Shocking 1% Ratings Drop for When the Stars Gossip — Despite Lee Min Ho’s Star Power, Here’s the Episode-by-Episode Ratings Recap

When the Stars Gossip episode ratings recap reveals a shocking trend, as the drama, starring popular actors Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, has experienced a drastic ratings drop. Despite being backed by a massive production budget of 50 billion won (~$34 million), the series has struggled to capture a broad audience. The fifth episode, aired on January 18, recorded a nationwide viewership of just 1.8%, marking the lowest rating for the drama so far. This significant decline in When the Stars Gossip episode ratings recap raises questions about why the series has failed to maintain strong viewership despite its star power and high-budget production.

Lee Min Ho at When the Stars Gossip. Source by X

The series had a promising start, debuting with a 3.3% rating, but quickly saw a decline in viewership with each passing episode. While the second episode showed a slight improvement, the ratings continued to drop, leaving fans and industry insiders stunned. Episode five’s 1.8% is a significant drop from the premiere, especially considering Lee Min Ho's immense popularity and the high expectations surrounding the show.

When the Stars Gossip episode ratings recap

• Episode 1: 3.3% (Nationwide) | 3.8% (Seoul)

• Episode 2: 3.9% (Nationwide) | 3.9% (Seoul)

• Episode 3: 2.2% (Nationwide) | 2.7% (Seoul)

• Episode 4: 2.8% (Nationwide) | 2.8% (Seoul)

• Episode 5: 1.8% (Nationwide) | 1.9% (Seoul)

As seen in this recap, the drama has faced a steady decline in viewership since its premiere, reaching its lowest point with the 5th episode.

Critics Cite Dull Setting and Weak Chemistry

When the Stars Gossip was expected to be a game-changer, with its unique premise set in space—a theme rarely explored in Korean dramas. However, some viewers have found the setting dull and uninspiring. In addition to the uninspiring setting, some viewers have voiced concerns about the chemistry between the two lead stars, Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin. Both actors are beloved by fans and have a long history of successful projects, but some critics feel their performances here lack the spark needed to carry the drama. While both actors are undoubtedly talented, the connection between their characters appears forced at times, leaving some viewers feeling disconnected from the central relationship of the show.

Lee Min-Ho and Gong Hyo-Jin at When the Stars Gossip. Source from X

Despite this, there are still fans who continue to enjoy the drama, though they seem to be in the minority. This mixed reception has led many to question why the drama isn’t resonating with a larger audience.

Will the Drama Recover in the Coming Episodes?

With 16 episodes planned in total, many are now looking to see if the drama can recover in the coming episodes. Will When the Stars Gossip manage to regain its viewership, or will the declining ratings continue throughout its run?

For those watching, did the ratings surprise you? Are you still enjoying the drama, or have your expectations been unmet?