Abstract : The globally increase of streaming media has changed not only the circulation of animation but also the structures through which this media content is categorized and controlled. This research critically studies the semiotic boundaries of age classification contexts practical to animated content on platforms like Netflix, arguing that existing age rating is rely unreasonably on superficial-level elements while ignoring the multimodal complexity of making meaning. Based on a qualitative multimodal content analysis of selected animation, K-pop-inspired demon-hunter narratives, this research examines how visual signs, sound design, narrative, and affective intensity interact to produce meanings that exceed their given ‘child-friendly’ category. This research shows that animation has bright color palettes, musical performance, and stylized character design is often considered as suitable for younger children without considering the presence of semiotically dense elements such as demonic symbolism, identity fragmentation, and emotionally intense transformation sequences. The results recommend that existing rating systems inadequately account for the affective and symbolic dimensions of media, particularly in hybrid forms that combine entertainment aesthetics with complex thematic content.
Safavi Sarvenaz (Fri,) studied this question.