2019's Underdog reborn as 'Mungchi on the Road' for 2026 release

| NBNTV = Jeong Dong-jin

'Mungchi on the Road,' the latest project from directors Oh Sung-yun and Lee Chun-baek of Odoltogi—the production company behind 'Leafie, A Hen into the Wild'—is set to meet audiences on the 19th.

According to Odoltogi on the 4th, 'Mungchi on the Road' has been re-edited from the original 102-minute running time of 'Underdog' into a tighter 93-minute version, ensuring a more engaging pace while sharpening the film's core theme and message.

Through advanced sound mixing, the production enhanced the dialogue delivery of the lead actors, including Doh Kyung-soo, who voices the protagonist Mungchi. The film's overall quality was further elevated through musical revisions and an upscale from its original 2K resolution to crystal-clear 4K.

The film stands out for its beautiful animation characteristic of Korean productions, character development that evolves from 'Leafie, A Hen into the Wild,' and its adventurous attempt to explore the question: "What is the happy coexistence between animals and humans?"

To bridge the gap with audiences—which was somewhat lacking despite critical acclaim—the film has been reborn with a completely new rhythm, boldly stripping away unnecessary filler to condense its strengths.

As part of an effort to address challenges within the Korean animation investment and market environment and to spark interest in high-quality original animation, Myung Film (the producer of 'Leafie, A Hen into the Wild') and Odoltogi have remade Oh and Lee's 'Underdog.'

By adopting the new title 'Mungchi on the Road,' which aligns more closely with the film's themes, the creators aim to earn a fresh re-evaluation from both the market and audiences.

The film was inspired by director Oh Sung-yun's experience watching an abandoned dog trapped behind a wire fence on the TV show 'Animal Farm.' It follows Mungchi, a dog abandoned by its owner overnight, as it embarks on a journey toward true freedom alongside a group of unlikely companions.

The delicate mise-en-scène capturing Korea's natural scenery, a deep perspective on animal rights, and lifelike characters combine to offer audiences both laughter and profound emotion.

'Mungchi on the Road' is an all-ages animation designed to resonate with both children and adults. The journey of characters with diverse backgrounds—Mungchi, the wild dog Bam-i, the Shih Tzu Jjang-a, and the twin Chihuahuas Ari & Kkari—transcends a simple adventure to deliver a universal message about living authentically and finding the agency of happiness.