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The Disappointment of “When the Stars Gossip”: A Dismal Launch for Korea’s First Space Office Drama
Despite extensive marketing and hype, the tvN drama “When the Stars Gossip” has stumbled since its launch, failing to live up to its lofty expectations. Touted as Korea’s inaugural “space office drama, ”the series features a significant budget and an all-star cast, including notable actors like Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Min Ho. However, the show has not resonated with its audience as intended.
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Viewership Rates Plummet
The series premiered to a viewership rate of 3.3%, but this initial interest has rapidly declined, plummeting to under 1%.Interestingly, it managed a brief stint in Netflix’s Top 10 but has since vanished from the list, reflecting its inability to maintain viewer engagement.This disappointing performance has also impacted the stocks of CJ ENM and Studio Dragon.
Criticism of the Narrative and Emotional Depth
The production team has acknowledged the negative feedback regarding the complex storyline and the mixed audience reactions. In response, they even created an explanatory video to address the critiques. Audiences have been particularly vocal about the lack of emotional depth within the narrative, the sudden emotional shifts experienced in the show’s zero-gravity environment, and the portrayal of an unrealistic romance. Many viewers, who are familiar with traditional romantic comedies, are struggling to connect with this unique concept.
The Challenge of Unique Storytelling
While the creators of “When the Stars Gossip” aimed to leverage the unconventional setting of space, the series has yet to establish a compelling emotional arc that resonates with its target viewers. This unfortunate debut marks a significant moment, as it is the first time in four years that a tvN weekend drama has recorded viewership figures below the 1% mark. The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future adds to concerns about whether it can regain traction and connect with its audience.
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