Alex Hafner Reflects on ‘When the Stars Gossip’ Friendship with Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, and Addresses Morula Scene Controversy

In a recent interview, Alex Hafner, who portrayed astronaut Santi in the drama ‘When the Stars Gossip’, shared insights into his experiences on set, his bond with co-stars Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, and his perspective on the controversial morula storyline.

Bonding Over Bites: Ice-breakers on Set

When asked about how he connected with the Korean cast, Hafner revealed that food played a crucial role in breaking the ice.

The easiest way to break the ice on any set? Snacks. Whether I brought them or someone else did, they always got people talking. And since When The Stars Gossip had a very warm and collaborative environment, there wasn’t much ice to break—everyone was incredibly welcoming and the food-sharing culture created an instant bond.

He emphasized the warm and collaborative atmosphere on the set, highlighting the Korean culture of sharing food as an instant bonding experience.

Beyond Expectations: Role Selection and Personal Growth

Hafner addressed the common perception of space dramas and what drew him to his role in ‘When the Stars Gossip’. He admitted he didn’t approach the project with any fixed ideas.

Most people associate space dramas with films like Gravity or Interstellar—big, existential themes like isolation, loneliness, and human innovation. But I didn’t go into this project with any preconceived notions. I was just fascinated by the story, and when I read the script, I was in.

Instead, it was the unique narrative that captivated him. Reflecting on his personal takeaways from the show, Hafner mentioned significant self-discovery.

My biggest personal takeaway? A complete reexamination of myself. Being in a new country, working in a new industry, and spending so much time in an unfamiliar setting made me rethink a lot—how I deal with isolation, how I manage my thoughts, and how to actively reshape my own mindset. I became more aware of how to break negative cycles before they take over.

On a lighter note, the actor shared his newfound enthusiasm for the Korean language, inspired by his positive experience filming in South Korea.

And on a lighter note? I had such an amazing time that I’m learning Korean now. It’s a challenge, but it keeps me connected to this incredible experience.

Wire Work and On-Set Camaraderie

Hafner described the physical challenges of filming wire scenes for the zero-gravity sequences, noting the exhaustion and need for precise movements.

The wire is tough. It’s the fastest to get in and out of compared to the rotating harness setup (which is usually on a fork, sometimes on a double wire), but it’s physically demanding. When your body gets tired, it’s hard to stay relaxed, which can lead to small, involuntary movements. And in a zero-gravity scene, even the slightest misstep means redoing the take, which only makes you more exhausted.

He also spoke about the cast’s collective learning curve and how they supported each other.

For the rest of the space crew, their biggest hurdle was simply catching up. [Lee] Min Ho, [Gong] Hyo Jin, and I had already gone through all the early struggles during the Soyuz capsule sequences, so when the rest of the cast joined later, they were making the same mistakes we had already figured out. But they were quick learners. Also, we eventually learned how to mimic the floating movement without having to actually be suspended for close-ups, which was a major relief.

Decoding the Morula Controversy

Addressing one of the drama’s most debated plot points—the destruction of the morula—Hafner offered insight into his character Santi’s conflicted emotions.

Santi is torn. On one hand, he learns that he can be fertile—his dream of having a family is suddenly possible. But on the other hand, it was without his consent, with an ovum that isn’t even his wife’s. It’s a massive violation. His joy and hope are juxtaposed with anger and shame. And then, to see it discarded—it’s like watching his dream get thrown away. But at the same time, he knows that if he ever had a child, it would have to be with his wife, the right way. So, his own emotions are in complete conflict with each other—his ego vs. his love, his hope vs. his morality. And before he can even fully process it, the decision is made for him. It’s traumatic.

He believes the scene’s power lies in its exploration of ethical dilemmas related to progress, a theme that has clearly resonated with viewers, as evidenced by the discussions it has sparked.

I think that’s what makes the scene so powerful—it raises the question of ethics vs. progress, which is something we constantly debate in real life. And the fact that it has sparked so much discussion? That’s exactly what the writer intended.

Space Tourism and Unexpected Scenarios

When asked about his personal approach to space tourism and the possibility of being left behind like Lee Min Ho’s character Gong Ryong in the drama, Hafner expressed a desire for immersive experience and philosophical acceptance.

If I ever went to space, I’d want to fully experience it—learn about the experiments, understand how things function differently up there, and just stay engaged with everything around me. A spacewalk would be the ultimate dream, though they don’t exactly let tourists do those. That must be one of life’s most humbling experiences. And if I were left behind like Gong Ryong? I don’t know… I’d probably try to stay calm and think logically, and communicate with those on the ground. But if all hope was lost? Maybe I’d just drift into the atmosphere and enjoy the view on the way out.

Close Bonds and Group Chat Banter

Hafner fondly spoke about his close relationships with the cast, particularly with Gong Hyo Jin, whom he considers a “big sister”. This bond influenced his portrayal of Santi’s friendship with Eve in the drama.

We’re all close—we’ve been to each other’s homes, we’ve shared holidays together. But if I had to pick, I’d say I’m probably closest to Gong Hyo Jin—she’s like my big sister. That inspired me to decide that Santi should aim to be steadfast in his bond with Eve, and when that couldn’t happen, he would feel as though he was betraying their friendship.

He also gave a peek into their group chat, describing it as a space for “lofty” conversations, befitting a drama set in space.

As for the group chat? The logo is just stars, no words, which I find poetic. The conversations we have there? Probably the loftiest ones I’ve ever had—pun intended.

Future Reunions and Project Preferences

Expressing his wish to collaborate again with his ‘When the Stars Gossip’ co-stars, Hafner shared his ideas for potential reunion projects. He envisioned a period piece exploring imperialism with Lee Min Ho and an adventurous, spiritually-themed project with Gong Hyo Jin, drawing inspiration from their personal exchanges and shared experiences.

Getting the chance to work with any of them again would be magical, just like this project was. It’s rare for actors to reunite on a second project, so if it ever happened, I’d love to make it count. With [Lee] Min Ho, I’d love to do a period piece, maybe something colonial that explores imperialism and the moral dilemmas surrounding it – but he’s already done that, I guess. So maybe something abstract. We’ve had debates about ethics and philosophy, so it would be fun to channel that into a project. With Gong Hyo Jin, something adventurous, but with a spiritual element—she actually had me take part in her family’s Ganggangsullae, a traditional dance and symbolic ritual for Chuseok (fall harvest holiday), which was an incredible experience. Because of that spirituality and the fact that we’re both adventurous people, a White Lotus-type project popped into my mind.

Looking ahead, Hafner revealed his preference for roles that challenge him and explore human connection in unexpected ways, particularly those delving into themes of identity, solitude, and reinvention, citing ‘Lost in Translation’ as an inspirational example.

I’m drawn to roles that challenge me—whether it’s a romance, something completely absurd, or a historical drama that transports you. I love stories that explore connection in unexpected ways, especially when they tap into themes of identity, solitude, or reinvention. I’d also love to take on a project that captures the feeling of being out of place yet finding meaning—something in the vein of Lost in Translation. Anything that pushes boundaries and deepens the human experience is always exciting to me.

Also Read: When the Stars Gossip Finale: Release Time, Date, Where to Watch, What to Expect and More

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