Lee Min Ho's When the Stars Gossip finale leaves fans disappointed with 'terrible' ending: 'Talent wasted in ridiculous plot'
Lee Min Ho's new K-drama When the Stars Gossip concluded with a finale that left fans stunned and disappointed. The show, which was highly anticipated, failed to meet expectations, and its tragic ending has now sparked widespread criticism from K-drama fans.
Spoilers ahead! Just when fans thought Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin's When the Stars Gossip couldn't disappoint them any more, it did exactly that with its ending. The tvN K-drama has been battling public scrutiny since its January 4 premiere and the least fans hoped for was a happy ending for the main leads. But no, even that was too much to ask, as the finale episode, which premiered on February 23, left fans fuming and wondering why they even bothered investing in the show.
When the Stars Gossip concludes with a bittersweet ending.
In the penultimate episode of When the Stars Gossip, Gong Hyo Jin's character Eve Kim receives the life-changing news that she's expecting a child with Gong Ryong, played by Lee Min Ho. The revelation added a whole new layer of tension to their already tumultuous relationship, which was already reeling from the challenges of their careers.
As the big news broke out just ahead of the finale, fans expected the couple would at least get a happy ending after undergoing a challenging phase. However, Eve Kim passes away just after giving birth to their space baby, a daughter named Byeol.
How did Eve Kim pass away?
At the space station, Ryong is meticulously prepared for Eve's birth surgery after going through a rollercoaster of emotions after learning the news. However, as Eve goes into labour, she pleads with Ryong to promise her that he'll return to Earth after this. As Eve gives birth to a baby girl, she dreams about a heartwarming scenario where she has returned home with Ryong, raising their child, Byeol, together in happiness.
However, as reality intervenes, she realizes that her pelvis is severely injured, a fracture that threatens to prove fatal. Knowing that the pelvis area safeguards critical blood vessels, she understands that she risks bleeding out and succumbing to her injuries.
With a heavy heart, Eve conceals her condition from Ryong, assuring him that she's fine. Yet, she requests alcohol. Ryong retrieves the liquor but, sensing something fishy, decides not to give it to her. Eve then breaks down in tears as her body weakens. Before drifting apart to sleep, she expresses gratitude to Ryong.
Fans react to the bittersweet ending of When the Stars Gossip
While fans were happy to see Eve Kim deliver a happy baby and Gong Ryong find a new light in his life thanks to their daughter's birth, they still couldn't process the heartbreak of the lead actress' death in the finale episode. Many slammed the makers for a poor conclusion of the show, calling out how it was promoted as a romantic comedy, but turned out to be a tragedy.
One fan wrote, "What do you mean it's a romantic comedy???? It's a tragedy!!! Why do you break my heart like this??!!"
What do you mean it's a romantic comedy????
¡ª Seri (@navy_seri) February 23, 2025
It's tragedy!!! ???
Why do you break my heart like this??!!???#WhenTheStarsGossip pic.twitter.com/8FpbuU5HIU
Another wrote, "I'm completely frozen, just staring blankly, wondering if I really watched this finale. Was it a dream? Or how could she write such a terrible ending for a show they tricked us into thinking was a "romantic comedy"? I just want to cry."
I'm completely frozen, just staring blankly, wondering if I really watched this finale. Was it a dream? Or how could she write such a terrible ending for a show they tricked us into thinking was a "romantic comedy"? I just want to cry. #WhenTheStarsGossip pic.twitter.com/4xpVMqMF2x
¡ª Yeppudaa Minoz (@sevennyLMH) February 23, 2025
"What in the world was that ending? Who even wrote such scripts? First time I¡¯m sooo disappointed in a Lee Min Ho drama. His talent is wasted in such ridiculous plots. Even though I¡¯m his true fan, I will call a spade a spade. ARGG, please come in a good show next, please. #WhenTheStarsGossip," added a third.
What in the world was that ending who even write such scripts first time I¡¯m sooo disappointed in LeeMinHo drama his talent is wasted in such ridiculous plot even tho I¡¯m his true fan I will call a spade a spade ?? ARGG please come in a good show next please?#WhenTheStarsGossip pic.twitter.com/p7Sf165UQ0
¡ª ???¦É§Ú¦Á-????? (@Celinapooja) February 23, 2025
One highlighted more issues with the ending than just Eve Kim's death, writing. "The issue with the #WhenTheStarsGossip ending isn't just about Eve's death; it's about the storyline. We missed interactions between her and her mother, and nothing significant happened among the cast. Even the Morula mother had no follow-up #WhenTheStarsGossipEp16."
The issue with the #WhenTheStarsGossip ending isn't just about Eve's death, it's about the storyline. We missed interactions between her and her mother, and nothing significant happened among the cast. Even the Morula mother had no follow-up #WhenTheStarsGossipEp16. pic.twitter.com/LdC5myuOCX
¡ª Ta-da (@te3_tia) February 23, 2025
Meanwhile, a section of fans was also satisfied with the bittersweet ending, arguing that Gong Ryong lived a beautiful life where he raised his daughter and saw his grandchildren grow up.
All 16 episodes of When the Stars Gossip are now streaming on Netflix.
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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