Anime: Tteodori Kkachi

In the animation history landscape, Tteodori Kkachi holds a special place as the first South Korean anime to grace television screens. This pioneering creation emerged as a special movie-length episode, a testament to the evolving landscape of South Korean animation. Adapted from a sports manhwa created by Lee Hyun-se, Tteodori Kkachi introduces us to the world of Seol Kkachi, a young boy who, for years, has been embarking on a wandering journey alongside Seol Dae-po, his father. Now, a pivotal juncture has arrived—a moment to ponder settling down.

The series unfurls on Kkachi's first day at a new school, his initial cheekiness leaving an unfavourable impression. As a series of events unfold, his enigmatic background gradually comes to light. We uncover the story of a motherless child who has spent his life in perpetual wandering. However, beneath the surface of his hardships, Kkachi's irrepressible cheerfulness remains unscathed. It is Ma Dong-tak, captain of the school's baseball team, who becomes the harbinger of change. Noticing Kkachi's extraordinary baseball skills, Ma Dong-tak extends an invitation to join the team—a proposition Kkachi initially refuses.

The narrative gains complexity as Kkachi's father, Seol Dae-po, finds himself entangled in a new relationship. This poignant story, involving a financially burdened widow caring for her crippled daughter, prompts Dae-po to make a life-altering decision. Meanwhile, Kkachi's journey takes him onto the school's baseball team guided by Ma Dong-tak. However, simmering tensions surface as Dae-po's remarriage forces Kkachi to confront his past, thrusting him into a struggle to embrace the present. His ongoing emotional turmoil, stemming from the loss of his mother, impedes his integration into the new family structure.

Guided by Ma Dong-tak's counsel, Kkachi dedicates himself to baseball, leading the team through preliminary rounds. Simultaneously, the dynamics within his own family take a turn. Dae-po's remarriage prompts Kkachi's contemplation of his mother's memory—a struggle characterised not by a dislike for his new family, but by a lingering attachment to the past. Overcoming this emotional turmoil and adapting to the radical change in his life emerge as the crux of his journey—a journey that ultimately leads to settling down after years of wandering.

As the plot weaves further, Dae-po's travels abroad to fund the operation of Dal-hee, his remarried wife's daughter, leave the family separated. This development pushes Kkachi into the challenging terrain of reconciliation with his stepmother and stepsister. Guided by the camaraderie of Ma Dong-tak, Kkachi assumes a leadership role, striving to lead the baseball team to victory.

In the midst of these events, Kkachi forms bonds, particularly with Choe Eomji—a gloomy track and field runner and a fellow schoolmate. As their interactions unfold, a love interest emerges. Through heartfelt conversations, they peel away the layers of their lives, sharing their struggles and worries, gradually lifting the weight off their shoulders, ultimately finding solace through their conversations.

The protagonist's unique character design featuring a funny peculiar hair, was actually based on a South Korean celebrity named Cho Sang-gu, who was also an old friend of the creator. The name 'Kkachi', derived from the Korean word for Magpie, a bird species renowned for its ceaseless journeys across continents, serves as a poignant reflection of the protagonist's transient lifestyle within the confines of a truck trailer.

Amidst these intricate narratives, 'Dallyeola Hani' emerges as a parallel franchise within South Korean animation. Born from a sports manhwa in 1985, it ascended to greater popularity and success than its spiritual predecessor, Tteodori Kkachi. Uncanny similarities pervade character dynamics and narrative direction, notably the shared experiences of protagonists grappling with the death of their mothers. The journey to reconcile with their stepmothers, while depicted differently, remains connected by a common narrative thread. Even a few character designs exhibit eerie resemblances, most notably Hani's nemesis rival, Na Aeri to Eomji—both were also track and field runners. However, Dallyeola Hani takes an exaggerated approach; it's more dramatic, tragic, and violent, a style that may be deemed 'edgy' and immature by discerning viewers. In contrast, Tteodori Kkachi adheres to a measured tone grounded in realism. Although personally, I still prefer Dallyeola Hani.

You might be wondering why, given its mature approach, I hold Kkachi in lower esteem compared to Hani. The rationale lies in the broader array of characters and the more intricate character dynamics Hani offers. Despite its movie-length format, the pacing of Tteodori Kkachi tends to meander, with crucial plot developments unfolding at a dragging pace. Furthermore, Eomji, Kkachi's love interest, remains insufficiently explored. A silent flashback only hints at an argument between her and Ma Dong-tak, presumably linked to his unwavering commitment to baseball—a facet that strains his relationships with friends and family. This sort of dramatic plot point finds a more fitting home in sports anime delving into social themes, much like in Ping Pong the Animation.

Kkachi's struggle to adapt to his new life, while rooted in reality, proves tedious to watch. It's a challenge that doesn't demand immediate resolution, but rather unfolds with time. Kkachi requires time, and as viewers, we're left waiting. Although Kkachi's tribulations stem from his own choices, like his collapse due to malnutrition, they fail to significantly impact other characters or generate broader consequences. In my opinion, these shortcomings that render Kkachi monotonous find resolution in Dallyeola Hani. The latter artfully interweaves characters' individual problems, causing ripples that disturb the equilibrium of their interactions. The resulting chemistry and multifaceted character development prove much more engaging than solitary struggles, particularly when confronting issues that demand specific actions rather than passive waiting, as seen in the mundane 'getting used to' arc.

I don't recommend Tteodori Kkachi due to the reasons I've mentioned. It's not a show I'd even suggest for baseball enthusiasts. Don't watch it unless you're really curious about experiencing the first South Korean TV anime.