Lost In Starlight: South Korea's bet to turn global spotlight on their animation

India Today

02-05-2025

'Love Story 2050', but make it Korean animation with an intriguing storyline.That's perhaps the simplest way to describe Netflix's upcoming animated feature 'Lost in Starlight'. While the Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja-starrer gave us star-crossed lovers across generations (and lifetimes), this Korean tale sets its romance across planets. Yes, planets. But comparisons aside—because let's be honest, some of you are already thinking, 'Why even compare them, ya?'—there's a lot riding on 'Lost in Starlight'.advertisementOn this week's K-fix, let's dive into why this film might be a game-changer for the South Korean entertainment industry,and why it's generating so much hype.
A First for Netflix KoreaWhile South Korea has quietly built a solid repertoire of animated films over the years, they've often been overshadowed by Japan's anime industry. While Japan's anime has been taking over the globe, South Korea is also taking steps. The fact that they are partnering with Netflix would mean that the film will see a bigger release.Most Korean animated films haven't had a wide international release. But with a direct debut on Netflix, this one will drop across multiple countries simultaneously. The result? Greater visibility, accessibility, and possibly, the dawn of a new wave in Korean animation.A Stellar Team—On and Off ScreenadvertisementThe animated film will be directed by Han Ji-won, not to be confused with actor Ha Ji-won, who has had experience as a director and animator of several K-animations. He had earlier helmed animated films like The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns (a short film where he was also the animator), The Summer, and Amanza, and was the animator for Opera, which was nominated for Oscars 2021 in the Best Animated Short Film category.Then there's the voice cast. Kim Tae-ri, celebrated for her roles in 'Mr Sunshine' and 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One', lends her voice to the lead character Nan-young. Opposite her is Hong Kyung, best known for 'Weak Hero Class 1'. Their chemistry, last seen in 'Revenant', is already being talked about.And, that's not all! The film will be produced by Climax Studio—renowned for acclaimed series like 'Hellbound' and 'D.P.'The Teaser That Took Us to the StarsIt wasn't just the cast or concept that won hearts—the teaser itself has been a major hype generator. A chance meeting where they run into each other, literally, a growing friendship, shared laughter, and beautiful stolen gazes that turn to something more- the scenes actually make your hearts flutter. And just when it all feels too perfect to be real—they're pulled apart. By 225 million kilometres, to be exact.advertisementWatch the teaser of 'Lost In Starlight' here: Visually, it's a treat. Landmarks like Sewoon Plaza and the submersible bridge are reimagined for the year 2050, blending familiarity with futuristic fantasy.But what truly caught fans off guard? The background track. A soulful melody that many believe has been sung by BTS' V—though there's been no official confirmation, of course. But, his 'awaaz hi pehchan hai'.And if that wasn't enough, the teaser also has a glowing endorsement from none other than Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, who calls the film a 'visual masterpiece' that 'takes you around the universe.'The film is set to stream on Netflix on May 30. It's a love story written in the stars, but is your heart ready for it?