Introduction

Despite an impressive production budget of over ₩50.0 billion KRW (approximately $34.1 million USD), tvN's K-drama *When The Stars Gossip* is facing a significant downturn in viewership ratings, with recent episodes rating in the disappointing 2% range. Initially, the show premiered with a 3.3% rating, followed by a slight increase to 3.9% for its second episode, only to plummet dramatically in episodes three and four.

Competitive Landscape

In stark contrast, competitors like SBS’s *Love Scout* debuted with a solid 5.2% and quickly climbed to 10% within just a few episodes. Meanwhile, JTBC’s *The Tale of Lady Ok* also managed to maintain a stable performance with ratings reaching the 10% mark. Historically, *Queen of Tears* began with a 5.9% viewership and concluded its run with a remarkable 24.9%, raising further concerns for *When The Stars Gossip* with its weak performance trajectory.

Reasons for Poor Reception

In an unfavorable review, Newsen highlighted three main reasons for the K-drama’s lackluster reception: an overly niche genre, excessively high viewer expectations, and an inappropriate and random inclusion of sexual content. Initially marketed as Korea’s 'first-ever zero-gravity space station K-Drama,' the ambitious concept seemed promising, but ultimately fell short as it failed to connect with audiences.

Complex Narrative Issues

While the production team aimed to deviate from typical melodramas and propose an innovative mix of sci-fi, romantic comedy, and workspace drama, such creativity did not resonate as intended. The show’s attempt to break clichés has raised a fundamental question: What is the point of innovation if it doesn't engage viewers?

High Expectations vs. Reality

The extensive budget raised high expectations for intricate sets, advanced CGI, and VFX technology, estimated to cost at least ₩10.0 billion KRW (roughly $6.82 million USD). However, as the saying goes, “with great expectations come great disappointment.” Viewers have expressed discontent not only with the narrative but also with the excessive integration of unnecessary sexual situations which disrupt the storyline.

Viewer Discontent

From the onset, awkwardly placed sex scenes involving main characters Lee Min Ho and Han Ji Eun, alongside Gong Hyo Jin and Kim Soo Heon, have drawn ire. A particularly bizarre scene featuring fruit flies mating alongside random discussions of sperm shapes further alienated viewers. Fans are left asking where the trademark romantic comedy skills of scriptwriter Seo Sook Hyang—known for *Pasta* and *Don’t Dare to Dream (Jealousy Incarnate)*—have vanished.

Impact on Company Reputation

Amid this turmoil, the show’s slipping ratings have reportedly taken a toll on CJ ENM’s stock prices, putting the company’s reputation as a key player in entertainment at risk. As competition mounts from platforms like Netflix, the pressure is on CJ ENM to reassess its strategies for original content production if they wish to regain their footing in the industry.

Conclusion

Could this be the downfall of yet another highly anticipated K-drama? Only time will tell if *When The Stars Gossip* can turn its fate around or if it'll be relegated to the annals of forgettable television history. Stay tuned!