The history of the Korean dub is not monolithic. There are essentially two major versions that fans discuss:
| 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 | evangelion korean dub
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. The history of the Korean dub is not monolithic
| Version | Korean Dub Status | Where to Find (Legal) | |--------|------------------|----------------------| | Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV 1995) | ✅ Yes (2 main dubs) | None currently (license expired) | | Death & Rebirth / The End of Evangelion | ✅ Yes | None currently | | Rebuild of Evangelion (1.0–3.0+1.0) | ✅ Yes (theatrical + home video) | Amazon Prime Video (with Korean audio/subtitles in KR region) | The reason die-hard collectors seek out the original
Note: The original TV series Korean dub is not on major streaming platforms due to licensing. Physical DVDs (Region 3, Korean release) exist but are out of print.
Kim Seo-young is a veteran female voice actress, a common practice in anime dubbing where young male roles are voiced by women. Her Shinji is frequently compared to Megumi Ogata’s original Japanese performance—not because it copies it, but because it matches the anguish. Kim’s delivery of "Escape... I must not run away" is considered a masterpiece of anxious stuttering. She captures the vulnerability without making Shinji sound whiny, a criticism often leveled at English dubs.
Woo Jung-shin’s Asuka is aggressive. While the Japanese and English versions highlight Asuka's tsundere traits, the Korean dub emphasizes the dere (angry) side. Woo’s shouting matches (specifically the "stupid Shinji!" rants) are visceral. She voiced Asuka during the show’s initial run and reprised her role for the Rebuild movies, providing a direct link between the 90s dub and modern audiences.