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Reviews of Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin’s When the Stars Gossip – Why Are Ratings So Low?
- Nindya Fairuzi
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
When the Stars Gossip, the much-anticipated sci-fi romance drama starring Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Min Ho, was expected to be a hit given its star-studded cast and the impressive 50 billion KRW production budget. However, Reviews of Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin’s When the Stars Gossip reveal a stark contrast to expectations, with the drama’s debut quickly becoming the target of online criticism. Despite its high-profile leads, the show has struggled with consistently low viewer ratings and disappointing feedback from fans and critics alike.
Low Ratings and Discontent
From the very first episode, When the Stars Gossip failed to live up to expectations. The drama opened with a modest rating of 3.324% nationwide, a figure that only slightly increased to 3.883% in the second episode. While the ratings saw a small uptick, the numbers remain low, especially considering the high-profile names attached to the project. The low ratings quickly sparked discussions on various online forums, and netizens didn’t hold back in expressing their disappointment.
One comment that quickly gained attention read: "50 billion KRW and zero impact." Many viewers were shocked that such a high-budget production, with top-tier actors, had failed to capture the audience's attention. Another user remarked: "This is the first time I've seen a Gong Hyo-Jin drama flop." Gong Hyo Jin, known for her solid track record in selecting successful projects, faced a backlash from fans who couldn't understand why she chose to be part of this production. "I don't understand why Lee Minho and Gong Hyo-Jin took this project. Didn't they even read the script for the first and second episodes before accepting it?" was a sentiment echoed by several netizens, questioning the actors' decisions in choosing the drama.
A Strange Mix of Sci-Fi and Slapstick Comedy
One of the primary issues viewers pointed out was the drama’s mismatched tone. When the Stars Gossip attempts to blend sci-fi with slapstick comedy, but this combination hasn't resonated well with the audience. The premise, which centers around a love story set in space, has left many viewers confused, as the show struggles to maintain a coherent direction. The space setting, which initially held potential for exciting storytelling, often feels overshadowed by the over-the-top comedic elements.
The romantic dynamics between the characters have also failed to strike a chord with viewers. Despite the obvious chemistry between Gong Hyo Jin's character, Eve, and Lee Min Ho’s character, Ryong, many fans felt that their relationship lacked depth. The forced inclusion of a love triangle only added to the awkwardness, as it did not seem to serve the narrative in a meaningful way. One viewer shared: "I can't feel any chemistry between the actors. It's just awkward." The introduction of a love triangle involving Ryong, Eve, and another character, Go-Eun, further complicated the romance, leaving viewers questioning where the show was going.
Emotional Cheating and Uncomfortable Plot Choices
The show’s handling of emotional cheating has also been a major point of contention. As Ryong becomes more interested in Eve, his attempts to win her over become increasingly reckless and, at times, uncomfortable. Eve, who is already involved with another person, finds herself caught between her feelings for Ryong and the guilt of emotionally cheating. Many viewers found this plot element to be a significant turn-off, with one commenting: "Emotional cheating is such a turn-off, definitely skipping." The exploration of emotional betrayal, especially in a show that isn’t even fully established, felt jarring to many fans.
Moreover, the show’s pacing and tone made it difficult for audiences to invest in the characters' struggles. The conflict surrounding the spacewalk scene, where Ryong risks his life to save Eve, is presented in a slapstick manner that undercuts the gravity of the situation. "Is it that boring? I had high hopes for this drama, though..." lamented one netizen, highlighting the disappointment that many felt when the show failed to deliver on the suspenseful moments it promised.
A Show with Missed Potential
Despite the overwhelming negativity, some viewers still found aspects of the drama enjoyable, though they seemed to be in the minority. One viewer remarked: "I watched it on Netflix, and I liked it." However, this positive feedback was few and far between, with most fans expressing their frustration over the show’s inconsistent tone and lack of emotional depth.
Ultimately, When the Stars Gossip has been met with mixed reactions. What started as a promising project with a high budget, a stellar cast, and an intriguing premise has turned into a drama that fails to capture the audience’s attention. The blend of sci-fi, romance, and slapstick comedy simply hasn’t resonated with viewers, who expected more from this highly anticipated drama.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with the negative reception, or do you see something enjoyable in the show? Share your thoughts in the comments below—are you a fan of When the Stars Gossip, or do you think it’s better off being forgotten?
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