Netflix has officially released a new teaser trailer and visual for Lost in Starlight, marking a historic milestone as the streaming giant’s first original Korean-language animated feature film. Directed by Han Ji-won, known for works like The Summer and The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns, the film is set to debut on May 30, 2025, and has already captured attention for its breathtaking visuals and heartfelt narrative.
Set in a near-futuristic Seoul in 2050, Lost in Starlight tells the story of Nan-young, an ambitious astronaut with dreams of exploring Mars, and Jay, a musician with a passion for restoring vintage audio equipment. Their romance blossoms from a chance encounter at Jay’s audio repair shop, where Nan-young seeks to fix a record player left behind by her mother. However, their love is tested by the vast distance of space as Nan-young embarks on a mission to Mars, creating what has been described as “the farthest long-distance relationship in the world.”
The film’s teaser trailer, released today, showcases the emotional depth of this star-crossed romance, highlighting the couple’s initial meeting and the anguish of their impending separation. The trailer’s retro-cyberpunk aesthetic, featuring pink skies, vinyl records, and a futuristic Seoul skyline, has drawn comparisons to Japanese anime, though the film is distinctly Korean in its production and storytelling. Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, known for Parasite and Mickey 17, has praised Lost in Starlight as a “visual masterpiece” that “takes you around the universe,” further elevating anticipation for its release.
Star-Studded Voice Cast and Creative Team
Lost in Starlight features the voice talents of Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung, who previously collaborated in the Korean horror thriller series Revenant. Kim Tae-ri, celebrated for her roles in Mr. Sunshine, Space Sweepers, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One, voices Nan-young, the determined astronaut driven by a personal quest to uncover the mystery of her mother’s disappearance during a prior Mars mission. Hong Kyung, known for his work in Revenant, brings depth to Jay, the musician whose stalled dreams find new life through his connection with Nan-young.
The film is produced by Climax Studio, with Byun Seung-min overseeing planning and Kang Hyun-joo, known for The Scarlet Letter and Soulmate, serving as co-writer. Director Han Ji-won’s vision infuses the film with a blend of retro charm and futuristic wonder, creating a unique visual and emotional landscape. The teaser poster, featuring Nan-young and Jay against a backdrop of a pink sunset and starry skies, encapsulates the film’s blend of nostalgia and cosmic exploration.
What is Lost in Starlight about?
The official synopsis for Lost in Starlight reads:
Set in Seoul in 2050, Lost in Starlight unfolds the romantic tale of aspiring Mars astronaut Nan-young and reluctant musician Jay. Blending retro and cyberpunk styles, it depicts a uniquely sentimental journey of love and ambition, capturing the spirit of today’s youth. Capturing a sweet snapshot of the leads’ love on Earth, the key art sets the stage for their story as they prepare to be 225 million kilometers apart. Spotted on the left is Nan-young’s robotic companion — the high-resolution detector aiding Mars exploration research — harmonizing beautifully with the nature around them, blending the analog and cutting-edge elements of their world. As Nan-young advances in her Mars research, Jay rediscovers his passion for music, encouraged by her support. However, when Nan-young gets a second chance to go to Mars, the couple must face a poignant separation. How will they navigate this challenge?
Lost in Starlight represents a significant step forward for South Korean animation, building on the country’s growing influence in global cinema following successes like Parasite and The Handmaiden. As Netflix’s first foray into Korean animated features, the film underscores the platform’s commitment to diverse storytelling and innovative visuals. With its blend of sci-fi, romance, and retro-futuristic charm, Lost in Starlight is poised to captivate audiences and potentially redefine expectations for Korean animation.
The film’s exploration of love, distance, and dreams resonates universally, making it a fitting addition to Netflix’s expansive catalog. The story evokes the emotional depth of Makoto Shinkai’s works, hinting at its potential to leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s the stunning visuals, the heartfelt performances, or the promise of a transcendent love story, Lost in Starlight is shaping up to be a cinematic journey worth taking.
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, when Lost in Starlight premieres exclusively on Netflix. As the trailer suggests, this is a love story that crosses the cosmos, and it’s one that viewers won’t want to miss.
Source: Netflix
