Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Min Ho’s highly anticipated drama When the Stars Gossip is facing intense backlash after failing to live up to viewers’ expectations.
In the 8th episode of tvN’s sci-fi romance drama, which aired on January 26th, the story took a bold turn. Eve Kim (played by Gong Hyo Jin) and Gong Ryong (played by Lee Min Ho) confessed their feelings for each other and sought warmth in a tent by removing their clothes, as they waited for a rescue ship in freezing conditions.
During the scene, Gong Ryong admitted to creating a fertilized egg, leading Eve Kim to reassure him, saying, “Don’t give up. Even if we die, the rescue ship will come from Earth. Let’s leave a note as our will, so they can implant it. I hope the baby is born healthy.”
Despite being marketed as Korea’s first space station-themed sci-fi romance with a massive 50-billion-won budget and two of the biggest stars in Korean entertainment, the drama has struggled to capture audiences.
The romance storyline, which begins with Gong Ryong falling for Eve Kim while engaged to another woman, has left viewers unimpressed.
Repeated references to eggs, sperm, uteruses, pregnancy, and other similar themes, paired with underwhelming CGI and direction, have caused frustration among fans.
The ratings started off with promise at 3.3% during the premiere, peaked at 3.9% in episode 2, but dropped to the 2% range by the third episode. By the 5th episode, the ratings sank into the 1% range, and the downward trend hasn’t reversed.
The controversial tent scene in the 8th episode, which included silhouettes of the actors and visual imagery of fertilization and sperm, sparked even more backlash. Many viewers called the scene uncomfortable and awkward, questioning why such a sequence was included.
Online criticism poured in, with comments like, “Why would actors of this caliber agree to this project?” “This drama is such a letdown,” “The production team wasted 50 billion won,” and “How much worse can it get?”
Gong Hyo Jin, known for her consistent success with hit dramas, returned to the small screen after six years, raising expectations for a blockbuster. However, the drama’s lackluster plot and controversial scenes have made viewers question its execution.
With eight episodes still to go, fans are wondering if When the Stars Gossip can recover from its rough start or if it will go down as one of the biggest disappointments in Korean drama history.
Source: [1]
