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Han Ji-eun’s Reaction: It’s Inevitable
Actress Han Ji-eun, who played Choi Go-eun in “When The Stars Gossip”, recently had an interview following the ending of the K-drama. Here, when asked if she could justify the drama’s enormous budget, the actress responded, “The set was carefully built piece by piece, but a lot had to be filled in with CGI, which naturally increased costs. Since my character stayed on Earth and didn’t go to space, I personally didn’t feel the scale of the ₩50 billion production. But I will say, the MZ Group set was really big and well-made.”
Meanwhile, regarding the harsh criticism surrounding the finale, Han Ji-eun admitted, “Eve Kim’s ending was upsetting. Personally, I found it tragic, and as Choi Go-eun, it was painful to witness. But given the story, it seemed inevitable. As for my character’s open-ended relationship with Kang Kang-su (Oh Jung-se), it leaves room for imagination.”
Additionally, despite the negative reception, Han Ji-eun remains fond of the project, asking viewers to approaching it with an open mind and adding, “Regardless of the outcome, it was a work we put our hearts into. I knew there were aspects that might feel unfamiliar to viewers, but with platforms like Netflix and TVING, I hope people will rediscover it in the future.”
On the other hand, previously on February 23, “When The Stars Gossip” aired its final episode, delivering a shocking twist that has since been met with widespread backlash.
The following content contains spoilers.
A Heartbreaking Finale That Left Fans in Disbelief
The storyline took an unexpectedly dark turn when Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin) sacrificed her life to give birth aboard a space station. Unbeknownst to Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho), she concealed a critical childbirth complication, a fractured pelvis, ultimately leading to her untimely death within 24 hours of delivering their baby.
To make matters more tragic, the drama’s epilogue revealed that Lee Min-ho’s character remained in space for over 19 months, an unprecedented duration for any astronaut, due to the child’s fragile medical condition. Born in zero gravity, the baby suffered from severe developmental issues, including complications with heart function and bone density, requiring extensive care within a specialized space fertility center.
From Romance to Tragedy: Fans Feel Betrayed
Initially marketed as a heartwarming love story set against the backdrop of space exploration, “When The Stars Gossip” won over audiences with its unique premise. However, the dramatic tonal shift in the final episode left many viewers feeling betrayed. What was once a promising sci-fi romance quickly turned into what fans are now calling an unnecessary and senseless tragedy.
Online discussions have exploded with criticism, with fans taking to social media to voice their frustration:
- When I catch WTSG writers.. What in the romance comedy is this?
- The last episode was just ridiculous! The pacing was all over the place, and the writing made no sense. The only good thing was the baby.
- Worst K-Drama ending ever… What were the writers thinking?
- What the heck did I just watch?
- This was supposed to be a love story, not a tragedy. I feel so betrayed.
Many argue that the finale contradicted the essence of the show, turning a romantic and adventurous narrative into an emotionally draining experience. Instead of providing a satisfying conclusion, it left fans questioning the creative choices made by the production team.
As the discussion continues, one thing is clear: “When The Stars Gossip” will be remembered not for its ambitious concept but for its polarizing finale, which turned an anticipated love story into one of the most debated K-Drama endings of the year.
