Space Romance Drama 'When the Stars Gossip' Ends with Lackluster 2.6% Viewership

▲ This composite image of tvN's "When The Stars Gossip," starring actress Gong Hyo-jin and actor Lee Min-ho, is provided by the broadcaster. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- Despite an all-star cast, acclaimed writer, and title as Korea’s first space-themed romance drama, When the Stars Gossip ended its run with a disappointing 2.6 percent viewership rating.

According to Nielsen Korea on the 24th, the final episode of the tvN drama, which aired at 9:20 PM the previous day, recorded a nationwide rating of 2.6 percent.

The finale depicted Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho) and Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin) becoming the first parents in space. Upon learning of Eve’s pregnancy, Gong Ryong requests permission from the ground control center to travel to the space station. With his help, Eve gives birth to a healthy daughter but tragically passes away just a day later. Gong Ryong and the station crew take on the responsibility of raising the newborn until they can return to Earth. The drama concludes with Gong Ryong scattering Eve’s ashes in space, delivering a final narration: “Every living thing is a miracle.”

Despite high expectations due to its star-studded cast—Lee Min-ho, a global Hallyu star, and Gong Hyo-jin, dubbed the “queen of rom-coms”—the drama failed to captivate audiences due to its unconventional plot and execution.

Premiering with a 3.3 percent rating, the series dropped to the 1 percent range by episode five and never recovered. 

The narrative, which emphasized the sanctity of life through scientific experiments like fruit fly mating and heart surgery on mice, failed to resonate with viewers who anticipated a visually striking space romance. Additionally, the romance between the leads was criticized for lacking depth and believability.

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