The ratings for tvN's ambitious space-themed drama When the Stars Gossip have hit an all-time low, leaving netizens and industry insiders stunned.

According to Nielsen Korea, the drama's fifth episode, aired on January 18, recorded a nationwide average viewership of just 1.8%, the lowest since its premiere. The Seoul metropolitan area fared only slightly better, with a rating of 1.9%.

This marks a steep decline for the show, which debuted with a respectable 3.3% rating. By its third episode, the drama had already dropped to the 2% range, and now it has dipped even further into the 1% range—a significant blow for a project of this scale.

With an incredible production budget of around 50 billion KRW (~$38 million USD) and five years of preparation, the series was expected to be a game-changer as the first Korean drama set on a space station.

However, despite featuring major stars like Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, the show has struggled to maintain viewers' attention.

In comparison, other dramas airing on the same day saw much stronger ratings. KBS2's Darimi Family soared with a 17.4% viewership rating, followed by SBS's My Perfect Secretary at 11.4%, JTBC's The Tale of Lady Ok with 8.4%, MBC's Motel California at 3.6%, and Channel A's Check-in Han Yang at 2.5%.

The dramatic ratings drop for When the Stars Gossip raises questions about its future and whether the series can recover from this low point.

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IU has once again warmed hearts with her sweet and caring nature — this time by personally helping young actress Kim Tae Yeon get ready for her very first awards show.

The two actresses both played the same character, Ae Soon, in different stages of life in the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines". IU played the adult version while Kim Tae Yeon touched viewers with her emotional performance as young Ae Soon.

Even though Kim Tae Yeon doesn’t have an agency yet, IU made sure the young star wouldn’t be alone. According to insiders, IU personally visited a dress shop with Kim Tae Yeon to help her pick out a beautiful outfit. She even helped with hair and makeup plans, making sure Tae Yeon could shine at the upcoming 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, where both actresses are nominated.

Kim Tae Yeon’s mom posted about the moment on Instagram, saying:

“Tae Yeon met IU unnie and told me to say thank you. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful we are. We were so surprised by her unexpected visit, and her thoughtful care truly touched our hearts. Thank you again to IU for the gift.”

The post also showed a happy Kim Tae Yeon holding IU’s present and choosing a dress — a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

IU is well-known in the industry for her generosity and kindness. While filming "You Have Done Well", she reportedly gave thoughtful gifts and created a warm, friendly vibe on set for everyone, from co-stars to staff.

The drama itself became a big hit, earning praise both in Korea and overseas. IU, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, Choi Dae Hoon, and Kim Tae Yeon all received Baeksang nominations — a huge achievement, especially for the young star.

Kim Tae Yeon, born in 2011, has been acting since she was little and appeared in dramas like Crash Landing on You, A Dog’s Love Today, and Gyeongseong Creature. But her powerful acting in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" truly made people cry, smile, and remember her name.

IU didn’t stop at helping Kim Tae Yeon. She also invited fellow cast members Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Ahn Tae Rin, and more to her concert, sending them gifts to show her love and support.

In an earlier interview, IU talked about giving gifts to so many people. She humbly said,

“As I do more projects, there are more people I’m thankful for, but it’s not as hard as people think. I just hope the people receiving the gifts feel happy.”

Talking about the drama, she added,

“It was such a grand project. Just being part of it was a blessing. It made me think, ‘Ji Eun, you really experienced something amazing.’ I’m grateful I could work with such great people.”

Once again, IU has proved she’s not just a talented singer and actress — she’s also a true “Good Deed Queen.”

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