KWAK Jae-Young's 2003 feature The Classic, is to undergo a transformation. The sentimental drama starring SON Ye-jin and JO Seung-woo will be remade into an animated version. According to Dohwaji Entertainment, an animation production company, the remake is not intended for theaters but will be released as a 26-episode TV series. Director KWAK, also known for his hit comedy-romance My Sassy Girl and Wind struck will collaborate with renowned animation director YANG Jin-cheol of Oseam to make the animated version of the film. Theproject came about largely due to the success of Korean popular culture sweeping throughout Asia. Recently, popular Korean TV drama A Jewel in the Palace was also made into a 26-episode animated version called Janggeum's Dream. Box-office champion King and the Clown is another feature planned to be turned into an animated series. The feature version of The Classic proved a success when it was released theatrically in many Asian countries including Japan and Taiwan, so producers expect a strong interest throughout Asia for the animated version. With a growing demand for animation worldwide, government funding for Korean projects has now increased. Recently, the government supported Korea Culture and Content Agency (KOCCA) announced a US$6 million 3-year support fund for animation projects that will include use of its newly opened animation studio, rental equipment, and marketing assistance. The 26-episode TV series Mimi and Dada's Art Expedition was selected last year to receive support. Meanwhile, The Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival (SICAF) recorded a record number of entry applications for this year's festival. Over 1200 animations from 53 nations were submitted, a 41% increase from the year before. The annual festival, which takes place this year in Yongsan, Seoul, has drawn a lot of interest from Europe and North America. 130 entries were submitted this year from France, 79 from Britain, 80 from Canada and 65 from the U.S. Local submissions almost doubled from 157 last year to 290 this year. Results of the preliminary selection will be announced March 20th on the festival's website: http://www.sicaf.org. SICAF will run from May 24th to the 28th at the CGV cinema complex in Yongsan station. Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)