Viewers are voicing strong opinions on the latest episodes of 'When The Stars Gossip' starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin.

Despite high expectations, the tvN drama has struggled with declining viewer ratings and has faced ongoing criticism over its storyline, visual direction, and dialogue.

The most recent controversy centers on a bed scene featuring the lead characters Gong Ryong and Eve Kim. The scene occurs after Gong Ryong fails to board a transport ship because he is busy securing an incubator containing fertilized eggs. Eve Kim, declaring, "I won’t let you die alone," risks her own safety to save him.

As their uncertain survival plans unfold, Gong Ryong and Eve Kim must endure extreme cold and oxygen deprivation. They share drinks and talk about what they would do upon returning to Earth as a way to keep themselves motivated.

However, when the scene transitions into a bed scene, it draws significant backlash for its dialogue and visual direction. 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." Later, Gong Ryong confesses the truth about the fertilized egg experiment. He then adds, "Should we try something even a mouse couldn’t do?"

In addition to the dialogue, what drew further ire was the way the scene was shot, with CGI effects seemingly designed to evoke the feeling of being inside a fertilized egg. This creative choice was poorly received by viewers. 

One netizen remarked:

"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."

Critics also commented on the drama's CGI quality, describing the effects used to convey fertilization themes as "corny," "outdated," and "tacky." A screenshot featuring Lee Min Ho in a swimming pool with the caption "Hero of Giving Birth" became one of the most criticized moments.

Netizens even turned to humor, mocking the composition style of the bed scene and other "questionable" moments in the drama.

Reactions include:

"500 billion won wasted."

"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."

"Did they get some kind of directive to promote childbirth or something? What’s going on?"

"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."

"No, this is seriously too funny LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL."

"That thing with the hole in the middle of the hug just makes it look even more awkward LOL. Why didn’t they just cover it up LOLLLLLLLLLLL."

"What is this? Seriously, if I were an actor in this, I’d be so embarrassed. What’s with this direction? It’s completely on the level of a B-grade movie."

"The strange direction and script aside, the two have zero chemistry, which makes that scene even worse."

"‘Birth Hero’? Is this for real? LOL Are they out of their minds?"

"What is happening… Oh my god, the CGI is so bad. It’s honestly terrible."

"Are you saying that swimming pool wasn’t CGI but actually appeared in the middle of the drama?"

"What did I just watch…"

"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."

"This seriously feels like the worst drama ever, at least for me."

Have you watched the drama's latest episode?

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