3rd. Netflix's first Korean animated film "Lost in Starlight" ranked in the "Top 10 Movies in Korea" last weekend. It's quite a good performance for a debut work. Netflix stated, "Considering it’s the first animated film, it's a good result."
Released on the 30th of last month, "Lost in Starlight" is set in futuristic Seoul in 2050. However, the visual style conveys an analog sensibility. The film depicts the chance encounter, love, and pursuit of dreams between astronaut Nayoung, who dreams of exploring Mars, and Jay, who has temporarily set aside his dream of being a musician.
Perhaps for this reason, the movie title feels incomplete. Director Han Ji-won noted, "The title contains a dual meaning of the physical 'separation' of lovers who must part from Earth and Mars immediately after love begins, and how the two characters emotionally 'separate' from their heartaches as a result of love." The song Jay plays on the guitar, along with the OST flowing throughout the film, stimulated emotions. Actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung voiced Nayoung and Jay, respectively.
"Lost in Starlight" significantly marks Netflix's first Korean animated film that has changed the landscape of the global film market through OTT. Until now, Netflix has been providing animations for children. This wasn't an animation targeted for adults rated 12 and older. "Lost in Starlight" is a commercial feature animated film rated for ages 12 and above.
Netflix has officially entered the domestic animated film market. Previously, domestic animations were mostly produced for toddlers or educational content. The main entities were often toy or content corporations. Their primary goal was not the quality of the animation itself but to maximize revenues by attracting young children and subsequently selling products like toys utilizing character intellectual properties.
However, "Lost in Starlight" focused on the quality of the animation itself. Netflix's investment and participation in production proved effective. There are cautious predictions in the film industry that a "Netflix-driven K-animation market is being established." A director also remarked that "Korean animations are encountering a different creative environment with platforms like Netflix and other OTTs."
Major production companies like Myung Film, known for producing "Joint Security Area (JSA)," and HYBE Media Corp, which produced "Spring in Seoul" and "The Opposition," are also positively evaluated as a factor for K-animation, as they have recently entered animation production.
Director Bong Joon-ho is also preparing an animated film as his next project following "Mickey 17." While it is still uncertain how these animations will be received in the market, the film industry sees a trend emerging where animated films follow live-action films.
Starting with "Lost in Starlight," I hope a golden age for K-animation opens up. At the same time, if you cherish analog sensibilities in a fast-paced modern society, I recommend watching this animation.