Neon Genesis Evangelion, the influential 1995–1996 anime by Hideaki Anno and Gainax, has been localized into multiple languages worldwide; the Korean dub is one of the notable adaptations that brought the series to Korean-speaking audiences. The Korean dub covers the original TV series (26 episodes), and in many distributions includes the subsequent films (The End of Evangelion and the Rebuild films) where official Korean dubs exist.
There is a twist in the tale. When the Rebuild of Evangelion films (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.0+1.0) were released theatrically in Korea, the distributors made a clever choice. They resurrected the original voice cast.
This created a surreal experience for fans: hearing their childhood voices coming out of the high-budget, modern animation of the Rebuilds. It bridged the 25-year gap and canonized the original dub actors as the definitive Korean voices of these characters. For the final film, Thrice Upon a Time, theaters in Seoul reported audiences crying not just at the plot, but at the nostalgic weight of hearing these veteran actors deliver their final lines.
The history of the Korean dub is not monolithic. There are essentially two major versions that fans discuss:
The Tooniverse Dub (1997): This is the "holy grail" for many older fans. It was the first time Korean audiences heard Shinji, Rei, and Asuka speaking their native tongue. However, it was heavily edited for time and content. Television standards in Korea in the 90s were strict regarding violence and "inappropriate" themes for the cable channel’s demographic.
The MBC Dub (1998): Shortly after, the public broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) aired Evangelion under their "Best Theater" programming block. This version was slightly less censored than Tooniverse’s initial run but still faced regulatory hurdles. The MBC dub used a slightly different cast and translation approach, making it distinct in tone.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the Evangelion Korean dub for completists is the release inconsistency. For years, the final two episodes (25 and 26) were broadcast in their original form, but the theatrical film The End of Evangelion was delayed for nearly three years due to "cultural review."
When The End of Evangelion finally received a Korean dub, it was released direct-to-VHS/DVD with a different voice cast for minor characters, breaking continuity with the TV series. The infamous "Congratulations" scene (Episode 26) was kept, but the live-action footage in EoE (featuring the real Tokyo streets) was left untranslated, leaving Korean audiences confused.
| Film | Korean Dub Cast (Main) | Notes | |------|----------------------|-------| | 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone | Shinji – Kim Young-sun (returning from MBC) | Theatrical + Blu-ray | | 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance | Same cast | Theatrical + Blu-ray | | 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo | Same cast | Theatrical + Blu-ray | | 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time | Same cast | Amazon Prime Video (KR) + Blu-ray |
The reason die-hard collectors seek out the original Evangelion Korean dub DVD sets (often long out of print) is the voice acting. While the Netflix redub of 2019 was competent, the 1999 Tooniverse cast is considered legendary.
For years, the MBC dub was considered "lost media." The original master tapes were rumored to have been wiped by the station to save space. Only fan-recorded VHS rips from 1997, grainy and riddled with tracking errors, kept the dub alive on Korean torrent sites under the codename "MBC-EVA-97."
In 2021, when Evangelion 3.0+1.0 hit streaming, a generation of Korean fans begged for a "retro-dub" cameo. While Amazon used a modern, clean cast, the old fans smile knowingly. They remember the banana peel. They remember the eerie acapella.
The Korean dub of Evangelion is not a "good" translation. It is a time capsule of 90s Korean broadcasting: reckless, over-dramatic, censored, but emotionally raw. It proved that even when you change the names and remove the crosses, you cannot scrub away the existential dread at the heart of the human condition.
In the famous words of MBC’s Han Shin-ho: "Get in the damn robot, Shin-ho... or don't. Either way, Eomma is watching." (Paraphrased, of course).
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Essential viewing for completists. To hear Shinji scream in Korean is to understand Eva on a cellular level.
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
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 evangelion korean 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
Title: "Evangelion Fans Rejoice: The Korean Dub is Worth Checking Out!"
Hey fellow anime enthusiasts!
For years, fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion have been eagerly awaiting an official Korean dub of the iconic series. And finally, in 2019, the Korean dub of Evangelion was released, making it more accessible to Korean-speaking audiences.
The Dubbing Team
The Korean dub of Evangelion features a talented voice cast, including:
The dubbing team did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life in Korean, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the original Japanese version.
What to Expect
The Korean dub of Evangelion stays true to the original story and characters, with some minor adjustments to accommodate cultural nuances. The translation is accurate, and the voice acting is superb, making it easy to become immersed in the world of Evangelion.
Reception
The Korean dub of Evangelion has received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Many have praised the voice acting, saying that it brings a new level of emotional depth to the characters. Others have appreciated the effort to make Evangelion more accessible to a broader audience.
Where to Watch
If you're interested in checking out the Korean dub of Evangelion, you can currently stream it on various platforms, including:
Conclusion
The Korean dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion is a great way for Korean-speaking fans to experience this beloved anime series. With a talented voice cast and faithful adaptation, it's definitely worth checking out. If you're a fan of Evangelion or just interested in exploring different dubs, be sure to give it a try!
Share your thoughts! Have you watched the Korean dub of Evangelion? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments!
The Korean dubbing of Neon Genesis Evangelion has undergone several iterations, transitioning from a heavily edited early broadcast and home video era to high-quality modern re-dubbings for Blu-ray and global streaming platforms. 1. Historical Broadcast & Early Dubbing The initial introduction of Evangelion
to South Korea was complicated by historical restrictions on Japanese cultural imports. VHS Era (Champ Video):
The first official Korean dub appeared on VHS in the late 1990s via Champ Video. This version is often remembered for its low production quality and heavy censorship of certain scenes deemed inappropriate for the time. Tooniverse Dub (1999): Evangelion Korean Dub — Overview Neon Genesis Evangelion,
A significant re-dub occurred in 1999 for the cable channel Tooniverse. This version is widely considered the "classic" Korean dub by long-time fans and featured a high-profile voice cast: Shinji Ikari: Son Jeong-ah Misato Katsuragi: Choi Deok-hee Rei Ayanami: Lee Hyun-jin Asuka Langley Soryu: 2. Modern Re-Dubs (Blu-ray & Rebuilds)
In recent years, the franchise has seen "complete" dubbing projects that include previously undubbed content like The End of Evangelion Mirage Entertainment Blu-ray (2021):
A new definitive Korean dub was produced for the TV series and the original movies ( Death(true)² The End of Evangelion
) to accompany the high-definition Blu-ray release. This project aimed for higher fidelity and a more literal translation compared to the 1990s versions. New Lead Cast:
Chae Min-ji (Shinji), Park Si-yoon (Asuka), and Kim Haru (Rei). Rebuild of Evangelion
film series also received professional Korean dubs, with most modern cast members reprising their roles for the final film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time , released in 2021. 3. Localization & Impact
The Evangelion Korean dub has a storied history that stretches from early local television broadcasts to the modern streaming era. While many international fans are familiar with the English versions, the Korean localized versions represent a significant part of the franchise's cultural impact in East Asia. The Evolution of the Korean Dub
The Korean localization of Neon Genesis Evangelion has evolved through multiple iterations, each reflecting the changing landscape of anime distribution in South Korea:
Original Broadcast (1990s): In 1996, Neon Genesis Evangelion was first introduced to Korean audiences through a dubbed version that aired under the title Evangelion, with the "Neon Genesis" prefix removed to fit local broadcast standards.
Home Video and Cable: For many years, the primary way to experience the Korean dub was through direct-to-video releases from Daewon and subsequent airings on specialized anime channels like Anione.
The Netflix Era (2019–Present): When Netflix acquired the global rights to the series in 2019, it commissioned a brand-new Korean dub as part of its effort to provide a more literal translation supervised by Studio Khara. Key Korean Voice Cast (Classic vs. Modern)
The Korean voice acting industry is renowned for its depth, and Evangelion featured several iconic veterans. Original Korean Cast Notable Characteristics Shinji Ikari Ahn Gyung-jin
Known for capturing Shinji's initial reluctance and vulnerability. Asuka Langley Ji Mi-ae
Praised for conveying Asuka's high-energy and volatile personality. Ryoji Kaji Hwan-jin Kim
Evaluated by fans as a standout performance for the suave character. Ritsuko Akagi Mun-jae Choi
Delivered the stoic and analytical tone essential for the NERV scientist. Where to Watch the Korean Dub
Today, access to the Korean dub is split between modern streaming platforms and legacy physical media:
Netflix: The most accessible way to watch the series with a Korean dub today is on Netflix. This version features the updated 2019 cast and script.
Physical Media: The original 1990s and early 2000s Korean dubs are largely out of print and can typically only be found through secondhand marketplaces or specialized archives. Woo Jung-shin returned as Asuka
Regional Restrictions: While the Korean dub is available on the Korean version of Netflix, availability in other regions may vary depending on local licensing agreements. Reception and Controversy
Like the English-speaking fandom, the Korean community has debated the merits of the "Classic" vs. "Netflix" dubs.
Translation Accuracy: The Netflix version is often cited for its literal accuracy to the Japanese script, a requirement pushed by Studio Khara.
Nostalgia vs. Polish: Many older fans prefer the original broadcast cast for their energetic performances, while newer viewers often appreciate the higher production values and consistency of the modern Netflix recording.
The Korean dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion has evolved through two primary versions: the classic Daewon C&A version from the early 2000s and the modern redub released globally in 2019. The Dubbing Database Current Availability
The most accessible way to watch the series with Korean audio today is via major streaming platforms, though older physical copies are highly sought after by collectors.
: Features the most recent Korean dub for the original 26-episode series and the companion films.
: Can be used to verify if the Korean audio option is available in your specific region through various rental or purchase stores. Physical Media Renewal Boxsets
in Korean were produced for the "Renewal of Evangelion" remaster in 2004, though these are largely out of print and considered rare collector's items. The Dubbing Database History and Versions Daewon C&A (2000s)
: This was the original Korean dub distributed via home video and aired on the Anione cable channel. It is often remembered by longtime fans for its specific performance style. Netflix Redub (2019)
: Produced under the strict supervision of Studio Khara (the original creator's studio), this version aimed for a more literal translation. Like the English redub, it replaced much of the original cast and removed certain music, such as "Fly Me to the Moon," due to licensing complexities. The Dubbing Database Key Details at a Glance Daewon C&A Version Netflix Version Availability Out-of-print DVDs / VHS Streaming (Global) Translation Traditional localization Literal/Faithful to Studio Khara Primary Platform Anione TV / Home Video specific voice actors for either of these Korean dubbing casts?
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.
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: