Lee Min-ho's When The Stars Gossip ends on a bizarre note with low ratings, fans call it the 'worst finale' ever

Spoilers ahead.

Lee Min-ho’s ambitious sci-fi romance When The Stars Gossip saw a modest rise in ratings, earning a nationwide average of 2.6 percent. However, the finale left viewers deeply disappointed due to its ‘cruel’ ending, with many calling it ‘the worst’ show they’ve seen in ages. The plot follows Ryong (played by Min-ho), who is tasked with providing an heir, leading to a space-based reproduction storyline. He journeys into space with Eve Kim (Hyo-jin), the mission commander, while her ex-boyfriend also joins the mission.

The final episode opens with Ryong heading into space, risking his life for Eve, who faces complications in her pregnancy. Driven by the realisation that the unborn child is his, Ryong sets aside past grievances to save both Eve and their baby. Eve, burdened by guilt over the morula experiment, is determined to protect her child at all costs. She refuses to return to Earth with Ryong, fearing for the baby's survival. Despite a tense standoff, Ryong convinces Eve to try, but anxiety forces them to abort the mission, leaving him stranded in space. Meanwhile, Eve’s mother, Na Mi, discovers documents revealing that Eve is her biological daughter, filling her with guilt.

As Eve's pregnancy nears its end, doctors approve a natural birth, but Eve suffers a pelvic fracture during delivery. While the baby, Byeol (meaning "star"), is born healthy, Eve dies shortly after.

Fans were left stunned by this ending. One viewer wrote, “I’m completely frozen, just staring blankly, wondering if I really watched this finale. Was it a dream? Or how could they write such a terrible ending for a show they tricked us into thinking was a ‘romantic comedy’? I just want to cry.” Another added, “This is the worst finale I have ever seen in my life.” A third commented, “Gave birth in space and died? What kind of female lead treatment is this?" Others criticized the show’s dialogue, calling it poor. One user added, “What on earth was this show?” while another defeated fan wrote, “This is so messed up.”