Actress Gong Hyo-jin has offered an honest and emotional behind-the-scenes look at her experience filming the ambitious space-themed drama When the Stars Gossip, which wrapped up this past February.
In a video titled “It’s a Bit Late, But There’s Something I’ve Been Wanting to Say” uploaded on April 20 to her personal YouTube channel “For Now, Gong Hyo-jin,” the star revealed just how demanding the production truly was.
A Physically and Mentally Draining Journey
“Every aspect of filming this drama felt new to me,” Gong confessed, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the show’s outer space setting. “I couldn’t believe how far pre-production could go. Some parts needed almost two years of post-production work.”
She revealed that 15 out of the drama’s 16 episodes were set in space, meaning she and the cast spent the majority of the shoot simulating zero gravity. “We’d film for 15 hours while suspended on wires, and half of that time was literally spent hanging in midair,” she said. “My blood circulation got so bad at one point that I yelled, ‘Please get me down!’”
Gong, known for her roles in beloved romantic comedies, admitted that even she was stunned by the intensity of the process: “I seriously can’t believe I spent an entire year doing this.”
High Budget, Low Impact
When the Stars Gossip, a 50 billion KRW high-budget tvN drama starring Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho, aimed to deliver a futuristic space romance but fell flat with audiences.
Despite its star power and grand production, the series faced criticism for its confusing plot, awkward CGI, and an early bed scene that felt misplaced. The finale, ending with the female lead’s death after childbirth, was widely panned as emotionally hollow and disconnected from the overall narrative.
A Learning Experience
Despite the criticism, Gong expressed pride in the work behind the scenes. “The actors worked hard, but the staff really endured so much,” she said. “Looking back now that it’s all over, I realize just how hard I worked too.” She added with a laugh, “I doubt anyone will dare to make another space drama for a while.”
While When the Stars Gossip may not have landed as intended, Gong Hyo-jin’s candid storytelling has offered a new appreciation for the challenges actors face when pushing creative boundaries.