“When The Stars Gossip” Dubbed “Worst K-Drama Ever” Following Controversial Finale 

The highly anticipated finale of tvN’s weekend K-Drama When The Stars Gossip has left Korean netizens reeling from an unexpected tragedy that transformed the series from a hopeful space romance into what many viewers are calling a devastating disappointment.

The February 23 episode shocked audiences with its controversial ending, igniting heated discussions across social media platforms and community sites.

When I catch WTSG writers
What in the romance comedy is this😭#WhenTheStarsGossip #WhenTheStarsGossipEp15 pic.twitter.com/ThRbosMfS9

— CupCake🦄🫶🏽 (@CallHerCupcake) February 22, 2025

The finale delivered a heartbreaking twist as beloved actress Gong Hyo Jin‘s character sacrificed her life for motherhood aboard a space station. In a moment that left viewers speechless, her character concealed a life-threatening childbirth complication — a fractured pelvis — from her partner (portrayed by Lee Min Ho), leading to her death within 24 hours of bringing their child into the world.

WAIT DID GONG HYOJIN'S CHARACTER REALLY DIED AFTER GIVING BIRTH IN SPACE IN THIS FINALE????? 😭😭😭#WhenTheStarsGossip pic.twitter.com/Zl3BoHyfiH

— dran (@daheeverse) February 23, 2025

Following this tragic turn, the drama fast-forwarded to showcase the aftermath through a space fertility center inauguration. The revelation that Lee Min Ho’s character chose to remain in space for over 19 months — an unprecedented duration for any astronaut — added another layer to the story. His sacrifice was attributed to their child’s unique medical needs, as the baby, born in zero gravity, required special care for developmental issues affecting heart function and bone density.

The last episode was just stupid and silly! From the fast-paced nonsense to whatever the scriptwriter wrote! Except for the cute baby, nothing makes sense! 🚮…I’m angry af!!#WhenTheStarsGossipEp16 #WhenTheStarsGossip #방탄소년단진pic.twitter.com/bVTXUNMvGu

— Ta-da (@te3_tia) February 23, 2025

What began as a fresh take on the romance genre, blending love with the intrigue of space exploration, ultimately left its audience feeling betrayed by its dark conclusion. Devoted fans who had followed the couple’s journey through the stars found themselves questioning the writers’ creative decisions, particularly the sharp deviation from the show’s original tone.

• “The worst K-Drama ever…”
• “What?????????????”
• “What the…”
• “Huh? What’s with that ending”
• “This is ridiculous”

The dramatic shift has sparked intense criticism from viewers who invested their time and emotions in what they believed would be an uplifting love story. Instead, they were left with a finale that many argue undermined the very essence of what made the series special in the first place.