Actor Lee Min-ho stars as Gongryong in the big-budget, space-themed romantic drama, "When the Stars Gossip." Courtesy of tvN

The high-budget drama "When The Stars Gossip," produced with a budget of 50 billion won ($38 million), continues to deliver underwhelming results.

Despite its dazzling visuals and the star power of top actors Kong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho, the series faced criticism for its direction and script, falling short of the high expectations placed on it.

Premiering on Jan. 4, the drama centers on Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin), a commander managing life aboard a zero-gravity space station, and Gongryong (Lee Min-ho), an obstetrician-gynecologist on a secret mission.

The story explores the lives of astronauts and their connections to Earth, featuring a supporting cast that includes a billionaire heiress, Gongryong's girlfriend Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), and a rich scientist, Kang Kang-su (Oh Jung-se).

Despite its unique setting, the drama has struggled to resonate with audiences. While "When the Stars Gossip" aimed to stand out as Korea's first space-set drama, its ambitious backdrop appears to have eclipsed the depth of its narrative.

Actor Kong Hyo-jin plays Eve Kim, the station's determined commander, in the drama, "When the Stars Gossip." Courtesy of tvN

Critics note that while the zero-gravity visuals and space station scenes offer aesthetic appeal, the story lacks the emotional pull that has defined successful Korean romance dramas globally.

Awkward romantic elements, such as scenes involving flies mating, have been criticized as unrelatable and far from charming.

The main characters' backstories and romantic dynamics have also drawn skepticism. Both protagonists are shown to have romantic partners back on Earth, creating a moral ambiguity that detracts from the romance's appeal.

In particular, Gongryong is portrayed as a former obstetrician with a clumsy and awkward personality. His backstory, built around delivering countless babies and developing a unique sense of duty, is presented in a manner that feels neither polished nor compelling, often bordering on absurdity.

For instance, his emergency surgery on a mouse experiencing a heart attack is framed as an act of self-projection rather than genuine heroism, failing to evoke the charm or excitement typical of male leads in dramas.

Moreover, his reckless act of causing a fire inside the space station while trying to recover stolen eggs and sperm undermines the character's credibility. The protagonist's inability to grasp the potential danger of a small fire escalating into a catastrophic explosion makes him less appealing.

Additionally, the excessive use of terms like "mating" and "sexual activity" detracts from the romantic comedy genre's sense of excitement and charm, further diminishing the story's impact.

The drama's ratings reflect its struggle to captivate audiences. According to Nielsen Korea, the recent Saturday episode recorded a nationwide rating of 1.8 percent, down from 2.8 percent in the previous episode. Although the Sunday episode saw a slight rebound to 2.9 percent, the show remains unable to break past the 3 percent threshold.

The poster for "When the Stars Gossip" / Courtesy of Netflix

Concerns have lingered over whether science fiction works set in space, which have historically struggled to captivate local audiences, could succeed.

Addressing this during the drama's production press conference, director Park Shin-woo shared his thoughts, saying, "If we let the potential performance of a concept dictate our choices, there wouldn't be many stories to tell. As long as there are elements that I, my team, and others can enjoy, that's enough. Of course, I'm worried, but since I love what I'm doing, I've approached this project with a joyful mindset."

The sci-fi production values in the drama stand out as a major highlight. The detailed visuals of space and the station, along with the meticulous portrayal of zero-gravity effects, reflect the immense effort poured into the project.

It's evident that the cast and crew dedicated significant time and energy to perfecting these elements, earning well-deserved recognition for their hard work.

However, despite its technical achievements, the drama falters with disjointed storytelling and outdated or awkward dialogue, ultimately undermining its overall appeal.

Netizens have shared mixed opinions, saying, "The concept is fresh, but it lacks coherence," "The casting appears to be the problem," and "The pacing is frustrating."

Planned as a 16-episode series, "When The Stars Gossip" has over half its episodes remaining, leaving room to halt its decline and deliver on its promise of a groundbreaking space romance.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.