Gainax and Seoul Movie Entertainment, a Korean animation studio. The dubbed episodes were broadcast on MBC from July 2000 to January 2001.

Dubbing Details

Notable Aspects of the Korean Dub

  • Script and Translation: The Korean dub follows the original Japanese script closely, with some minor adjustments to better suit the Korean audience. The translation aims to preserve the original characters' personalities and emotions.

    • Availability and Reception

    Comparison with Other Dubs

    Conclusion

    The Evangelion Korean dub is a well-produced and faithful adaptation of the original series. While not perfect, it has been well-received by fans in Korea and offers a unique viewing experience. For Evangelion enthusiasts interested in exploring the series in Korean, this dub is definitely worth checking out.

    References

    The Korean dubbing history of Neon Genesis Evangelion spans several decades and consists of four distinct versions, ranging from early low-budget VHS releases to a highly polished modern Blu-ray dub. Korean Dubbing History VHS Dub (Late 1990s)

    : The first version was released in the late 1990s on VHS. This version is often criticized by fans for its limited cast, where voice actors were required to play multiple major roles (for example, the actress voicing also voiced

    ). The translation is also considered unfaithful to the original Japanese script. Girlfriend of Steel Dub : A separate dub was created specifically for the Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel

    video game. This version is generally well-liked and some of its cast returned for later projects. Amazon Prime Rebuild Dub : Amazon Prime released a Korean dub for the Rebuild of Evangelion Unlike the Western dubs, which often re-cast roles

    movies. This version brought back several voice actors from the Girlfriend of Steel game and is considered to be of good quality. Blu-ray Box Set Dub

    : This is widely regarded as the best Korean dub of the series, featuring a more comprehensive cast and high production values. Notable Korean Voice Actors Megumi Ogata

    The history of the Korean dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a fascinating journey through four distinct eras, reflecting the evolution of the South Korean anime market and changing standards in localization. 1. The Early Days: The VHS Dub (Late 1990s)

    The first encounter South Korean fans had with a dubbed version of Evangelion

    was via VHS in the late 1990s. This version is often remembered with mixed feelings: Production Limitations

    : Due to a small budget and a limited pool of voice actors, performers frequently pulled "double duty." A famous example is the voice actress for Asuka also voicing Kaworu. Translation

    : The script was often unfaithful to the original Japanese, sometimes taking creative liberties that significantly altered the tone.

    : Among modern fans, this version is generally considered subpar, though it holds nostalgic value as the first localized entry for the series. 2. The Video Game Dub: Girlfriend of Steel

    The second official dubbing project was for the visual novel game Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel . This version is highly regarded by the community. Improved Casting

    : It featured a more robust cast of voice actors who captured the characters' personalities more effectively than the original VHS release.

    : Many fans view this as a "golden era" for the Korean voice cast, as several of these actors eventually returned for modern projects. 3. The Modern Standard: Amazon Prime Rebuild Dub With the global release of the Rebuild of Evangelion

    films (1.11 through 3.0+1.0), Amazon Prime Video produced a high-quality Korean dub. Consistency

    : This dub is noted for its high production values and faithful script. Cast Reunion

    : Notably, the project brought back several voice actors from the beloved Girlfriend of Steel

    game dub, providing a sense of continuity that resonated well with long-term fans. 4. The Streaming Era: Netflix Re-Dub (2019)

    When Netflix acquired the global rights to the original TV series and the End of Evangelion

    movie, they commissioned brand-new dubs across multiple languages, including Korean. The "Khara" Influence

    : Like the English version, the Korean Netflix dub followed a strict, literal translation overseen by Studio Khara. Logically, this new dub is "superior" in technical quality

    : While technically proficient, this version—much like its international counterparts—faced criticism for being "too literal" or "stiff" compared to older, more emotive performances. Availability and Where to Watch

    Today, the most accessible way to experience the Korean dub is through global streaming platforms. : Features the 2019 re-dub of the original series and The End of Evangelion Amazon Video : Hosts the film series with the modern Korean cast. Physical Media : Collector versions, such as the Neon Genesis Evangelion RENEWAL DVD

    , can still be found through specialty retailers like YesAsia, though they are increasingly rare. Are you interested in a detailed list

    of the Korean voice actors for specific characters like Shinji or Asuka? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

    The Korean dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a fascinating piece of anime history, particularly because there isn't just one version. Depending on when and where you watched it, the experience—and the "interesting" factor—changes significantly.

    Here is a review of the Evangelion Korean Dubbing landscape, focusing on the two major iterations. 💿 The Cult Classic: The 1990s VHS/TV Version

    In the late 90s, Evangelion arrived in Korea during a time of strict regulations on Japanese cultural imports. This version is steeped in nostalgia.

    The Vibe: It feels raw and experimental. Because the show was so "alien" at the time, the voice acting has a certain theatrical gravity that matches the show's psychological weight.

    Shinji Ikari (voiced by Choi Deok-hui): Choi is a legend in the Korean dubbing industry (also known for voicing Sailor Moon). Her Shinji is iconic—capturing that specific "90s protagonist" fragility that feels slightly more defiant than the original Japanese performance.

    The "Localized" Feel: This version often dealt with censorship or slight script tweaks to fit Korean broadcasting standards of the era, making it a "time capsule" for fans of vintage media. 📽️ The Modern Standard: Netflix & Rebuilds

    The more recent Korean dubbing, particularly for the Rebuild of Evangelion movies and the Netflix re-release, shows how much the industry has evolved.

    Polished & Precise: The technical quality is world-class. The screams—a vital part of any Eva dub—are bone-chilling and mixed perfectly with the chaotic sound design of the "Angel" battles.

    Asuka’s Fire: The Korean language is famously expressive when it comes to "strong" or "sharp" personalities. The Korean Asuka captures the character's tsundere arrogance and eventual breakdown with a linguistic bite that arguably rivals the original Japanese.

    Rei’s Ethereal Tone: Translating Rei’s flat, detached tone into Korean is difficult without sounding "bored," but the modern VAs manage to keep her sounding hauntingly "other." ⚖️ The Verdict: Is it worth a watch? Yes, especially if you are a fan of "Linguistic Flavor."

    The Pros: Korean phonetics lend themselves beautifully to the high-intensity shouting and technical jargon found in NERV headquarters. It adds a "K-Drama" level of emotional intensity to the character interactions that feels fresh if you've only seen the sub.

    The Cons: For purists, some of the nuanced philosophical terms (which are already confusing in Japanese) can get slightly muddled in translation, though the scripts have become much more accurate over time. If you're looking to dive deeper, I can help you find:

    Which streaming platforms currently host the Korean dub in your region.

    The names of the specific voice actors for your favorite characters.

    A comparison of iconic scenes (like the "scream" in Episode 1) between the Korean and Japanese versions. Which part of the Evangelion experience interests you most?