Lee Min-ho Expresses Joy in Meeting Gong Hyo-jin Late: “Just Being Together Is Happiness”

Press Conference for tvN’s Latest Drama “When the Stars Gossip”

On December 18, a press conference took place for the highly anticipated tvN drama “When the Stars Gossip” at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Sindorim, Guro-gu, Seoul. Notable attendees included director Park Shin-woo along with the leading actors Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Oh Jung-se, and Han Ji-eun.

A Unique Concept: Life Beyond Our Planet

This gripping drama explores life outside of Earth, centering around Eve—played by Gong Hyo-jin—who runs a zero-gravity space station. The plot thickens with the arrival of Gong Ryong (portrayed by Lee Min-ho), an unexpected visitor with a hidden agenda.

Anticipation Surrounding Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin’s Collaboration

The on-screen pairing of Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin has generated significant buzz ahead of the drama’s release. Lee Min-ho expressed his excitement about collaborating with Gong, stating, “It feels like we met later than we should have. Working with her has been an incredible experience, where we could truly connect and perform together in a setting devoid of air.”

He emphasized the crucial role of the director and crew, noting, “The unique situations we encountered on set pushed our boundaries. Having an emotionally supportive partner like Gong Hyo-jin was invaluable. Her warmth and respect made it easy for me to exceed my own expectations during performances, and I felt truly happy.”

Insights from Gong Hyo-jin

Sharing her perspective, Gong Hyo-jin described Lee Min-ho as someone who is not only approachable but thoughtful. “I initially thought he was reserved, similar to his characters,” she remarked. “However, he is someone who reflects deeply on his work, often staying up late to contemplate it.” She added, “This introspective nature helped me view scenes through previously unconsidered lenses, igniting my curiosity.”

Gong further elaborated on their filming dynamics, recounting a particularly grueling three-person scene involving herself, Lee Min-ho, and foreign actor Alex. “We dedicated months to perfecting those moments, expressing our eagerness for Oh Jung-se to join us. Filming in zero-gravity was challenging; I often found myself questioning my technique,” she explained.

Reflecting on their collaborative efforts, she stated, “Morning meetings with Lee Min-ho and the director became a staple. These discussions felt like tackling an insurmountable challenge, yet they fostered a strong bond between us. The foundation we laid would later assist new cast members, as I often found myself sharing insights.” She humorously concluded, “While we developed a great camaraderie, to me, Lee Min-ho also felt like an adorable younger brother who got some gentle nagging from me.”