North Korean workers to earn foreign currency and avoid sanctions on North Korea. Previous Names SEK Studio was founded in 1957 as April 26 Children’s Animation Film Studio. Chosun National Film Studio – Puppet Animation Film Research Institute (1957~1959) Chosun National Film Studio – Animation Film Studio (1959~1960) Chosun National Film Studio – Animation Film Production (1960~1964) Chosun Children's Film Studio (1964~1971) Chosun Science Education Film Studio – Animation Film Production Team (1971~1980) Chosun Science Education Film Studio – Children's Film Production Team (1980~1996) Chosun 4.26 Children's Film Studio (1996~2013) Korean April 26 Animation Studio (2013~) SEK Studio today As of 2003, SEK Studio employed over 1,500 or 1,600 people and subcontracted work for over 70 companies from around the globe, including Europe, South Korea, China, Canada and the United States. After the introduction of advanced equipment, the number of employees was reduced to about 500. There are 11 animation production teams in SEK Studio, 9 production teams are responsible for overseas animations subcontracting, and the 2 production teams produce domestic animations. According to Animation Career Review, SEK is the 85th most influential animation studio of all-time. SEK Studio's staff is mostly from Pyongyang Art Academy, and SEK Studio has established an animation training institute to teach young students. In 2014, SEK Studio cooperated with Chinese companies to establish an office in Beijing. SEK Studio also invested $70,000 in Chinese companies. Most employees are in their twenties. Much of the work produced by SEK Studio is considered to be propaganda for North Korean children, with SEK Studio being state-owned and creating animation intended for a young audience. Filmography SEK has provided animation for the following works: Television SEK Studio has produced over 300 Animations. Animation services The list below is a part of the works outsourced by SEK studio. Film In popular culture Canadian animator and cartoonist Guy Delisle documented his experiences whilst working at the SEK Studio in his graphic novel, Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea. because SEK studio subcontracted the Corto Maltese animation. See also Korean animation List of animation studios References US cartoons 'made in North Korea' (archived) North Korean animation studios Children's mass media Mass media in Pyongyang Entertainment companies established in 1957 1957 establishments in North Korea