A $37 Million Budget, but Viewers Are Baffled by Random Bed Scene in K-Drama

tvN’s big-budget drama When The Stars Gossip is under fire following a controversial bed scene involving Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin, which many viewers claim disrupted the show’s immersion and felt out of place.

The scene aired during Episode 8 on January 26, where the characters Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho) and Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin) find themselves in a life-or-death situation aboard a space station following a collision with space debris. As Eve searches for Gong Ryong, she suddenly accepts his romantic proposal. Sharing a tent together, Eve seductively suggests, “It’s warmer without clothes,” leading Gong Ryong to respond, “Let’s do what I couldn’t before I die,” culminating in an unexpected bed scene.

Viewers were quick to express confusion and disappointment, criticizing the scene as abrupt and damaging to the plot’s flow. Many questioned how a romantic encounter could emerge during such a high-stakes, life-threatening scenario, causing a break in immersion.

This isn’t the first time When The Stars Gossip has been criticized for its use of provocative content. Previous episodes have faced backlash for frequent mentions of sex, sperm, and pregnancy, along with multiple bed scenes, which many argue detract from the main story.

The overall direction and production choices, including lighting and pacing, have also drawn negative feedback. Some viewers claim the visual elements make it difficult to stay immersed in the storyline.

Billed as a high-budget production with over ₩50 billion (approximately $37 million) invested, When The Stars Gossip initially generated massive excitement. Fans had high expectations for its luxurious production quality and compelling storytelling. However, despite its star-studded cast—featuring top-tier actors Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho—the series has struggled to capture audiences, with viewership ratings hovering around the 1-2% range.

Disappointed viewers voiced their frustration online, saying, “It’s like they burned ₩500 billion along with the script,” “How is this not exciting with Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho?” “I can’t even follow what’s happening,” and “The random bed scene during a life-or-death moment was just too much.” Others criticized the production itself, stating, “The plot is one thing, but the overall direction and lighting are a huge problem.”

Despite the backlash, some viewers remain hopeful for the show’s second half. Positive comments included, “It’s getting better as it goes,” “I didn’t see the appeal at first, but it’s growing on me,” and “I’m looking forward to the next episode.”

As When The Stars Gossip moves toward its conclusion, it remains to be seen whether it can overcome its early struggles and deliver a satisfying finish.