🌌 Lost in Starlight (2025) Review – Netflix’s First Korean Animated Romance Soars, But Stumbles Emotionally
Genre: Animated, Sci‑Fi, Romance
Director: Park Shin‑Woo
Writer: Seo Sook Hyang
Voice Cast: Lee Min‑ho, Kong Hyo‑jin, Oh Jung‑se, Han Ji‑eun
Platform: Netflix (Q2 2025 release)
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📌 Introduction
Netflix marks a bold milestone with Lost in Starlight, its first-ever Korean animated feature debuting in Q2 2025 . Promoted as a captivating space romance, the film blends science fiction with heartfelt character arcs. Here’s how well it stands up to expectations.
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🚀 Plot & Premise
Set in 2051 Seoul, the film centers on Nan‑young (Han Ji‑eun), an astronaut trainee haunted by trauma after losing her mother during a Mars mission. Her life takes a surprise turn when she meets Jay (Lee Min‑ho), a music-loving repairman who dreams of returning to the stage .
As their relationship deepens, Nan‑young gets the chance to fulfill her dream of traveling to Mars—forcing both to confront emotional and professional crossroads amid futuristic backdrops.
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🎨 Visuals & Animation
The animation is undeniably striking: sweeping futuristic cityscapes and imaginative space visuals shine through. Netflix’s ambitious production captures the grandeur of a space-bound tale . However, the stunning art does not fully balance out a narrative that, critics suggest, is emotionally disconnected.
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🧠 Narrative & Emotional Depth
Critics praise the visual beauty but describe the plot as tonally inconsistent and emotionally flat. The dual narrative—balancing space mission stakes and inner turmoil—has potential, but emotional resonance often fizzles .
Viewers seeking a deep, romantic sci-fi experience may find the film lacking—especially as both characters face major life changes without sufficient emotional buildup.
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✅ What's Worth Watching
Pioneering Format: Netflix's first Korean animated film is an important step in its content diversity .
Impressive Visuals: Ambitious use of animation to create a dreamy, futuristic world.
Unique Blend: Merges romance and sci-fi settings, offering something distinct in the animated genre.
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⚠️ Where It Falls Short
Emotional Disconnect: Critics say the story lacks depth and fails to emotionally engage .
Tone-Shifts: Juggling heartfelt romance scenes and space drama feels uneven.
Limited Characters: Leads have clear arcs, but secondary roles lack development.
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📌 Final Verdict
Lost in Starlight is a visually bold and culturally significant entry in Netflix’s content strategy, celebrating Korean animation and sci-fi storytelling. But despite its gorgeous aesthetics, it struggles to connect emotionally, making it a watchable but ultimately forgettable experience.
⭐ Rating: 6.5/10
Best For: Animation fans, K‑drama lovers, viewers drawn to space visuals
Skip If: You crave emotional depth, strong character arcs, or balanced tone