Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin’s ‘When The Stars Gossip’ Sinks to Last Place in Ratings

South Korean drama “When The Stars Gossip” premiered on January 4 with high expectations. However, as the show approaches the midpoint of its run, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something is amiss.

It is Korea’s first space romance drama and starred Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, who returned to TV screens after a long time. Therefore, expectations were sky-high and fans were predicting it to be a hit.

Produced with a budget of 50 billion won, this cosmic romance drama has failed to capture audiences. It has been struggling to find its footing in the ratings since its premiere. 

The tvN Saturday-Sunday drama “When The Stars Gossip” starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin has once again dipped below the 2% mark. Its 7th episode, which premiered on January 25, recorded a modest 1.8% viewership rating nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea’s latest data.

The viewership rating dropped 1.1 percentage points to 1.8%, compared to the 2.9% rating of its previous episode. This latest rating ties the show’s lowest viewership record to date. It fell to last place in the drama ratings for the day.

“When The Stars Gossip” premiered on January 4 with a promising 3.3% viewership rating, but has since struggled to maintain momentum. The subsequent episodes recorded a steady decline in ratings: 

• Episode 2 – 3.9%
• Episode 3 – 2.2%
• Episode 4 –  2.8%
• Episode 5 – 1.8%
• Episode 6 –  2.9% 
• Episode 7 –  1.8%

KBS 2TV’s “The Iron Family” ended with a strong 18.3% rating, topping the weekend drama charts. SBS’s “Love Scout” came in second with 10.9%, followed by JTBC’s “The Tale of Lady Ok” with 10.2%. Channel A’s “Check-in Hanyang” trailed behind with 2.262%. Additionally, MBC’s “Motel California” secured a 3.4% rating nationwide.

“When The Stars Gossip”, a big-budget drama starring Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Min Ho, has faced intense criticism for its unusual space setting, unconventional direction, and complicated dialogue.

Despite its hefty 50 billion won budget production and strong cast, the show has struggled to win over audiences.