Space Sweepers

Space Sweepers

Year: 2021

Runtime: 136 min

Language: Korean

Director: Sung-hee Jo

ActionAdventureSci-FiDramaFantasy

In a future where space junk salvaging is a profitable trade, the crew of the spaceship Victory, a group of eccentric misfits, are the best in the business. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they discover a young robot girl aboard a crashed spacecraft. Believing she holds significant value, they devise a risky plan to ransom her, leading them into a thrilling adventure filled with danger, action, and unforeseen consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Space Sweepers yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Space Sweepers (2021) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Space Sweepers (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In 2092, Earth is on the brink of collapse, nearly unlivable due to pollution and scarcity. The UTS Corporation steps in, establishing an orbital sanctuary designed to replicate the Earth’s ecosystem, but entry is limited to an exclusive group of citizens. Meanwhile, the majority are left to struggle on a deteriorating planet, where surviving by scavenging is the only option.

Under the leadership of James Sullivan, UTS is focused on transforming Mars into a new home for humanity by cultivating genetically engineered flora, seeking to create a sustainable environment for future settlers. To control the population in orbit, a rigid set of regulations and taxes is enforced, leading many non-citizens to work as space sweepers, collecting debris to barter for their livelihoods.

The narrative centers on a crew aboard the Victory, a ragtag group of treasure hunters in the vastness of space. Among them are Kim Tae-ho, Tiger Park, and Hyang-gi Kim as Bubs, an android who once served as a soldier, repurposed for salvage operations while longing for a full human appearance. Their captain, who also goes by Hye-jin Yu, was a former prodigy whose discovery of UTS’s underlying motives pushed her into a life of piracy, ultimately revamping her identity after a failed assassination attempt on Sullivan.

Tae-ho, a former child soldier, is consumed by the search for his daughter, Su-ni, who was cast into the void during a devastating accident. He strives to raise the funds necessary for the authorities to locate her. The crew’s fate takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a vehicle in orbit housing a mysterious girl named Dorothy, rumored to be a robotic weapon of mass destruction developed by the rogue group known as Black Fox. The discovery of her father’s frantic attempts to reach her complicates matters further.

In a series of thrilling events, the crew learns that Dorothy, referred to as Kot-Nim, is not simply a robot but a child endowed with unique abilities thanks to the nanobots injected by her father, Kang Hyeon-u, in a desperate attempt to save her life. These nanobots allow her to communicate and interact with machinery, and her existence becomes a pawn in Sullivan’s nefarious designs to eradicate the Earth in favor of paving the way for Mars inhabitants.

As the stakes rise, alliances shift, and harsh truths revealed about Black Fox’s real intentions. The crew faces moral dilemmas and decisive action as they navigate through treachery, betrayal, and the ultimate struggle for Kot-Nim’s safety. Through courage and sacrifice, they confront Sullivan, leading to an explosive climax where their fates intertwine with the survival of Earth itself.

In the end, facing overwhelming odds, the crew of the Victory devises a bold plan to thwart Sullivan’s intentions, emphasizing their determination to save Kot-Nim and redeem their pasts. After a breathtaking showdown, the crew finds themselves amidst a bittersweet resolution, transitioning toward rebuilding what remains of Earth with the help of their adopted Kot-Nim, heralding a new era of reliance on unity and resilience.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:25

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Space Sweepers?

Still wondering what the ending of Space Sweepers (2021) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

The ending of Space Sweepers is a mix of action, sacrifice, and hope. After a fierce battle at the UTS factory, the crew of the Victory manages to retrieve Kot-nim, a child with a unique nanobot biology that holds the key to saving Earth. Sullivan, the villain intent on destroying the planet to start anew on Mars, is ultimately defeated when the crew sacrifices themselves by planting a bomb on the factory’s core. In a remarkable turn, the nanobots that protected the ship from the explosion also saved the crew, cloaking the Victory in a shield that allows them to survive. This act of selflessness is symbolized when Kot-nim’s eyes change color, suggesting she used her nanobot powers to control the nanobots and ensure her friends’ safety.

Meanwhile, Tae-ho, grieving for his daughter Su-ni, is able to connect with her spiritually through Kot-nim’s nanobot abilities. The nanobots briefly reanimate her consciousness, allowing Tae-ho to say a final goodbye, even though she has passed away in space. This moment offers the characters some stability and closure amid the chaos.

In the aftermath, the crew begins to rebuild their lives. They recover stolen money and continue their adventures together, caring for Kot-nim and dreaming of new missions. The film ends on a hopeful note, with news reports indicating that UTS’s efforts to restore Earth succeeded, using nanobot technology and Kot-nim’s powers. The planet, once dying, now shows signs of recovery, suggesting a brighter future for humanity. Overall, the ending emphasizes sacrifice, compassion, and the resilience of hope amid a universe full of challenges.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58

Unlock the Full Story of Space Sweepers

Don't stop at just watching — explore Space Sweepers in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Space Sweepers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Space Sweepers Timeline

Track the full timeline of Space Sweepers with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Space Sweepers Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Space Sweepers

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Space Sweepers. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Space Sweepers

Space Sweepers Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Space Sweepers? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Space Sweepers Ending Explained

More About Space Sweepers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Space Sweepers: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Space Sweepers

Similar Movies to Space Sweepers

Discover movies like Space Sweepers that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.