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.

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ChoA, former member of the girl group Crayon Pop, has bravely shared her ongoing battle with cervical cancer and her emotional journey.

On January 28, ChoA posted a heartfelt update on her social media, explaining her struggles. "I usually laugh, talk, and live my life as usual, but there are moments when I suddenly face a reality that isn’t like before, and it gets tough," she shared.

She went on to say, "Recently, something difficult happened, and in the past, I would have had a drink with my husband to shake it off. I really miss being able to do that."

ChoA admitted that she still can’t fully believe her diagnosis. "When I face the reality I’ve been avoiding, my heart that I’ve built up breaks down," she said. "But the life I’m living now, which I’m still enjoying, is something that someone else might be wishing for. I try to gather my thoughts again with gratitude."

She also expressed hope for the future, saying, "Lately, I dream of a day five years from now when I’ll be declared cancer-free and be able to have a drink with my husband after putting the kids to bed, after all the struggles. It’s been almost two years, so I believe the day I get that clean bill of health will come soon."

ChoA married a businessman in 2021, six years older than her. In October 2023, she revealed her cervical cancer diagnosis, sharing that she had been diagnosed during a routine check-up in her first year of marriage.

Despite everything, ChoA remains hopeful, noting that the cancer was smaller than expected during surgery, and she was able to preserve her fertility—a step closer to her dream of becoming a mother.

Source (1)