When the Stars Gossip emerged as one of the most popular K-dramas of 2025, it blended romance and science fiction. The series stars Lee Min-ho as Gong Ryong, a tourist with a secret mission, and Gong Hyo-jin as Commander Eve Kim, stationed at a zero-gravity space station.
Marked as Netflix’s first Korean Earth-to-space romance, the show premiered on January 4, 2025, quickly entering Netflix’s Top 10 Global Non-English Shows list with over 2.4 million views within its first week. The series explores the unlikely love story between Ryong and Eve against the backdrop of space travel.
Love, Courage, And Sacrifice Amidst Space Challenges Lead To A Miraculous Birth
The penultimate episodes reveal that Eve discovers she is pregnant while on the space station, a development unprecedented in zero-gravity conditions. Initially despondent, she faces the potential risks of childbirth in space, while Gong Ryong is unaware that he is the father.
The complications escalate when Eve experiences medical issues, prompting Ryong to volunteer for a dangerous return mission to bring her safely to Earth. Despite the risks, Ryong remains by her side, emphasizing his deep commitment.
When the Stars Gossip (KeyEast)Three months later, Ryong and Eve prepare for the birth aboard the space station. Eve goes into labor, and Ryong promises to return to Earth afterward. Eve successfully gives birth to a daughter, whom she names Byeol, meaning “Star” in Korean. The birth is a joyous milestone, marking a rare success of life beginning in space, though it is tempered by the lingering health risks for both Eve and her newborn.
A Bittersweet Conclusion Showing Love, Sacrifice, And The Enduring Legacy Of Family
The series does not provide a conventional happy ending for the central couple. Eve realizes that her health is failing after the delivery, but chooses to spend her remaining moments with Ryong and Byeol. Ryong remains in space for an extended period, over a year, to care for Byeol, setting a record for the longest time spent in orbit. Eve passes away a day after giving birth, leaving Ryong to navigate the emotional aftermath of her loss while ensuring Byeol’s survival.
The finale fast-forwards to show Ryong eventually returning to Earth with Byeol, who grows up, marries, and has a child of her own. Ryong, however, loses his mobility due to the extended time in space, highlighting the sacrifices he made. While Ryong and Eve do not share a “happily ever after,” the story concludes on a bittersweet note, emphasizing the enduring love between Ryong and Eve and the legacy of their daughter, Byeol, who continues their story on Earth.
