2026 Korea on Screen | Behind the Scenes of Bass X Machina: The Global Reach of Korean Animation
Co-Presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York & Korea Creative Content Agency New York & Japan Society, as part of the ‘Foreign Exchange: Cross-Cultural Conversations’ discussion series
With support from Studio Mir, The Imagination Project, KPEX: Korean Pop Culture Expo
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Program
- The screening of the first episode of Netflix’s new Bass X Machina.
- A conversation between series creator LeSean Thomas and Kwang Il Han of Studio Mir, the animation studio behind the series.
Ticket: FREE (RSVP REQUIRED)
* RSVP and seating are first come, first served.
* Limited same-day standby tickets available.
* Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
* Please note: After three no-shows without notice, you may be subject to restrictions on future reservations.
* All contents featuring Korean dialogue will have English subtitles available.
For an additional question, please contact film@koreanculture.org
The Korean Cultural Center New York presents a free screening of the first episode of Netflix’s new series Bass X Machina as part of its monthly screening series, Korea on Screen. The screening will be followed by a conversation between series creator LeSean Thomas and Kwang Il Han of Studio Mir, the animation studio behind the series.
The two will discuss the creation of Bass X Machina, its real-world Old West inspiration, and the cross-cultural production process between an American series creator and Korea’s acclaimed Studio Mir. The conversation will explore how the project moved from concept and development into animation production, how creative responsibilities were shared across countries, and how Studio Mir’s artists and production team helped translate the series into its finished animated form.
Bass X Machina
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:30PM
In a lawless Steampunk West overrun by brutal outlaws, machines, and supernatural terrors, a father is forced to become judge, jury, and executioner—knowing that every act of justice meant to protect his family may ultimately cost him the very people he’s fighting to save.
◆ About LeSean Thomas : Creator, Bass X Machina, Yasuke & Cannon Busters
Bronx-born LeSean Thomas is an original-series creator, director, and executive producer whose work sits at the intersection of U.S. streaming television and Asian animation production. His most recent creation is Netflix’s highly anticipated Bass X Machina, which Thomas also executive produces, reuniting him professionally with the acclaimed South Korean animation studio Studio Mir. He previously created and directed the critically acclaimed and NAACP Image Award-nominated Netflix series Yasuke, produced in collaboration with Japanese animation studio MAPPA, and created and directed Netflix’s Cannon Busters, produced in collaboration with Japanese animation studio Satelight.
Thomas’s relationship with Asian animation production began years earlier in South Korea. In 2009, he relocated from the United States to Seoul, becoming recognized as the first American animator hired to work in-house as permanent production staff at a South Korean animation studio. He later joined Studio Mir’s in-house production staff on The Legend of Korra: Book One, contributing as a storyboard artist and in animation production. That experience established a cross-cultural production career that ultimately spanned South Korea, Japan and the United States.
Building on that career, Thomas founded, curates and hosts Foreign Exchange, a cultural diplomacy and craft salon platform for dialogue between U.S. and Asia-Pacific creators.
◆ About Kwang Il Han (한광일)
Kwang Il Han is an Executive Producer for Bass X Machina. Working at the acclaimed Studio Mir in Korea, he has a long history in animation, with his credits including Co-Executive Producer for Lookism, Co-Executive Producer for The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (Annie Award Nominee for Best Special Production), Supervising Animation Director for League of Legends video Bard: Mountain, Animation Director for League of Legends 2013 World Championship video Road to the Cup, Storyboard Artist for Voltron: Legendary Defender, Storyboard and Animation Director for The Boondocks Season 4, Storyboard Artist for The Boondocks Season 3, Storyboard and Animation Director for The Legend of Korra Season 1, and Animation Director for Avatar: The Last Airbender Seasons 2 and 3.
◆ About Studio Mir
Studio Mir is a leading South Korean animation studio known for global animated series and feature films, tailored to young adults. Its portfolio includes the upcoming Bass X Machina on Netflix, recently released Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender on Paramount+, Devil May Cry on Netflix, and Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 on Disney+, as well as acclaimed titles such as X-Men ’97, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, Voltron: Legendary Defender, and DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. Renowned for its dynamic action, sophisticated visual storytelling, and seamless integration of 2D and 3D animation, Studio Mir has established itself as a global animation powerhouse with comprehensive, end-to-end production capabilities. Studio Mir continues to evolve into a fully integrated entertainment company, bringing together original IP development, world-class production, and new opportunities to build and grow its franchises across platforms worldwide.
◆ About Japan Society
Japan Society is the premier organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, business, and society with audiences in New York and around the world. At Japan Society, we are inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆)–forging deep connections to bind people together. We are committed to telling the story of Japan while strengthening connections within New York City and building new bridges beyond. In over 100 years of work, we’ve inspired generations by establishing ourselves as pioneers in supporting international exchanges in arts and culture, business and policy, as well as education between Japan and the U.S. We strive to convene important conversations on topics that bind our two countries together, champion the next generation of innovative creators, promote mutual understanding, and serve as a trusted guide for people everywhere who seek to more fully appreciate the rich complexities and abundance of Japan. From our New York headquarters, a landmark building designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura that opened to the public in 1971, we look forward to the years ahead, which will be defined by our digital and ideational impact through the kizuna that we build. Our future can only be enhanced by learning from our peers and engaging with our audiences, both near and afar.
◆ About the Korea Creative Content Agency
Korea Creative Content Agency is a public agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea, and serves as a leading institution in fostering the spread of Korean cultural content globally. KOCCA established a branch office, KOCCANY, in Manhattan, New York in October 2024, and KOCCANY’s primary goal is to foster cultural exchange between the US and South Korea with a focus on K-Content. KOCCANY now organizes and hosts a variety of K-events and programs such as K-Pop concerts, documentary/animation/TV show screenings, exhibitions, forum & seminar, and other special events across the US.
www.kocca.kr/en/
www.instagram.com/kocca_ny/
◆ About KPEX: The Korean Pop Culture Expo
KPEX is a comic con for the Hallyu Generation, a celebration of K‑Pop, K‑Comics, K‑Dramas, K‑Gaming, K‑Food, K‑Beauty, and more in the heart of New York City. Join us for an exciting weekend filled with concerts, premieres, autographs, exclusives, and unique experiences that all connect fans with what’s next in Korean culture and entertainment. KPEX’s mission is to share Korean pop culture and support the artists and organizations behind it: We’re a community for fans, a market for exhibitors, and a platform for publishers – all focused on expanding K‑Culture in America’s biggest city. The first KPEX takes place May 29-31, 2027 in the Javits Center, and you can learn more at kpexevents.com.