CloverWorks Debuts Short Anime Adaptation of BTS’ 7FATES: CHAKHO
The renowned Japanese animation studio CloverWorks has unveiled a captivating short anime adaptation of BTS’ fantasy webtoon, 7FATES: CHAKHO. This approximately 11-minute animation brings the intense and imaginative universe of Sin-si to life, featuring stunning graphics and exhilarating action that offer a fresh perspective compared to the webtoon released in 2022. Directed by Shin Wakabayashi, whose previous work includes the acclaimed series Wonder Egg Priority, this adaptation showcases CloverWorks’ signature storytelling style.
What’s particularly exciting about 7FATES: CHAKHO is that it presents a unique narrative exclusively created for this animated version. CloverWorks has previously delighted audiences with hits like Spy x Family and Wonder Egg Priority, and this new short film is part of a broader multimedia initiative from HYBE. In addition to featuring BTS, the studio also introduced another adaptation, The Star Seekers, which portrays TXT as magical idols combating dark forces.
Character Insights and Unique Story Arcs
In this adaptation, each member of BTS is embodied by a distinct character, each grappling with trauma, power, and their respective destinies. The central figure, Zeha, is represented by an animated version of Jungkook. Awakening in a hospital devoid of memories, he soon realizes his ties to terrifying creatures known as beom.
Others include:
- Haru – Embodied by Jimin, Haru is a former guardian spirit-turned-human.
- Do-geon – Played by RM, he is a weapons expert.
- Jooan – Voiced by V, Jooan is the gentle soul among them.
- Hwan – Portrayed by Jin, he is a skilled archer.
- Hosu – Played by j-hope, Hosu is haunted by his turbulent past.
- Cein – Voiced by SUGA, Cein is a survivor marked by his own scars.
This short film excels in showcasing these BTS characters in dynamic action scenes while providing fans with deeper insights into their personalities through captivating visuals and immersive storytelling.
Exploring the World of 7FATES: CHAKHO
The 7FATES: CHAKHO webtoon made its debut in January 2022 on the WEBTOON platform and concluded in mid-2023. Blending urban fantasy with elements of Korean folklore, particularly the tales of “Chakhogapsa”– traditional tiger hunters from the Joseon era, the narrative unfolds in the dystopian city of Sin-si. It revolves around seven boys united to combat supernatural forces known as beom.
The storyline kicks off with Zeha (Jungkook), a hybrid of human and beom, who awakens following a mysterious event and embarks on a quest to discover his true identity. Joined by six others, each with dark pasts tied to their monstrous adversaries, they traverse a challenging path to fight the beasts.
Diving deeper, Haru (Jimin) transforms from a divine gatekeeper to a reborn human; Jooan (V), who finds love with a beom, and Do-geon (RM), a solitary figure well-versed in weapons, add layers of intrigue. Cein (SUGA) grapples with trauma as a beom attack survivor, while Hosu (j-hope) conceals his cursed golden eyes after escaping captivity. Jin’s character, Hwan, is a playful archer who transforms into a hunter driven by vengeance.
The rich artistic vision for this project was crafted by a talented team including Yuki Funagakure (Art Director), Kazuko Nakashima (Color Design), and Chiemi Irisa (Special Effects), with music composition by Shūta Hasunuma.
Voice Cast and Themes
The voice cast brings these characters to life, featuring:
- Shōya Ishige as Zeha
- Miyuri Shimabukuro as Haru
- Yūichi Nakamura as Jooan
- Yūya Uchida as Hwan
- Ryōhei Kimura as Cein
- Chikahiro Kobayashi as Do-geon
This narrative also explores profound themes, including fate, pain, loyalty, and rebirth, making it not just an adventurous fantasy, but a compelling metaphor for resilience and self-discovery. The webtoon has inspired various related projects, including Begins ≠ Youth, a drama linked to BTS’ HYYH era.
Readers can continue to enjoy the full webtoon on the WEBTOON platform, while the anime short can be accessed on CloverWorks’ YouTube channel, offering fans an enriched experience of the 7FATES: CHAKHO universe.