Episode 16 of When the Stars Gossip opens with a shocking reveal. Ryong discovers that he is a father. Eve confirms her pregnancy to the MCC, leaving everyone stunned. She is 12 weeks along and her baby is healthy. She insists on staying in space for the birth. It’s a huge risk. She refuses to give up, but she needs Dong-a’s help.
Tae-hui and the others scramble to understand the situation. They realized Eve’s tests before the space trip didn’t show anything. That raises eyebrows. Scientifically, it feels impossible. The drama asks viewers to suspend disbelief. But the tension is real.
Ryong emerges as the only person capable of helping. The pregnancy in space requires an ob-gyn with zero-gravity experience. Ryong has it. He risks his life to go.
Before leaving, he hands over his wedding funds to his parents. He boards the rocket. Houston officials are furious. They even threaten him with legal action.
Once Ryong arrives, Eve’s condition worsens. She needs a McDonald cerclage. The procedure is delicate and only Ryong can perform it. While working, he recalls warnings about space risks.
Extended exposure could damage him permanently. Blindness, mobility issues, or organ failure could occur. Eve also faces G-force dangers during re-entry.
Ryong convinces Eve to return to Earth. Her blood pressure spikes, forcing a stop at the damaged space station. Despite debris, MCC claims it’s functioning well.
On Earth, Jung Na-mi finds old documents. She realizes Eve is her daughter. But the subplot ends there with no closure. Kang-su proposes to Go-eun.
One week before Eve’s due date, the team prepares the station for birth. Eve’s vitals spike during treadmill exercise. Labor begins. Eventually, we see Eve and Ryong on Earth with a healthy baby.
They named her Byeol. The birth appears smooth, almost too perfect. Eve worries about pelvic injuries. The worry is real. Tragically, Eve dies a day later from complications.
Life and Loss in Space
A year later, MZ Group announces a space fertility clinic. Byeol is alive and well. Her first birthday will be celebrated at the station. Ryong remains in space to care for her.
It has been over a year and a half since they were last on Earth. Zero gravity takes a toll on Ryong. He risks permanent damage to organs, eyes, and muscles. He spreads Eve’s ashes during a spacewalk.
The story jumps forward. Ryong is on Earth, older and in a wheelchair. A woman observes as a little girl approaches him. The drama ends with baby photos and a fade to black.
The finale leaves viewers with many unanswered questions. How did Ryong and Byeol return to Earth? Did he serve prison time? Were there medical consequences for living in zero gravity?
Supporting characters receive little closure. Min-jeong’s subplot ends abruptly. Dong-a never resolves her issues with Eve. Eve’s mother learns the truth but has no meaningful moment.
The narrative feels incomplete. The drama aimed high but stumbled in execution. Many fans expressed disappointment.
Despite the controversy, ratings rose. Nielsen Korea reported 2.5% nationwide for the final episode, up from 1.8%. Earlier episodes reached 3.9%. Online reactions were divided.
Some praised the attempt to explore pregnancy and childbirth in space. Others criticized the tragic ending. Many felt it lacked emotional and narrative payoff.
The series still stood out for its unique concept. It was Korea’s first space-themed romantic drama. The story explored love, life, and parenthood in zero gravity.
Advanced filming techniques helped create realism. Actors moved naturally using special equipment instead of wires. CGI enhanced scenes without overwhelming them.
The spacewalk scene remains visually stunning. Earth, auroras, and the void of space appeared in detail. These moments offered a cinematic experience rarely seen on Korean TV.
Should You Watch It?
The cast delivered strong performances. Lee Min-ho played Ryong as awkward but determined. Gong Hyo-jin brought depth to Eve’s character. Supporting actors added complexity. Their roles between Earth and space made the story richer.
Even with flaws, When The Stars Gossip sparked conversation. It attempted something unusual. The final episode may have disappointed many. Yet, it left a mark on Korean drama history. The drama’s ambition and visual achievements remain noteworthy, even if the story did not fully satisfy viewers.
Should you watch ‘When The Stars Gossip’? For K-drama fans craving a unique concept and cinematic visuals, it’s a must-see. The performances are top-tier, and the central love story is compelling.
However, viewers who require tight, satisfying plotting for all characters may find the finale frustrating. Its true legacy lies not in its perfect execution, but in its bold attempt to push the boundaries of the genre.
Despite its shortcomings, it provides an unusual storyline and a perspective on love and sacrifice that is rarely explored. Fans can reflect on its bold choices, stunning visuals, and emotional stakes while acknowledging its many unanswered questions.
Did Eve surviving in space change how you felt about the finale?
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
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.
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