Cho Bok-dong, Pioneering Korean Animation Cinematographer, Dies at 76
Cho Bok-dong, the cinematographer best known for his work on the iconic Korean animated film Robot Taekwon V, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. He was 76 years old.
Early Career and Influences
Born in 1950, Cho Bok-dong entered the film industry following in the footsteps of his uncle, Cho Min-cheol, who served as the cinematographer for the 1969 animated film General Hong Gil-dong. Cho began his career in earnest with the 1972 cartoon movie Monster War.1
During the 1970s, Cho contributed to the filming of numerous Japanese animated series brought to Korea, including Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (known as The Five Brothers of Eagles), The Dog of Flanders, and Alpine Girl Heidi, which aired on Fuji TV in Japan.1
Robot Taekwon V and Lasting Impact
Cho Bok-dong’s name became widely recognized with his work on Kim Cheong-gi’s 1976 film, Robot Taekwon V. He served as the director of photography for both the first and second films in the series, which proved to be a significant box office success, attracting 200,000 viewers in Seoul alone upon its release.1
In an interview, Cho described the challenges of early Korean animation filmmaking, noting the lack of formal training resources. He credited the arrival of Japanese animation in Korea in 1973 with providing him the opportunity to learn essential filming techniques and special effects, such as transmitted light effects and laser effects, which were novel to the Korean animation industry at the time.1
Continued Contributions and Legacy
Throughout his career, Cho continued to work on prominent Korean animated productions, including Taekwondo Student Maruchi Arachi (1977), Dream Tree by the Ari Waterside (1987), Blue Sea Girl (1994), Armageddon (1995), and Totto and Ghost Friends (1998).1
Cho also played a key role in the development of the Korean animation community, serving as the first president of the Korean Animation Cinematographers Association in 1988. In 1989, he established his own filming studio, dedicating himself to mentoring younger generations of animators.1 He received the SICAF Animation Award Achievement Award in 2005.1
Lee Hyun-chan, president of the Korea Animation Artists Association, described Cho as a “leader in Korean animation filmmaking, starting with Robot Taekwon V, and was the most active person.”1
Funeral Arrangements
Cho Bok-dong is survived by his wife, Lee Gwang-sook, and two sons, Cho Yong-hoon and Cho Yong-hyeon. The mortuary is located in room 13 of the funeral hall at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. The funeral will be held at 6:30 a.m. On March 15, 2026, with burial to follow at Pocheon Adventist Park Cemetery.1 For further information, contact 031-787-1513.