Gong Hyo-jin is making her long-awaited comeback to television after six years. Known fondly as “Gongbly” by her fans, she’s stepping back into the spotlight with her signature charm, proving that age and life change only add to her appeal. Even after her marriage in 2022, she remains as radiant and captivating as ever.
Her return comes with the upcoming tvN drama When the Stars Gossip, set to premiere on January 4 next year. The series promises a unique love story set in space, blending romance with an exciting new concept. Gong Hyo-jin takes on the role of Eve Kim, a commanding officer in a zero-gravity space station, who crosses paths with Dinosaur, played by Lee Min-ho. His character arrives on a secret mission, and their journey together forms the heart of the story.
A Collaboration with a Trusted Screenwriter
The drama is written by Seo Sook-hyang, who has previously worked with Gong Hyo-jin on beloved series like Pasta and Jealousy Incarnate. This pairing has fans eager to see how their combined creativity will bring the characters and story to life. Gong Hyo-jin praised the writer’s vision, sharing that this role felt fresh and unlike anything she had done before.
At a press conference held in Seoul on December 18, Gong shared her thoughts on the project’s unique challenges. “We filmed for an entire year,” she said, acknowledging the long production process. “I’m glad it’s finally being released after just a few years.”
Balancing Marriage and Filming
Gong Hyo-jin tied the knot with musician Kevin Oh in 2022, while in the middle of filming the drama. Despite her busy schedule, she made time for her wedding with the full support of her team. She shared, “I couldn’t delay the wedding because the drama would take a long time to air. The team was so understanding, and I took exactly 10 days off for the wedding. When I returned, everyone congratulated me warmly. It made me so happy.”
Working on a romantic comedy right after her marriage added a special touch to the project. She expressed her excitement about working with Lee Min-ho, calling it a memorable first project as a newlywed.
Playing a Unique Role in a Unique Setting
In When the Stars Gossip, Gong takes on a bold new role as the leader of a space station. Her character, Eve Kim, is responsible for managing the operations and the people aboard the station. This leadership role offered Gong a chance to explore new dimensions in her acting career.
Describing her character, Gong shared, “The writer told me, ‘You’re the leader this time.’ I was surprised and excited. Eve is someone who seems reserved but is deeply passionate and caring underneath. She respects life in every form, and that’s what makes her so special.”
By combining a talented cast, a trusted writer, and a story set in an unconventional backdrop, When the Stars Gossip promises to bring something fresh to viewers. Fans are eager to see Gong Hyo-jin reclaim her title as the queen of romantic comedies. January 4 can’t come soon enough for K-drama lovers everywhere.
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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.
