tvN’s weekend drama When the Stars Gossip Episode 16 wrapped up on the 23rd. Written by Seo Sook-hyang and directed by Park Shin-woo, Kim Jin-seong, and Oh Seung-yeol, the drama had high expectations. With a massive production budget of 50 billion won, viewers anticipated something extraordinary. However, the final episode left many with mixed feelings.
The biggest shock came with Eve Kim’s (Gong Hyo-jin) unexpected fate. She was supposed to give birth safely in space, but things took a tragic turn. Despite the crew’s best efforts, Eve did not survive. Ryong (Lee Min-ho) delivered a heartbreaking farewell: “Eve. Space became her grave and her womb. Goodbye, Eve. See you again.”
Many fans were left disappointed. Some felt the ending was too abrupt. Others questioned if a sad conclusion was really necessary. While the show attempted to highlight the miracle of life, some viewers believed it failed to deliver on that theme.
Viewer Ratings and Audience Reactions
Despite the controversy, the final episode did see a rise in ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the last episode recorded a nationwide rating of 2.5%, up from the previous 1.8%. The highest rating for the series was 3.9%, achieved in earlier episodes.
Online discussions were filled with strong opinions. Some praised the show’s attempt to explore pregnancy and childbirth in space. Others criticized the decision to end on a sorrowful note. Many expressed frustration, saying the story could have concluded in a more meaningful way.
A Unique Concept with Advanced Filming Techniques
When the Stars Gossip stood out as Korea’s first space-themed romantic drama. The story followed Ryong and Eve Kim as they navigated life, love, and parenthood in a zero-gravity environment. The production team took an innovative approach to bring realism to the scenes.
To recreate the weightlessness of space, the team used advanced equipment instead of traditional wirework. This allowed for more natural movement, making the space station setting feel more authentic. Digital effects were also used to blend live-action performances with CGI, ensuring a seamless look.
One of the most visually stunning moments was the spacewalk scene. The vastness of space, Earth’s beauty, and the aurora were all depicted in breathtaking detail. These elements added a fresh cinematic experience for viewers.
Strong Performances from the Cast
The actors played a crucial role in bringing this ambitious project to life. Lee Min-ho portrayed Ryong as a man adjusting to space, capturing his awkward yet determined personality. Gong Hyo-jin delivered a powerful performance as Eve Kim, a perfectionist who slowly opened up to love and change.
Supporting actors, including Oh Jung-se, Han Ji-eun, Kim Joo-heon, and Lee El, contributed to the drama’s depth. Their interactions between Earth and space added complexity to the story. Each character had their own challenges, making the drama more engaging.
While the ending left many divided When the Stars Gossip will be remembered for its bold storytelling. The drama took on an unusual setting, introduced new filming techniques, and challenged traditional storytelling. It may not have satisfied everyone, but it certainly sparked conversations.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
