Netflix has released new images of If the stars could speak (When the Stars Gossip), a Korean series that takes romance and comedy to outer space. The story not only stands out for its originality and the spectacular context in which it takes place (a space station), but also for the fresh and fun chemistry between its two protagonists: Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. This will be the first time that both actors, two of the most iconic names on Korean television, share the screen.
The teaser shows a glimpse into life in a zero-gravity space facility, where the main characters are forced to interact and adapt to the environment. “Here, everyone weighs zero grams”says Eve Kim (played by Gong Hyo-jin), the space station commander, in one of the first lines of the trailer.
Her character, a strict and professional woman, confronts Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho), an obstetrician-gynecologist who arrives as a tourist, but with a secret mission.
What initially seems like a clash between two different worlds—Eve’s seriousness versus Gong’s clumsiness—quickly gives way to a story full of humor and entanglements.
The interaction between both characters is the central axis of the trailer, and the comedy also sets the tone of the series. Gong Ryong, as an inexperienced tourist, struggles to adapt to life in space, while Eve Kim is frustrated at having to deal with it.
In one of the scenes, Gong Ryong screams in despair: “When am I going to get used to this damn zero gravity?”. For her part, Eve, without much patience, complains: “Do I have to play mom to a tourist?”
Despite the contrast in their temperaments and interests, the characters will come to find common ground in their lives when the station’s routine is interrupted by danger.
In an interview, Gong Hyo-jin, who plays Eve, described her character as “hard on the outside and soft on the inside”noting that his fascination with experimental ways of life contrasts with his lack of interest in people. Despite his rigid attitude, the development of his relationship with Gong Ryong will reveal a new layer to his being.
Lee Min-ho, for his part, explained that his character is “driven by beliefs and intense determination.” He explained that what attracted him to the project was its reflection on humanity, saying: “In the sheer mystery of space, people can come to appreciate the value of life.”
As the drama moves away from typical science fiction topics, such as space wars, the central action focuses more on everyday situations and human bonds.
The team behind the series has also generated high expectations. If the stars could speak is written by Seo Sook-hyang, known for her work on It’s okay not to be okay (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay), and directed by Park Shin-woo, who also helmed Embodied jealousy (Jealousy Incarnate). This second k-drama was starred by Gong Hyo Jin in 2016, so the director and actress are working together again after several years.
The cast also includes actors such as Oh Jung-sewho plays Kang Kang Soo, a researcher who embarks on a space adventure, and Han Ji Eunwho plays Choi Go Eun, Gong Ryong’s girlfriend.
The series, which began production in April 2022 and concluded in February 2023, will premiere on Netflix in Latin America the January 4, 2025the same day as in South Korea. Episodes will be released weekly, to keep audiences hooked with its mix of comedy and romance.
