The upcoming Korean animated film En no Tegami (縁の手紙) has unveiled its main visual and trailer, along with the Japanese dub cast. HKT48 and former IZ*ONE member Yabuki Nako will make her voice acting debut as the lead, joined by veteran voice actor Ono Kensho. Recording footage, comment videos, and scene stills have also been released.
About the Film
Praised in Korea as “the best anime of a lifetime” and “a new possibility for Korean animation,” En no Tegami has won over audiences. The story follows Sori, a transfer student who has closed her heart, until she discovers a letter with no sender. Guided by clues in the letter, she meets new friends and grows, weaving a miracle of connection through letters.
The film is based on the同名 webtoon by Cho Hyuna, which became a bestseller after receiving top ratings in 2018. Director Kim Yong-hwan, known for the YouTube short animation series A Day Before Us (over 150 million cumulative views), makes his feature debut, blending delicate psychological描写, beautiful art backgrounds, and poetic visual expression.
Shortly after its Korean release, the film surpassed 220,000 admissions. The theme song “Your Letter” is performed by Lee Su-hyun of popular duo AKMU, hailed as a new classic in Korean animation. The film won three awards at the 26th Bucheon International Animation Festival: Jury Special Prize, Technical Award, and Music Award. It has also received high praise at festivals such as the Ottawa International Animation Festival and is set for distribution in 166 countries and regions worldwide.
Cast and Dub
In the Japanese dub, Yabuki Nako voices the protagonist Sori, marking her first voice acting role. Ono Kensho, known for Kuroko’s Basketball and Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash, plays classmate Dongsun.
The newly released main visual shifts from the teaser’s solitary scene to a composition of three characters: Sori, Dongsun, and the mysterious boy Hoyon. It shows Sori and Dongsun standing in a sun-dappled forest, while fireflies illuminate Hoyon in a fantastical night landscape, with the tagline “This is a miracle story that connects us.”
The visual was laid out and key animated by Korean studio STUDIO LICO, with background art and photography by Comics Wave Film, realizing a creative collaboration between Korea and Japan.
The Japanese trailer depicts Sori, burdened by loneliness, finding the anonymous letter at her new school and unraveling its secrets with Dongsun.
Alongside the trailer, solo recording footage of Yabuki and a two-shot recording session with Ono have been released. In an interview after recording, Yabuki expressed joy at the connection to her idol activities in Korea. She noted that staff advised her to “keep it natural,” which gave her confidence to use her own voice. She added, “In this age of social media, I hope connections through letters increase. It’s a work that makes you laugh and cry, so I want many people to see it.”
During the two-shot talk, Yabuki revealed she observed Ono’s recording for an entire day. Ono praised her performance, saying, “I was surprised—she’s really serious. Is this really her first time?” Regarding his character Dongsun, Ono said, “At first he seemed blunt, but as I learned his reasons, I realized he’s a kind, caring boy who values his friends.”
Comments from the Cast and Director
Yabuki Nako: “For me, who was an idol in Korea, making my voice acting debut in a Korean anime is truly joyful and feels like fate. Sori has parts that overlap with myself, and I’m glad my first role was Sori. She’s a transfer student, fresh and nervous, which made it easy for me. At first I tried to enunciate like a pro, but being told to keep my natural voice relaxed me. I hope this film encourages warm connections through letters. It’s a wonderful work that makes you laugh and cry, and I want many people to see it.”
Ono Kensho: “This is my first time in a Korean anime. I’ve noticed more anime based on Korean comics lately, and I often watch Korean dramas and films, so I was excited when I heard about this project. Dongsun is a quiet character who hides his feelings due to a certain event. As the story progresses, his kindness, consideration, and strong sense of justice emerge. Letters are the key item, showing how people connect by writing and sending their thoughts. Watching this story of mysterious bonds made me think of people I haven’t contacted recently. I hope it becomes a trigger for viewers to reach out to their important connections.”
Director Kim Yong-hwan: “I had been listening to Yabuki Nako’s music since her time in Korea and was strongly attracted to her voice. When I heard about the casting, I was surprised and very happy. When I first heard her voice sample for Sori, she perfectly expressed Sori’s freshness and delicate sensibility—I immediately knew she was Sori. Ono Kensho is a voice actor beloved by many fans in Korea, and I have always been impressed by his performances. I am honored that he is joining this, his first Korean animation. I look forward to seeing how Dongsun comes to life with Ono’s unique charm. I deeply thank both of them. I am very excited to see En no Tegami reborn with their voices.”
Film Details
| Director | Kim Yong-hwan |
| Original | Cho Hyuna, En no Tegami (LINE Manga) |
| Cast | Sori: Yabuki Nako, Dongsun: Ono Kensho |
| Production | STUDIO LICO, STUDIO N |
| Distribution | Comics Wave Film |
| Distribution Cooperation | KeyHolder Pictures, Cooperation: CWF CINEMAS |
| Year | 2025 | South Korea | 97 min | Vista | Color | 5.1ch |
(C)2025 LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT & STUDIO LICO & STUDIO N All Rights Reserved.
En no Tegami opens nationwide in Japan on September 25.
