Premiere of 'When the Stars Gossip' on January 4

In an event that has the K-drama community buzzing, Lee Min-ho is making a monumental return to television with the highly anticipated space-themed romantic drama, 'When the Stars Gossip,' premiering on January 4! This groundbreaking project from tvN boasts a staggering production budget of 50 billion won and has been five years in the making, aiming to redefine the landscape of Korean dramas by seamlessly intertwining science fiction with deeply emotional human narratives.

Setting and Characters

Set in the confines of an advanced space station, the series delves into the intricate lives of astronauts and the dedicated ground crew supporting them. The drama focuses on the enigmatic Gongryong, played by Lee Min-ho, who arrives with a secret mission, alongside the resolute commander Eve Kim, portrayed by Kong Hyo-jin. The plot thickens with the entrance of affluent scientist Kang Kang-su (Oh Jung-se) and the glamorous celebrity heiress Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), who happens to be Gongryong's girlfriend, leading to a compelling web of personal and professional entanglements.

Director's Insights

Director Park Shin-woo shared insights at a recent press conference, stating, 'Our drama continuously questions whether the norms, rules, and ethics we hold dear remain unchanged in the vastness of space. As viewers stay connected with our story, it will undoubtedly evolve into a significant and reflective drama.'

Production Challenges and Innovations

Despite the previous shortcomings of Korean space productions like 'Space Sweepers' and 'The Silent Sea,' Park remains optimistic about their unique storytelling approach, emphasizing the authenticity of the narrative. 'While the production process was undeniably time-consuming, the effort invested was truly worthwhile,' he remarked, highlighting a commitment to detail that surpasses typical drama timelines.

Authentic Zero-Gravity Depiction

To authentically depict zero-gravity experiences, the production utilized cutting-edge wire-flying techniques and advanced computer graphics. 'We assembled a specialized team of six for each actor, creating an immersive environment that emphasized the hard work and innovation of our crew,' Park noted, praising the collaboration and creativity that has gone into the series.

Lee Min-ho's Reflections

Speaking on his long-awaited return to the screen, Lee Min-ho expressed, 'It's been five years since my last Korean drama. Entering this new phase in my 30s, I wanted to develop into an actor who gives back rather than just being consumed by work.' He acknowledged the significant time commitments of his past projects, stating, 'The resulting break hasn’t felt as long as anticipated, especially with another film on the horizon that involved a great deal of production time, just like this drama.'

Kong Hyo-jin's Character Exploration

Kong Hyo-jin, who plays Eve Kim, adds depth to the narrative with her portrayal of a principled commander experiencing her first mission. 'I thought the story would focus solely on space adventures, but I was intrigued to discover it revolves around the everyday lives of people in space,' she revealed.

Encouragement to Viewers

As the cast encourages audiences to tune in, they underline the series' refreshing qualities and its departure from typical entertainment fare. Lee emphasized, 'In a world craving constant stimulation, this drama serves up a heartwarming tale about human connection amidst extraordinary circumstances.'

Anticipation for 'When the Stars Gossip'