“The epitome of old-fashioned”— Lee Min-ho’s Netflix series 'When the Stars Gossip' sparks backlash over alleged misogynistic themes

Netflix's latest K-drama, When The Stars Gossip, premiered globally on January 4, 2024, featuring 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. The series has quickly become a topic of heated discussion due to certain dialogues delivered by Lee Min-ho's character, which some viewers have labeled as misogynistic.

In When The Stars Gossip, Lee Min-ho portrays Gong Ryong, an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) who embarks on a mission to a space station. His character's backstory reveals a unique upbringing, having been raised by a group of women working in a pub.

This unconventional childhood significantly influences his perspectives and professional choices, leading him to specialize in women's health. The controversy across the Korean online forum, TheQoo, centered around a monologue in the first episode, where Gong Ryong reflects on his upbringing and career choice:

"Going to classes and getting full marks for SATs, going to med school and seeing women’s uteruses every day, receiving babies daily. The auntie’s uterus was like alcohol, but also comforting. They were warm, and even if they were all wrinkled from smoking, the aunties’ breasts were very big and safe."

However, at 22:45 of episode 1, Lee Min-ho's monologue was entirely different from what the netizen posted on TheQoo. The original dialogue is:

"Everyone says that I'm lying but I can recall the ten months I was in my mother's womb, and when I was born. My mother's womb was like a living jar but comfortable. The hospital room was shabby but warm. Even though they reeked of cigarettes, I felt completely safe in my aunties' arms." (translated from Netflix's subtitles).

Some Korean netizens argued that such language objectifies women and perpetuates outdated stereotypes. Online platforms like TheQoo have been rife with negative reactions. One fan wrote:

"It's the epitome of old-fashioned sentimentality."

One netizen reacted to the controversy. (Image via TheQoo)

Korean netizens discussed on TheQoo regarding the alleged misogynistic dialogues from When The Stars Gossip episode 1.

"It's not even 2010s, it's more like early 2000s. It's so childish and outdated that I gave up after watching the first episode." one fan wrote on TheQoo.

"There is also a line where Lee Min-ho asks his aunts to bring him money in front of a bar, knowing that they go out to bars and earn money. He also asks them to pay if they drink with a woman. It seems strange to see how he thinks about women and writes about them." another fan wrote on TheQoo.

"Actually, I also felt a bit bad after hearing the lines, but it turns out I wasn't the only one," one other fan added.

However, the global audience came in defense of Lee Min-ho and wrote on X. Fans highlighted how Lee Min-ho's monologue in the ongoing series When The Stars Gossip was "refreshing." Some even criticized Korean netizens for finding faults when the "show is a comedy and none of the dialogues were offensive."

"misogynistic? lee min ho's drama? wow-" one fan said.

"There’s a limit to being jobless in South Korea. The show is a comedy and none of the dialogues were offensive. K-netz gotta find a better hobby other than dragging good people/shows. Get a life, man!" another fan wrote.

"#LeeMinho as Dr Gong Ryong introduction was really cute. It was so refreshing to see him in this new form, totally loving it," one other fan commented.

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From Earth to space: When The Stars Gossip episodes 1 & 2 explore character ties and mysterious motives

The ongoing series, When The Stars Gossip, opens with an introduction to Gong Ryong's early life, emphasizing his relationships with the women who raised him. Their influence is portrayed as a driving force behind his decision to become an OB-GYN.

The episode also sets the stage for his journey to the space station, where he is to collaborate with Commander Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. Their initial interactions are marked by tension, hinting at the complexities of their forthcoming relationship.

In the second episode, Gong Ryong and Commander Eve Kim arrive at the space station, where they are to spend a year researching Alzheimer's disease and infertility. The confined environment amplifies interpersonal dynamics among the crew, leading to suspicions about Ryong's true intentions.

Tensions rise as his actions deviate from standard procedures, culminating in a suspenseful cliffhanger where an unexpected system malfunction puts the entire crew at risk.

While When The Stars Gossip garnered attention for its unique storyline and stellar cast, the controversy surrounding certain dialogues underscores the challenges of balancing character development with contemporary sensibilities.

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When The Stars Gossip episodes 3 and 4 will be aired on January 11 and 12, 2025, on tvN and Netflix.