‘When The Stars Gossip’ Sparks Backlash Over Controversial Bed Scene and CGI Effects

The latest episodes of tvN’s drama ‘When The Stars Gossip‘, starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, have ignited heated discussions among viewers. Despite its star-studded cast and high expectations, the drama has been grappling with declining ratings and mounting criticism over its storyline, visual direction, and dialogue. The most recent controversy revolves around a bed scene that has left audiences divided.

In the scene, Gong Ryong (played by Lee Min Ho) and Eve Kim (played by Gong Hyo Jin) find themselves in a life-threatening situation after failing to board a transport ship. Gong Ryong prioritizes securing an incubator containing fertilized eggs, leading Eve Kim to declare, “I won’t let you die alone,” as she risks her safety to save him. The pair then faces extreme cold and oxygen deprivation, sharing drinks and discussing their hopes for returning to Earth to stay motivated.

However, the tone shifts dramatically when the scene transitions into a bed sequence. As Gong Ryong moves into Eve Kim’s tent to hold her, she remarks, “You know it’s warmer if you take your clothes off.” Gong Ryong later reveals the truth about the fertilized egg experiment and adds, “Should we try something even a mouse couldn’t do?”

The dialogue, coupled with the visual direction, has drawn significant backlash. The scene employs CGI effects designed to evoke the sensation of being inside a fertilized egg, a creative choice that has been poorly received. Viewers have criticized the execution, calling it “corny,” “outdated,” and “tacky.” A screenshot of Lee Min Ho in a swimming pool with the caption “Hero of Giving Birth” has become one of the most mocked moments of the drama.

Netizens have taken to social media to express their disbelief and humor over the scene, with comments ranging from confusion to outright ridicule:

“A bed scene in space, but it’s directed to feel like being inside a fertilized egg. (The drama continuously brings up topics like uterus, sperm, fertilized eggs, and pregnancy.) To be honest, while there were some scenes in the past where the CGI or direction wasn’t well-received, today’s direction feels like it hit the peak of dislike.”

Other reactions include:

• “This isn’t fanfiction? It’s official???”
• “Is this a B-grade comedy drama??”
• “Did they really get government funding for this to raise the birthrate? LOL.”
• “Even in Titanic, Jack and Rose didn’t do this kind of thing while freezing to death underwater… and here they are doing it in space in 2024.”
• “The strange direction and script aside, the two have zero chemistry, which makes that scene even worse.”

The drama’s CGI quality has also been a major point of contention, with viewers describing it as “terrible” and questioning the production’s creative decisions. Some have even speculated about the budget, with one netizen joking, “The more I think about it, the more it feels like they spent 50 billion won on this just to film this one scene in space.”

Despite the backlash, ‘When The Stars Gossip’ continues to air, leaving fans and critics alike wondering how the drama will address these controversies moving forward. Have you watched the latest episode?