When the Stars Gossip is once again facing harsh criticism from viewers over its dialogue and storyline. Despite its massive budget of ₩50.0 billion KRW (about $ 35.0 million USD) and a star-studded production team, the show has been struggling to capture audience interest, as reflected in its declining ratings.
The January 25 episode saw a nationwide viewership rating of just 1.82%, with slightly higher numbers in Seoul at 2.14%. These figures are part of a consistent downward trend for a series that had once promised to be a game-changer with its unique premise of a romantic comedy set in space.
Online communities have been buzzing with discontent, with many viewers expressing disappointment in the show’s writing. Some even went as far as to call certain scenes “dirty,” reflecting frustration over the show’s inability to deliver on its potential.
A post full of criticism in the comments has become a hot topic on popular community site TheQoo, which has already surpassed 40,000 views.
When the stars gossip will have 16 episodes and they already at all-time low ratings. Another proof that hallyu stars isn’t enough for a show to be a hit. https://t.co/Gw3vQ394Wl
— Patch (@patch0519) January 19, 2025
sigh #WhenTheStarsGossip really is a bunch of pro-life, anti-abortion propaganda. just pushing through for the cool space stuff, other than that pic.twitter.com/MBe4OeLpfd
— brandi ✨ (@daysevermore) January 26, 2025
In the latest episode, a specific line by Gong Hyo Jin’s character Eve Kim towards Gong Ryong (played by Lee Min Ho) — made during a scene involving a mouse mating experiment — sparked further backlash for being overly provocative and unnecessary according to Korean viewers.
we all know this is not about mice mating anymore 😭😂#WhenTheStarsGossip#WhenTheStarsGossipEp6 pic.twitter.com/e6Nl0pWJ5t
— chance; ⬠ 🍉 (@rndvsh) January 19, 2025
Boy relax, she’s talking about the mice 🤣🤣🤣🤣#WhenTheStarsGossip #WhenTheStarsGossipEp6 pic.twitter.com/FXHiwDBZ5y
— Sonia ✨ (@drama_living) January 19, 2025
Fans of the actors are voicing their disappointment, noting that the impressive cast deserves far better material to work with.
- “Ugh, this is so dirty..”
- “Seriously, this K-Drama went all the way to space, but every single episode is just about sex, and they spent 50 billion won on this?”
- “The lines are so outdated and cringy, I’m speechless.”
- “What even is this drama?”
- “The dialogue is absolutely the worst.”
Source: TheQoo