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A scene from the latest episode of tvN’s K-Drama, When The Stars Gossip, streaming on Netflix, has drawn criticism from viewers due to a line delivered by Lee Min Ho’s character. The scene, featuring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, involves a discussion about mice mating, but the dialogue’s implications have caused an uproar.
The drama, which depicts a space station romance between an astronaut played by Lee Min Ho and an OBGYN doctor portrayed by Gong Hyo Jin, has faced backlash for a specific line in its sixth episode. During a scene where the characters observe mice, Gong Hyo Jin’s character, Commander Eve Kim, questions whether the mice will mate. Lee Min Ho’s character, Gong Ryong, responds with a line that has been interpreted differently depending on the translation.
The Controversial Line
According to Netflix’s official English subtitles, Gong Ryong says, “When it comes to sex and pregnancy, I’m the expert.” While this translation is relatively mild, Korean-speaking viewers have pointed out a significant difference in the original Korean dialogue. The Korean version translates more closely to “I’m the expert at/about having sex and impregnating.” This difference in wording has led to strong reactions from viewers.
Viewer Reactions
Following the episode’s airing, viewers expressed their outrage on online communities. Some criticized the portrayal of Gong Ryong as a “breeder,” deeming it disrespectful to OBGYN doctors. Others mocked the production for its high budget (₩50.0 billion KRW, approximately $34.3 million USD) and space setting, arguing that the story lacks any real connection to space.
Here are some of the reactions from viewers:
“I cannot believe this is a tvN weekend K-Drama that cost ₩50.0 billion KRW (about $34.3 million USD) to make.”
“What the hell is this?”
“This… aired? Who bagged the ₩50.0 billion KRW (about $34.3 million USD) production budget?”
“I’m flabbergasted that this show still landed investments with a script like this.”
“The scriptwriter put in 0 effort to make this even remotely sci-fi. Instead, she smothered the whole script in sex.”
“Seo Sook Hyang must have been possessed by a demon or something when she wrote this, because otherwise… What happened?”
“I’m having second thoughts about the cast who chose to take on these roles.”
“I’m an OBGYN doctor and… this is offensive. I’m a doctor who treats women, not a fricking breeder. This is so disappointing, more so because I liked her earlier works.”
“Both the scriptwriter and the director have no idea what they’re doing.”
“It’s shocking to me that no one from the directing team or the cast lineup found this script to be problematic.”
“This show had me confused since the fruit flies. For one, scientists would refer to it as ‘mating,’ not ‘having sex.’ I can’t believe the script is still hung up on sex. And… OBGYN doctors are not sex experts. Has this scriptwriter never been to an OBGYN before?”
“What the hell is this…”
“How many episodes do cast members get to see before accepting a role? I’m going to be so disappointed if the actors still chose to be a part of this AFTER reading the script.”
“What does this scriptwriter think OBGYN doctors do…? I’m disgusted.”
“Sex, sex, sex. So immature. What OBGYN doctor would act like this in real life?”
“This is low key super disrespectful toward OBGYN doctors.”
“Does anyone ever say stuff like that out loud in real life? Like, ever?”
“I’m still trying to draw the connection between an OBGYN doctor and sex expertise.”
One netizen offered a different perspective, suggesting the line might be a reference to a Natalie Portman interview about her father, an infertility specialist.
However, the majority of reactions express disappointment with the script, direction, and casting choices.
Previous Criticism and Low Ratings
This incident is not the first time When The Stars Gossip has faced criticism. The drama has previously been called out for its portrayal of supporting characters, which some viewers found misogynistic. The show’s viewership ratings have also been declining.
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Source: theqoo
