This study explores the adaptation of Old Boy, a graphic novel (manhwa), into an animated film, focusing on how animation reshapes storytelling, audience engagement, and thematic depth. It highlights the growing trend of multi-format adaptations, examining how animation brings a fresh perspective to complex themes like vengeance and redemption. Unlike the static nature of the graphic novel, animation offers unparalleled creative freedom, adding movement, symbolic richness, and emotional depth. By comparing the manhwa, Park Chan-wook’s 2003 live-action film, and the imagined animated version, this study delves into how each medium portrays the narrative and internal struggles of the characters. The research demonstrates that while preserving the original work’s essence, animation reimagines it visually and emotionally, making the story more dynamic and accessible to a wider audience. It sheds light on the unique potential of animation as a medium to enrich storytelling and deepen thematic resonance.