The ratings have dropped compared to its premiere…
Koreaboo
The highly anticipated tvN weekend drama When the stars gossip premiered on January 4 with a nationwide viewership rating of 3.3%, second Nielsen Korea. However, ratings soon dropped into the 2% range, a surprising drop given the scale of the production.
This range is particularly disappointing when compared to its predecessor, Love your enemywhich started at 3.5% and rose to 6.5% in the second episode, maintaining strong ratings throughout its run.
Currently the competition series have also surpassed When the stars gossip. MBC‘S MotelCalifornia debuted at 4.5%, while SBS‘S Love Scouts it rose to 11.3% in four episodes. JTBC‘S The story of Lady Ok reached a peak of 11.1%, demonstrating strong interest from viewers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVFBKIcoeJk
What makes this even more shocking is the production of the show. The K-Drama took five years to prepare, with a staggering figure of KRW 50.0 billion (about US$34.1 million) – a scale rarely seen in television productions. Featuring a unique space station background, When the stars gossip was made by the acclaimed screenwriter Seo Sook Hyang (Pasta, Jealousy incarnate) and director Park Shin Woo (It’s okay to not be okay, Love in the city). The cast includes Gong Hyo Jina trusted name in the industry, and Lee Min Hoa major Hallyu star, raising expectations for the series.
the cinematography of #WhenTheStelleGossip it’s crazy ✨ pic.twitter.com/i2Rl2AB7Lz
– T. 이민호♡ when stars gossip (@amorelmh) January 11, 2025
without hesitation he saved Eve even at the cost of sacrificing his life 😭
if this isn’t love then I don’t know anymore 🩷#WhenTheStelleGossip#WhenTheStarsGossipEp4 pic.twitter.com/AcjNZXEneQ
– opportunity; ⬠ 🍉 (@rndvsh) January 12, 2025
Despite this promising foundation, the show has struggled to gain traction in Korea.
With 12 episodes remaining, luckily there’s still room for the show to revive. While reception has been mixed, some viewers remain intrigued by its new space setting and strong performances. If When the stars gossip It remains to be seen whether he can redeem himself.
