'Amazing Digital Circus,' sudden cancellation of South Korea theatrical release sparks controversy over unilateral contract termination

〈Amazing Digital Circus〉 announced a sudden cancellation of its release, surprising fans.

The animation 〈Amazing Digital Circus〉, being produced by Glitch Productions, centers on a story in which a woman named Pomni gets trapped in a mysterious virtual world. Released on YouTube as an indie animation, the work became so popular that it even moved into Netflix, leading to a theatrical release for the final episode, 〈Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act〉. In South Korea as well, SBM eN was set to handle distribution and was scheduled for an official release on June 5.

However, on May 8, SBM eN announced that the release of 〈Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act〉 had been canceled. According to a statement from the distributor, Glitch Productions informed them of a unilateral termination of the contract, and Glitch said it will cancel the Korea release in full.

Then, on May 10, Glitch Productions explained distribution circumstances in several countries and said it is taking the “leakage” involving the delivery of original video files seriously. This has been interpreted as hinting at the pre-screening rating process in South Korea, and fans’ complaints in Korea are growing, with the focus on points such as failing to consider each country’s situation and the fact that major movie studios also go through such a process. SBM eN said it notified Glitch Productions that the relevant pre-screening rating system was disclosed at the time the contract was made, and that it filed an application for an injunction to secure performance with the Seoul Central District Court.