Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin's Explosive Chemistry Coming Soon : tvN's New ₩50 Billion Blockbuster! (When the Stars Gossip)

tvN's Highly Anticipated New Weekend Drama 'When the Stars Gossip' Premieres on January 4!(KST)

tvN’s upcoming weekend drama 'When the Stars Gossip' (written by Seo Sook-hyang, directed by Park Shin-woo) is set to premiere tomorrow, generating buzz for its groundbreaking concept. With a reported production budget of ₩50 billion, this series marks Korea’s first-ever space office drama, setting it apart as a fresh and ambitious addition to the small screen.

A New Frontier: Korea’s First Space Office Drama

The story unfolds aboard a zero-gravity space station, focusing on the dynamic relationship between boss Eve (Gong Hyo-jin) and the uninvited guest Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho). As they navigate the challenges of a foreign environment, their clashes, collaborations, and unexpected chemistry drive the heart of the narrative.

Lee Min-ho stars as Gong Ryong, a wealthy heir and prospective son-in-law of a major conglomerate. Undercover for a classified mission, he joins the space station as a space tourist. Gong Hyo-jin plays Eve, the commanding leader of the station, who is tasked with ensuring the crew's safety with her charismatic authority.

The drama is further elevated by a talented supporting cast, including Oh Jung-se, Han Ji-eun, Kim Joo-hun, and Lee El. Oh Jung-se, in particular, takes on the comedic yet poignant role of Kang Kang-soo, a fly researcher and a member of a powerful corporate family, promising both humor and depth.

Set in the unique environment of the ILS (International Lunar Station), the series offers a variety of episodes exploring life in microgravity, delivering a blend of humor and intrigue.

Key elements include the fictional International Orbital Union (IOU), which oversees space missions, and the Mission Control Center (MCC) on Earth, responsible for supporting astronauts and ensuring their safe return.

Director Park Shin-woo explained the choice of a space setting, stating, “I wanted to explore how Earth’s norms and ethics might change in a zero-gravity environment.” This concept goes beyond mere entertainment, adding a layer of thought-provoking depth to the narrative.

Gong Hyo-jin described the project as “a groundbreaking challenge contributing to diversity” and promised viewers an experience beyond their imagination.

Even before its release, 'When the Stars Gossip' has been making waves on social media and ranking high in pre-broadcast anticipation. Short-form zero-gravity clips have garnered over 15 million views on Instagram, showcasing the global appeal of K-content.

According to Good Data Corporation, the drama ranked seventh among TV and OTT drama buzz rankings despite not having aired yet, solidifying its position as a must-watch title.

'When the Stars Gossip' will premiere on January 4 at 9:20 PM KST. The 16-episode series will be available on TVING and Netflix, promising to captivate viewers with its extraordinary storytelling. As one of tvN’s most anticipated dramas for the first half of 2025, 'When the Stars Gossip' invites audiences to embark on a thrilling journey into the unknown. What surprises await in this uncharted territory of space? All eyes are on the show’s premiere to find out.