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What kind of differences can be expected when South Korea, Japan, and France work together?

The Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) plans to air the new animation program “Miraculous Ladybug” Tuesdays at 7 pm from Sept. 1. The show is a co-production by leading animation studios in the three countries, with Zagtoon and Method Animation participating from France, Toei Animation from Japan, and SAMG Animation from South Korea.

“Ladybug” is a 26-episode 3-D action adventure about a teenage girl growing up and fighting evil. It is set in France, where a Chinese-French girl named Marinette has to save Paris from villains. She is helped by the handsome Cat Noir, with whom she falls in love.

“Ladybug” took three years to make, with a budget of over US$10 million. Countries have worked together on animation in the past, but “Ladybug” looks to hold special significance in the way each country contributes its own unique strengths. The story was first made in 2D in early 2012, with SAMG Animation coming on board as it was later turned into 3D.

SAMG is one of South Korea‘s leading makers of 3D animation. Since its founding in 2000, it has specialized in 3D animation works like “Miniforce.”

“Most superhero stories are male-centered, and with ’Ladybug‘ we’re hoping to create a new market by winning over girls all over the world,” said SAMG headquarters director Choi Kyu-hyung at a recent production presentation.

“Ladybug” is scheduled to air in 120 regions around the world. The EBS airing will be the first in the world, after which will show in October on TF1, France’s biggest private-run channel, and the North American cable channel Nickelodeon.

“This is the first time any of [EBS’s] shows has had a girl as its sole protagonist,” said EBS young children’s division chief Seong Gi-ho.

“We’re planning to use ‘Ladybug’ as a way of broadening the target audience from animation from toddlers to kids who are a bit older,” Seong added.

By Nam Ji-eun, staff reporter

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