💫 A Disappointing Finale with a Cosmic Tragedy

tvN's big-budget sci-fi When the Stars Gossip wrapped up its run with a 2.6% viewership rating, marking a quiet exit for what was once a highly anticipated 500 billion KRW ($50M) production.

🌌 A Space Love Story Ends in Loss

In the finale episode, Dr. Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho) and astronaut Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin) become parents in space. Eve discovers her pregnancy while aboard the space station, and Gong rushes to her side.

However, the joy is short-lived. Eve passes away just one day after giving birth, leaving Gong and the station crew to raise their daughter in space until they can return to Earth. The series ends with Gong narrating as he scatters Eve's ashes in space, reflecting on life, death, and the universe as both a grave and a cradle.

📉 From High Expectations to a Disappointing Reality
When the Stars Gossip was promoted as Korea's first space office drama, backed by a stellar team—screenwriter Seo Sook-hyang (Pasta, Jealousy Incarnate) and Gong Hyo-jin. Despite the hype, the execution fell short.

Many viewers found the overly philosophical themes about the value of life difficult to connect with. The melancholic ending, featuring Eve's unexpected death, left audiences feeling unsatisfied and emotionally drained rather than moved.

📊 Ratings Reflect Audience Disinterest

The show started with a 3.3% premiere rating but plummeted to the 1% range by episode 5. It never managed to recover, closing out at 2% in its final episode.

Photo Credit: tvN