Netflix will make history with the release of its first Korean animated feature film, “Lost in Starlight,” premiering globally on May 30. Written and directed by Han Ji-won, the film is a visually arresting, emotionally resonant romance set in a futuristic Seoul circa 2050, told through the voices of acclaimed actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung.

“Lost in Starlight” follows the emotional connection between Nan-young (Kim), an ambitious astronaut dreaming of exploring Mars, and Jay (Hong), a talented musician who had to put aside his artistic pursuits.

Their fateful encounter, sparked by Nan-young’s quest to repair her late mother’s cherished turntable, sets them on a journey that spans not only the city’s neon-lit streets but also the emotional distance between Earth and Mars.

Director Han explained the significance of the film’s title and how the theme of love plays a pivotal role.

“It’s about being far apart like Mars and Earth,” the director told reporters after screening at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday.

“It’s a love story, but also about parting ways the moment love begins. In the film, farewell isn’t just about physical separation. It’s about overcoming personal wounds and trauma through love.”

“Lost in Starlight” distinguishes itself not only through its heartfelt narrative but also its Hollywood-style production methods. The film’s animation team worked closely with the actors, capturing their live performances to infuse the characters with nuanced emotion.

“We wanted animators who could truly capture the richness of the actors’ performances. Our approach was inspired by major Hollywood studios, but we tailored it to our own style, blending live-action reference with 2D animation,” the 36-year-old director said.

For both Kim and Hong, the film marks their first experience of voice acting.

“When I was first approached, it felt like a dream, but I was anxious since voice acting isn’t my specialty. After talking with the director and reading the script, I was convinced. The director’s vision was so clear and I was excited to see how it would come to life,” Kim said.

Kim added that voice acting was a “thrilling challenge.”

“Voice acting required a different kind of breath and emotion, especially in intense scenes. I even took American English lessons to portray Nan-young’s professional side as a space scientist.”

Hong echoed the sentiment, saying the unique setting of futuristic Seoul convinced him to join the cast.

“The script was so compelling, and the 2050 setting sparked my imagination. I wanted to see how the director’s unique world would unfold, so I took on the challenge,” Hong said.

The director tried to show Seoul’s blend of old and new, which reflects her personal affection for the city, throughout the movie.

“I love how Seoul combines the past and the future. Places like Sewoon Plaza have both retro and futuristic vibes, so we chose them as key backgrounds. We wanted to capture the bars and cafes that my generation enjoys in Euljiro (in downtown Seoul),” Han said.

“Lost in Starlight” premieres on May 30 on Netflix.

By Baek Byung-yeul

The Korea Times (click)