Netflix is set to release its first-ever Korean animated film, Lost in Starlight, on June 30. This poetic, visually rich romance set in futuristic Seoul in 2050 has already garnered critical praise including from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho.
A Love Story in Future Seoul
Directed by Han Ji-won, known for the award-winning short “Kopi Luwak,” the film follows Nan-yeong, an aspiring space explorer, and Jay, a former musician who has turned away from his craft. Their lives intertwine after a chance meeting in a turntable repair shop, setting the stage for a romance that transcends time and space.
Acclaimed actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung bring these characters to life through voice acting and motion references. Han adopted a groundbreaking method recording voice performances before animation and incorporated live-action footage of the actors to enrich the emotional depth of the characters.
Cyber-Retro Aesthetic Meets Real Seoul
The teaser opens with a hauntingly beautiful OST and a glimpse into 2050 Seoul, where familiar landmarks like Sewoon Plaza and Jamsu Bridge are rendered in a stylized, cyber-retro aesthetic. Elements like LPs and analog tech are woven into the story, grounding its futuristic vision in nostalgic details.
Director Han’s distinct visual style pairs hand-drawn illustrations with emotionally resonant storytelling, immersing viewers in a cityscape both futuristic and intimate.
Bong Joon-ho Endorses the Vision
Director Bong Joon-ho has expressed admiration for the project, stating:
“A delicate visual mastery that embraces both the cosmos and ordinary life.”
A teaser poster drenched in dusky pink hues shows Nanyeong and Jay in a dreamlike moment, accompanied by the caption:
“Don’t forget — somewhere in the universe, there’s someone always cheering for you.”
The tagline, “In 2050, the most heartfelt support between Earth and Mars,” hints at the emotional depth and sci-fi scope of the narrative.
With a unique animation process, a moving story, and a world both familiar and fantastical, Lost in Starlight is poised to become a landmark in Korean animation and a global favorite.