“Still looks like a chaebol boy who was kicked out by his parents”- Fans left reeling over Lee Min-ho’s role as poor man on 'When the Stars Gossip'

Lee Min-ho's portrayal of Gong Ryong in Netflix's When the Stars Gossip has sparked significant discussion among fans, particularly regarding his depiction of a character from a modest background. The series, which premiered globally on January 4, 2024, features a star-studded cast including Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Han Ji-eun, Oh Jung-se, Heo Nam-jun, Alex Hafner, Kim Joo-hun, and Lee El.

In When the Stars Gossip, Lee Min-ho's character, Gong Ryong, is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who comes from humble beginnings. Raised by his three aunts, who run a small bar, Ryong's upbringing contrasts sharply with the affluent backgrounds often associated with Lee Min-ho's previous roles.

This departure from his typical "chaebol" (wealthy heir) characters from dramas like The King, Pachinko, and The Heirs intrigued fans. Comments on social media reflect this sentiment, with viewers noting the irony in his character's background, given his sophisticated demeanor.

One fan wrote on X:

"Before this drama, he also played a poor person in Gangnam Blues. but still in that film and this drama, he still looks like a chaebol boy who was kicked out by his parents and lives in a small apartment."

Fans have expressed amusing reactions to Lee Min-ho's portrayal of a character from a modest background.

"I'm sure he will be the secret son of a very wealthy businessman at the end," one fan wrote.

"Finally he’s not a chaebol, king, famous or just a rich klepto….. lemme tune in," another fan said.

"Shshshshsh Lee min ho. This is his first time finally but What If there will be a plot twist at the end," one other fan said.

While some appreciate the departure from his typical roles, others find it challenging to reconcile his polished appearance with the depiction of a less privileged individual.

"But his face still looks clean like a prince, bro cannot become poor cause himself give aura rich man," one fan noted.

"I haven’t watched this drama but my mom already did and she said, 'Lee Minho is poor in this drama' and I was like 'he finally became a poor character,'" another fan shared.

"My dream to see him playing a character that's broke af finally came true," one other fan remarked.

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When the Stars Gossip: A thrilling start for Netflix’s new romance Sci-Fi drama

The inaugural episode of When the Stars Gossip introduced viewers to Gong Ryong's (Lee Min-ho) life and the circumstances that led him to become a space tourist.

Professionally, Ryong is known as the "birthing king" at MZ Medical Center due to his expertise in delivering babies. The medical center sponsored his participation in a space mission, investing 70 million won to include him.

As the spacecraft G.O.-10 launched, Gong Ryong experienced unease and reflected on his past, contemplating the possibility of death. These flashbacks provided insight into his modest upbringing and the challenges he faced, setting the stage for his character development throughout the series.

During When the Stars Gossip episode 1, Gong Ryong's path crossed with Choi Go-eun, portrayed by Han Ji-eun. Their initial encounter was marked by a car accident, where Go-eun, the daughter of a wealthy conglomerate family, rear-ended Ryong's car. This incident led to a series of interactions that developed into a romantic relationship.

The episode delved into their evolving relationship, highlighting the stark contrast between Ryong's humble background and Go-eun's affluent upbringing. This dynamic added depth to their interactions, exploring themes of class disparity and personal connection.

The premiere of When the Stars Gossip sets the stage for an engaging series that challenges traditional character archetypes and explores nuanced relationships. Lee Min-ho's portrayal of Gong Ryong offered a fresh perspective, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

When the Stars Gossip is a romantic comedy set aboard a space station, exploring the relationships between space tourists and astronauts. The series combines elements of science fiction and romance, offering a unique narrative that distinguishes it from conventional K-dramas.

The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, with Gong Hyo-jin portraying Eve Kim, the space station's commander, whose interactions with Gong Ryong add complexity to the storyline.

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As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate further development of Ryong's character and his relationships, particularly with Choi Go-eun, as they navigate the complexities of love and identity in the unique setting of a space station.

When the Stars Gossip airs new episodes every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM (KST) on tvN and Netflix.