"Lost in Starlight" is a beautifully crafted Korean animated movie that blends romance, sci-fi, and emotional depth into a unique story. It is part of a growing wave of Korean animated films aiming to expand Korea’s presence in global animation. Han Ji-won directed "Lost in Starlight" and co-wrote the script alongside Kang Hyun-joo. Han Ji-won is also known for directing other animated films, including ‘’The Summer’’ (2023) and ‘’The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns’’ (2023).
Released on Netflix on May 30, 2025, it follows the long-distance relationship between Nan-young (voiced by Kim Tae-ri) and Jay (voiced by Kyung Hong). In the year 2050, humanity has advanced far enough to begin long-term exploration of Mars. Nan-young, a Mars-bound astronaut, is chosen to join a Mars mission. Just before leaving Earth, she meets Jay, a musician who repairs old analog instruments. Despite knowing their time together is short, they quickly form a powerful connection. As Nan-young departs for space, their connection stays alive through shared memories and music.
Nan-Young’s mother was also an astronaut, and she was lost during a mission to Mars. A tense moment in the animation occurs when Nan-young gets trapped during her mission, reminding viewers of her mother’s disappearance on Mars years before. This creates a sense of fear and uncertainty for Jay, who remains on Earth, much like Nan-young’s father, who once used a handmade communication device to reach his wife. Thankfully, unlike her mother, Nan-young is found and rescued by her team, giving the story a happy ending.
The animation is visually striking, showing the peaceful emptiness of space alongside the bright and futuristic streets of Seoul. It’s an emotional story about love, time, and staying connected, even when you're far apart; ‘’absence makes the heart grow fonder." It also captures that universal longing to feel close to someone, no matter the distance.
"Lost in Starlight" features a dreamlike and vibrant color palette that perfectly complements its sci-fi setting, enhancing the futuristic atmosphere. Paired with a thoughtfully selected soundtrack, the music fully immerses the viewers, creating an emotional and atmospheric experience throughout the animation. Early in the film, within the first 15 minutes, Nan-young and Jay visit a street food restaurant where they enjoy kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), served with a side of kimchi, bringing a cozy and familiar taste of Korean culture to the animation’s scene. The animation beautifully portrays the rhythms of everyday Korean life (like the kalguksu scene), even within its futuristic sci-fi backdrop. Just like how Korea today mixes modern life, like skyscrapers and advanced technology, with traditional buildings (hanoks) and customs, ‘’Lost in Starlight’’ blends the future with familiar parts of Korean culture. Another example of Korean culture in ‘’Lost in Starlight’’ is the appearance of BTS’s (Korean boy band) "Butter" vinyl. In one scene, Jay looks through a collection of records, and the "Butter" album is clearly shown. This small detail shows BTS’s worldwide popularity and adds a touch of real-life K-pop culture to the film’s world.
The animation’s emotional depth is clear through its honest portrayal of the characters’ struggles. The animation and visual effects effectively highlight these feelings of love, loss, and hope, making it a powerful story about connection across distance. ‘’Lost in Starlight’’ highlights the sadness of being separated from someone you love, while also showing the importance of hope, and it reminds viewers that even in difficult and lonely times, there is still a chance for reunion.
Since its release on Netflix, "Lost in Starlight" has sparked conversations online about the emotional power of its storytelling.
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