No one could have predicted it would somehow get even worse… tvN’s weekend K-Drama When the Stars Gossip — starring top actors Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin — has continued its trend of reaching shocking milestones, as its ratings have dropped into the 1% range.
According to Nielsen Korea, the episode that aired on January 18 recorded a nationwide rating of just 1.8%, marking a dramatic 1.0 percentage point drop from the previous episode, which had 2.8%. The series premiered on January 4 with a 3.3% rating, but it has been on a consistent downward trend since then.
When the Stars Gossip tells the story of Eve, a commander stationed at a zero-gravity space station, and Gong Ryong, an unexpected tourist on a secret mission. The show explores their intertwined lives and challenges in a setting beyond Earth. With a production budget of ₩50.0 billion KRW (about $ 34.3 million USD), and five years of meticulous preparation, the project was expected to be a groundbreaking addition to Korean television.
ryong confronted his fiancé about his feelings and the engagement, and eve found out about her partner’s affair. Glad that a clear line was drawn btwn each person and their partner before starting this relationship.#WhenTheStarsGossipEp5#WhenTheStarsGossip pic.twitter.com/PAqI9LYBCy
— Reem 🕊️ (@__kdramaland) January 18, 2025
The cast includes Hallyu star Lee Min Ho and acclaimed actress Gong Hyo Jin, whose casting as a couple drew significant attention even before the K-Drama aired. However, despite the impressive team and concept, the series has failed to capture the audience’s interest, leaving many surprised by its sharp decline in ratings.
#LeeMinHo as #GongRyong is really another level of cuteness. like LMH said GR is different from his prev roles. the most clumsy, dorkiest, and the babiest one🥰🥰 #WhenTheStarsGossipEp5 pic.twitter.com/6Iaym0NPAf
— 💫 (@kdramasfangirl) January 18, 2025
Idk how Eve will process these kinds of betrayals:
– Ryong ruined their starting friendship with love confession.
– Dong-a’s having an affair with her close friend and colleague
– Kangsu got caught from doing illegal experiments. #WhenTheStarsGossip#WhenTheStarsGossipEp5 pic.twitter.com/9uYxwssXO8— Seo Jin (@drama_stantwt) January 18, 2025
The show’s struggles have sparked discussions among fans and critics, with many questioning how a production of this scale could falter so drastically.
50 Billion Won K-Drama Shockingly Flops In Viewership Ratings
You can read the article below for more information on When the Stars Gossip’s low ratings and the possible reasons why it’s flopping in numbers.
Lee Min Ho And Gong Hyo Jin’s New K-Drama Plummets In Viewership Rating—Why?
Source: EDaily
