Netflix has released the highly anticipated teaser trailer and poster for Lost in Starlight, marking its first venture into Korean animated feature films. Set to premiere globally on May 30, 2025, the sci-fi romance promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story, directed by Han Ji-won and featuring the voices of Revenant stars Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung.
Set in a retro-cyberpunk version of Seoul in 2050, Lost in Starlight follows Nan-young, an ambitious astronaut voiced by Kim Tae-ri, who dreams of exploring Mars to find traces of her mother, lost during a failed mission. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Jay, a musician with a passion for repairing retro sound equipment, voiced by Hong Kyung. Their chance encounter at an audio repair shop sparks a romance that unfolds against a backdrop of starry skies and nostalgic elements like vinyl records and record players. The teaser trailer captures their fateful first meeting, accompanied by an evocative soundtrack that sets the tone for a love story spanning Earth and Mars.
Director Han Ji-won, known for short films like The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns and Clearer Than You Think, makes her feature-length debut with this project. Co-written with Kang Hyun-joo, the film blends intricate visual storytelling with a heartfelt narrative, described by Parasite director Bong Joon-ho as a “visual masterpiece” that takes viewers “around the universe.” The production, helmed by Climax Studio—behind Netflix hits like Hellbound and D.P.—infuses the film with a unique aesthetic, merging futuristic Seoul with cozy, retro touches.
The trailer highlights the chemistry between Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung, who reunite after their acclaimed performances in the horror thriller Revenant. Kim, celebrated for roles in Mr. Sunshine, Space Sweepers, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One, brings depth to Nan-young’s determined spirit, while Hong, known for Hotel del Luna and Life on Mars, lends warmth to Jay’s grounded yet broken dreams. Their voices breathe life into what Netflix calls “the longest-ever long-distance relationship,” a romance tested by the vast distance between Earth and Mars.
The teaser poster, drenched in mystical pink sunset hues, depicts Nan-young and Jay gazing affectionately at each other, hinting at the emotional core of the story. Social media buzz has been strong, with fans on X expressing excitement over the trailer’s visuals and the star power of Kim and Hong. One post noted, “The Lost in Starlight trailer looks breathtaking—can’t wait for this space romance!”
Netflix’s Strategic Push into Korean Animation
Lost in Starlight represents a significant step in Netflix’s aggressive expansion into the Korean animation market, a sector gaining global traction. The streaming giant has been actively investing in Korean content, with Lost in Starlight being a flagship project in its animation portfolio. Netflix’s commitment includes partnerships with leading Korean studios like Climax Studio and a focus on nurturing local talent to create original animated works that resonate worldwide.
This move aligns with the growing popularity of K-animation, fueled by successes like The King of Kings, which recently outgrossed Parasite in the U.S. box office. With the Korean government pledging over $1 billion to support its animation industry, Netflix is positioning itself as a key player, aiming to replicate the global success of K-dramas and films in the animation space. Lost in Starlight is expected to set a benchmark for future Korean animated projects on the platform, showcasing Netflix’s ambition to diversify its offerings and capture the growing appetite for high-quality animated storytelling from Korea.
A Milestone for K-Animation
Lost in Starlight arrives at a pivotal moment for Korean animation, following the success of The King of Kings, which recently surpassed Parasite as the highest-grossing Korean film in the U.S. With the Korean government pledging over $1 billion to bolster its animation industry, Netflix’s investment in this project underscores the growing global appeal of K-animation. The film is part of Netflix’s 2025 slate of seven Korean original films, reflecting the streamer’s $2.5 billion commitment to Korean content.
As anticipation builds, Lost in Starlight is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of heart-fluttering romance, retro-futuristic charm, and cosmic ambition. Don’t miss its premiere, streaming exclusively on Netflix this May 30.
