Netflix’s first Korean animated film, Lost in Starlight, starring Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung, will premiere on May 30, 2025, telling the story of a scientist and a musician whose romance spans Earth and Mars.
About the Film
Lost in Starlight is a romantic sci-fi animated film produced by Climax Studio, known for projects like Hellbound and D.P.. The story follows Nan Young, a scientist and astronaut, and Jay, a musician, as they navigate a long-distance relationship between Earth and Mars. The film is Netflix’s first Korean-language animated project, blending romance, science fiction, and drama.
The movie is directed and written by Han Ji Won, with Kang Hyun Joo as co-writer. Han Ji Won debuted with the short film Kopi Luwak and gained recognition for works like Clearer Than You Think and The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns, which won the top prize at the Seoul Indie-AniFest. Her storytelling style is known for its emotional depth and unique visuals.
The film is set in 2050, focusing on Nan Young’s mission to explore Mars. This project is part of Netflix’s $2.5 billion investment in Korean content, announced in April 2023. Climax Studio ensures high-quality production, promising a visually stunning experience.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Kim Tae Ri voices Nan Young, marking her first venture into voice acting. Known for roles in The Handmaiden, Space Sweepers, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and Revenant, she brings depth to the character. Nan Young is driven by a personal mission to find traces of her mother, a scientist who went missing during a Mars probe due to an accident.
Hong Kyung voices Jay, a musician skilled at repairing retro sound equipment. He has appeared in D.P., Hotel del Luna, Weak Hero Class 1, and Innocence, and recently starred alongside Kim Tae Ri in Revenant. Their chemistry in Revenant, where they played a possessed woman and a detective, has fans excited for their reunion.
Both actors participated in pre-recording and live-action processes to capture authentic emotions. Their performances shaped the animation, ensuring a heartfelt portrayal of Nan Young and Jay’s love story.
A Unique Love Story
The film centers on Nan Young, selected for the fourth Mars exploration project in 2050. Her drive to explore space stems from her mother’s tragic disappearance during a Mars mission. Before departing, she meets Jay when she visits him to repair her mother’s old turntable, a cherished keepsake.
Their chance encounter sparks a romance, deepened by their reunion through the turntable. As Nan Young prepares for her Mars journey, the couple faces the challenge of maintaining their bond across vast distances. The story explores themes of love, loss, and hope, set against the backdrop of space exploration.
Netflix describes the film as depicting “the longest-ever long-distance relationship,” bridging Earth and Mars. The narrative promises emotional depth, blending Nan Young’s scientific ambitions with Jay’s artistic passion.
Production and Direction
Han Ji Won’s direction brings a delicate and imaginative touch to the film. Her previous works, like The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns, were showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, earning her praise for her unique animation style. Co-writer Kang Hyun Joo, known for The Scarlet Letter and Soulmate, adds narrative richness.
Climax Studio’s involvement ensures top-tier production quality. The studio’s experience with global hits like Hellbound and JUNG_E raises expectations for Lost in Starlight. The animation process was influenced by the voice actors’ emotional performances, creating a nuanced love story.
The film was in post-production as of February 2025, with filming completed in December 2024, according to Han Ji Won’s statement at the Seoul International Women’s Film Festival.
Premiere and Release Details
Lost in Starlight will premiere exclusively on Netflix on May 30, 2025. Initially planned for a release between April and June 2025, the date was confirmed by What’s on Netflix, with official updates from Netflix shared via social media. Posts on X from accounts like @netflixth and @tang_kira highlighted the premiere, sharing teasers and expressing excitement for the film.
“Will there be any love in the world as distant as this one? This is the first trailer for #LostInStarlight, an animated film about the love story of a musician on Earth and an astronaut who must go to Mars, voiced by Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung.”
— Netflix Thailand, April 29, 2025“Netflix will release the animated film Lost in Starlight on May 30, 2025. The characters’ voices will be provided by Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung.”
— @tang_kira, April 29, 2025
The film is expected to appeal to fans of romance, sci-fi, and Korean drama, especially those who admire Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung’s chemistry.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans of Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung are thrilled about their reunion after Revenant. Social media posts reflect high anticipation for their voice-acting debut. The film’s unique premise—a romance spanning Earth and Mars—has sparked excitement among K-drama and animation enthusiasts.
“Our #Revenant duo #KimTaeri and #HongKyung are confirmed to be the voice cast and dub NETFLIX first Korean animation film #LostInStarlight 💙”
— @kdramatreats, August 16, 2023“According to Director Han Ji Won in SIWFF, Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung’s ‘Lost In Starlight’ will be completed its filming on December this year and planned to be released on Netflix mid next year. Can’t wait ~~~”
— @taeri_yeosin, August 25, 2024
Fans of Revenant are particularly excited, as the duo’s chemistry in the horror-thriller left audiences wanting more. The film’s romantic narrative is seen as a chance to explore their dynamic in a new light.
Why It Matters
Lost in Starlight marks a milestone for Netflix as its first Korean animated film. The project showcases South Korea’s growing influence in global animation, backed by Climax Studio’s expertise and Han Ji Won’s visionary direction. The film’s blend of romance and sci-fi, paired with Kim Tae Ri and Hong Kyung’s star power, positions it as a must-watch for 2025.
The story’s focus on a long-distance relationship resonates with universal themes of love and perseverance. Nan Young’s quest to uncover her mother’s fate adds emotional weight, while Jay’s artistic perspective grounds the narrative in human connection.
As of April 29, 2025, Netflix has released teaser images and a trailer for Lost in Starlight, shared via posts on X by @catsuka and @netflixth. The film is on track for its May 30, 2025, premiere, with no delays reported. Fans can stream it exclusively on Netflix, with global access expected.
CREDITS: Netflix K-Content, What’s on Netflix
