'The Girl Downstairs' meets sci-fi dreams in this dreamy love story set in Seoul 2050

Actors Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung are stepping into uncharted territory — voice acting. The duo leads The Necessary Planet (이 별에 필요한), Netflix's first-ever Korean original animation, and it's already giving off all the soft, heart-fluttering vibes.

💫 Set in 2050 Seoul — Where Dreams and Love Collide

The Necessary Planet unfolds in a futuristic Seoul in the year 2050. Kim Tae-ri voices Nanyeong, a girl chasing her dream of becoming a Martian astronaut. Hong Kyung plays Jae, a former musician who's packed away his dreams — until fate brings them together.

In the teaser poster released by Netflix on April 29, the two characters are bathed in a rosy pink sunset. Their gentle gazes and soft expressions capture the subtle spark of a blooming romance.

🎧 A Turntable, A Chance Encounter, and Instant Chemistry

The teaser video begins with Nanyeong trying to fix her mother's old turntable at a local audio repair shop — where she meets Jae. It's a serendipitous encounter that slowly turns into something much deeper.

Kim Tae-ri's voice acting adds a bubbly-yet-melancholic tone to Nanyeong's character, while Hong Kyung's soft, low register creates a quietly romantic atmosphere. Their chemistry? Palpable — even without seeing them on screen.

🌃 Breathtaking Animation Inspired by Real-Life Seoul

Director Han Ji-won paints a stunning visual canvas. Iconic Seoul landmarks like Sewoon Sangga and Jamsu Bridge are reimagined in vibrant, dreamy hues — a blend of sci-fi futurism and warm nostalgia.

Han previously won the grand prize Indie Star Award at the Seoul Indie-Anifest with Coffeewak and has been invited to festivals like Sundance and Palm Springs International Film Festival.

📅 Streaming Soon on Netflix

The Necessary Planet will premiere globally on May 30 exclusively on Netflix. With dreamy visuals, a soft soundtrack, and heartfelt storytelling, it's one animated love story you won't want to miss.

[Photo Credit: Netflix]