After numerous criticisms regarding its plot holes, the drama When The Stars Gossip continues to face backlash despite the latest developments, especially with the main leads Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin facing a “steamy” scene. This scene has led to even more scrutiny of the series.
In the latest episode, Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin portrayed characters trapped in a space station, struggling to survive in a freezing environment. They must protect themselves and each other, creating a tense atmosphere as they share warmth amidst the dire circumstances. Ultimately, the scene, set against the vastness of space, is heightened by the haunting music that plays, making the intimate moments between the two leads even more poignant.


Following the airing of this bold scene, social media exploded, with articles on the topic rising to the top of Naver’s trending list in South Korea. However, instead of praising the chemistry of the lead actors, fans expressed their discontent. Viewers questioned why such a steamy scene was set against a backdrop of space, leading to discussions about the lead characters’ emotional connection.
Sites like Koreaboo reported a flurry of comments from viewers, many of whom criticized the show’s team for “throwing away the script” in favor of intense situations that felt forced and disconnected. The audience felt that the storyline lacked coherence and that the steamy moments seemed out of place amidst the dramatic setting.
Viewer comments:
– What was that? If the budget was 50% for the cast, why did they use 49% for the cast and only 1% for the script?
– The scene’s intensity outside of space felt out of place in terms of acting, visuals, and sound, it all felt disjointed.
– The emotional connection fell flat…
– Frankly, the team seems too focused on the audience’s reactions, rather than establishing a genuine connection between the characters in this space scenario.
– The steamy scene feels historically out of place.
– Everything felt forced, even the music in this scene didn’t add any depth; I found myself continuously distracted while watching.
– The two actors should have spoken up about the depiction of this scene.

Despite the controversy surrounding the steamy scenes, When The Stars Gossip saw its ratings continue to slide, hitting a low of 1.8% this week. For a long time, the weekend slot for tvN has been dominated by this drama, but it now finds itself in a precarious position. This series had previously held the top spot in ratings across the country, but the downward trend in viewership is concerning.
The plot of When The Stars Gossip focuses on the unique space journey of Dr. Gong Ryong, who is set to become a parent through artificial means while also helping his comrade recover from infertility. From the outset, the narrative has left audiences confused, as it struggles to convey emotional depth and connection.

Image Source: tvN