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On January 26, 2025, When The Stars Gossip aired episode 8 on Netflix. However, the episode included a bed scene between Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin in space, which ignited a fervent debate among viewers.
While some South Korean audiences criticized the drama for its perceived lackluster plot and ridiculed the intimate scene, international fans have rallied in defense of the series, particularly praising the chemistry between the lead actors.
In South Korea, When The Stars Gossip faced declining viewership ratings, with episode 5 recording a low of 1.84%. Netizens have pointed to the drama's storyline, visual direction, and dialogue as areas of concern. The intimate scene in episode 8 further intensified discussions, with some viewers expressing discomfort over its execution.
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Conversely, the global audience showed appreciation for the series. International fans have lauded the performances of Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin, emphasizing their on-screen chemistry and the unique setting of the drama. However, the drama saw a spike in ratings after episode 8's release as it recorded 2.199% viewership nationwide and 2.321% across Seoul as per Nielsen.
Additionally, the show's narrative and the performers' performances were praised in comments on websites such as IMDb, where it received 7.2/10 reviews, with each episode averaging 9.3/10 ratings.
Meanwhile, a fan underscored that the scene between Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin wasn't "biblical" and hailed it as "one of the most perfect scenes in TV history." The fan wrote on X:
"There’s nothing biblical about the perfection of this union. Not scientific. Not theatrical. One of the most perfect scenes in TV history! Dare not say anything against #WhenTheStarsGossip or forever be damned."
Global audiences praised the scene from episode 8 and highlighted that Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin's characters have obvious chemistry and the "scene is just beautiful."
"The audacity of the people who said they didn't have chemistry?? This scene is just beautiful. The hug, his words, her expression and music just made me tear up," one fan wrote.
"This has to be the best love making scene in #Kdrama history. If Ryong & Eve have s*x in space they'd be the first. It felt important not just emotionally, but to keep them warm. I just hope they return to Earth safe & sound," another fan wrote.
"All you guys who hated on Eve… Daaamnnnnn I’ve goosebumps since the first second of ep 8! WHAT A SCENE MY GOD!!! Dying!!!" another fan added.
Several others lauded the cinematography of the scene in When The Stars Gossip episode 8 as viewers could "hardly see any nudity."
"The most romantic love scene in whole K-Drama land," a fan wrote.
"The most romantic and aesthetics kiss in Kdrama history...I can't breathe. Their chemistry is out of this world #WhenTheStarsGossipEp8 is epic," another fan commented.
"I can’t get over this scene! You can hardly see any nudity…It’s done with such respect & sensitivity…yet the closeness, the intimacy & the erotic tension is breathtaking. It’s stunning cinematography…it’s pure art! In awe of both #LeeMinHo #GongHyoJin," one other fan added.
When The Stars Gossip: A space odyssey woven with romance
When The Stars Gossip boasts a notable cast, including Lee Min-ho as Gong Ryong and Gong Hyo-jin as Eve Kim. Directed by Park Shin-woo and written by Seo Sook-hyang, the series combines elements of romance and science fiction.
The story centers on Gong Ryong (played by Lee Min-ho), an obstetrician-gynecologist who embarks on a space tourism journey with a hidden agenda. He becomes a space tourist aboard the G.O.-10 space station, where he meets Eve Kim (portrayed by Gong Hyo-jin), a Korean-American astronaut commanding her first mission.
Their fateful encounter leads to a developing romance amidst the challenges and adventures of space exploration in When The Stars Gossip.
As of January 27, 2025, eight episodes have been released, each delving deeper into the characters' backstories and the dynamics aboard the space station.
Episode 1: When The Stars Gossip opens on October 25, 2024, at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Astronauts, including Commander Eve Kim, prepare for their mission aboard the G.O.-10. Gong Ryong is introduced as a space tourist with a hidden agenda, setting the stage for future interactions.
Episodes 2-7: The narrative delves into the personal histories of Ryong and Eve, exploring their motivations and the evolving dynamics among the crew. When The Stars Gossip balances moments of humor with tension, particularly as the crew faces various challenges inherent to space missions.
Episode 8: When The Stars Gossip episode 8 begins with the Scorpion spacecraft returning to Earth, leaving Ryong alone in the observation deck. However, Eve chooses to stay behind, unwilling to abandon him. She plans a daring spacewalk to reach the attached G.O. Ship, aiming to use it for their return journey. This episode highlights the deepening bond between the two characters and sets up anticipation for future developments.
When The Stars Gossip is streaming on Netflix.
