While When The Stars Gossip is gaining popularity internationally, its domestic ratings in Korea have been moderate. Sci-fi K-dramas face unique challenges in Korea, where historical and modern romance dramas tend to dominate. However, its strong cast and global success may boost interest over time.
I know K-dramas are taking over the world, but I had to ask—how is When The Stars Gossip actually doing in South Korea? With a high-profile cast, an ambitious sci-fi setting, and a romance-fueled plot, I assumed it would be breaking records left and right. But the truth? It’s a bit more complicated than that.
How Are The Ratings In Korea?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about K-dramas, it’s that ratings mean everything in Korea. While When The Stars Gossip is making waves internationally, domestic ratings have been more of a slow burn. Unlike Crash Landing on You or Goblin, this space romance isn’t exactly setting the charts on fire—yet.
One reason? Sci-fi isn’t Korea’s go-to genre. While I’m over here loving the futuristic setting, many Korean viewers prefer historical sagas, melodramas, or modern romance.
So while international fans (like me!) are thrilled about the unique concept, some local audiences might find it a little too … out of this world.
Another factor that influences ratings is viewer demographics. Korean dramas tend to be most popular with domestic audiences aged 30 and above, who generally gravitate toward traditional romance, historical, and family dramas.
When The Stars Gossip might have a stronger appeal to younger viewers, but in Korea, younger audiences are more likely to stream content online rather than watch live broadcasts, which can skew official TV ratings.
What Do Korean Viewers Think?
From what I’ve seen, Korean audiences care deeply about emotional depth, relatable characters, and stories that hit close to home.
When The Stars Gossip has plenty of romance and drama, but the space station backdrop isn’t exactly a cozy coffee shop or a chaebol family mansion. It might not feel as connected to everyday Korean life, which makes it a tougher sell for some viewers.
That said, let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. These two are absolute icons, and from what I’ve read, their performances are getting lots of praise.
Even if the sci-fi concept isn’t for everyone, their acting is keeping many fans hooked.
Culturally, Koreans also place a high value on realism in storytelling. While fantasy and supernatural elements work well when grounded in Korean folklore or history, a space romance might feel less accessible to some audiences.
That doesn’t mean it won’t grow on them—just that it might take time for mainstream Korean viewers to embrace the genre shift.
How Does It Compare To Other Recent K-Dramas?
Compared to other recent hits, When The Stars Gossip is kind of in its own category. It’s competing with legal dramas, melodramas, and historical epics, all of which already have massive followings in Korea.
I’ve noticed that domestic K-drama fans tend to gravitate toward genres that feel familiar, and let’s be real—space isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think “classic K-drama.”
Another thing to consider is how broadcast networks influence drama popularity.
Some of Korea’s biggest hits air on public networks like SBS, KBS, or tvN, which have built-in audiences. A drama that streams primarily on Netflix or another global platform might not have the same level of domestic hype, even if it’s trending internationally.
That being said, international audiences seem to love this show. Thanks to Netflix, K-dramas are reaching fans all over the world, which means a drama doesn’t need sky-high domestic ratings to be a huge success.
Final Thoughts: Will It Gain More Popularity In Korea?
So, will When The Stars Gossip pick up more steam in Korea? Honestly, I think it’s possible. Some K-dramas, like Vincenzo and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, started with moderate ratings before blowing up thanks to word-of-mouth.
It might take some time for Korean viewers to warm up to the sci-fi concept, but with strong performances and a swoon-worthy romance, I wouldn’t count this one out just yet. And let’s be honest—Lee Min-ho alone is enough to keep people watching.
Another wildcard is global buzz influencing domestic viewership. Sometimes, when a drama gains extreme international popularity, it sparks curiosity in Korea, leading to increased local interest. If When The Stars Gossip continues to trend worldwide, Korean viewers might decide to give it another look.
Have you been keeping up with When The Stars Gossip? What do you think about its popularity in Korea? Let’s chat in the comments!
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