When the Stars Gossip, a romantic comedy series on Netflix, continues to blend the drama of space exploration with personal relationships in its fourth episode. Premiering on January 4, 2025, and directed by Park Shinwoo with a script by Seo Sook-hyang, the show stars Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, and Oh Jung-se. Episode 4 aired on January 12, 2025, introducing intense conflicts and pivotal character developments.
Eve’s Perilous Spacewalk
Episode 4 begins with Commander Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin) undertaking a routine spacewalk that turns into a life-threatening ordeal. A compromised glove causes a critical pressure drop, putting her at immediate risk. The narrative intersperses this moment with flashbacks to her adoptive father, an astronaut who sacrificed his life during a space mission. His parting words, written in a heartfelt letter, remind her of the value of all life forms.
Eve’s precarious situation escalates as she struggles to maintain consciousness while tethered outside the space station. Her vulnerability contrasts sharply with her usual stoic demeanor, emphasizing the emotional weight of her backstory.
Gong Ryong’s Daring Rescue
Inside the station, Dr. Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho) learns of Eve’s distress and decides to launch a risky, unauthorized rescue. Ignoring standard safety protocols, he dons a spacesuit and ventures out without proper decompression. Despite his inexperience in extravehicular activities, Ryong’s determination drives him to succeed.
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Guided by Eve’s instructions, Ryong untethers her and ensures their return to the station. However, his lack of preparation takes a toll, and he collapses from exhaustion upon completing the mission.
Rising Tensions and Romantic Undercurrents
Following their harrowing return, Eve confronts Ryong about his recklessness. Although grateful for his bravery, she highlights the potential consequences of his actions. Their confrontation reveals the growing tension between them, marked by a blend of mutual respect and budding romantic feelings.
Meanwhile, Ryong’s personal life adds another layer of complexity. His fiancée, Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), publicly announces their engagement, defying her father’s objections. This development creates friction between Ryong and Eve, as both grapple with their emotions amidst the high-pressure environment of the space station.
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Kang Kang-su and Hidden Conspiracies
Dr. Kang Kang-su (Oh Jung-se), a veteran space experiment expert, emerges as a mysterious figure in this episode. A cryptic lottery ticket with the phrase “Stand By Me” hints at deeper motives and alliances within the crew. Ryong enlists the help of medical officer Dona Lee (Lee Cho-hee) to investigate, uncovering hints of conspiracies that add suspense to the unfolding narrative.
When The Stars Gossip: Recap of Episodes 1 to 3
The earlier episodes lay the groundwork for the show’s intricate plot. Gong Ryong, an obstetrician-gynecologist, embarks on a space tourism journey influenced by his fiancée, Go-eun. Upon reaching the station, Ryong becomes entangled in a secret mission involving a fertility experiment tied to Go-eun’s family.
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Eve Kim, suspicious of Ryong’s actions, confronts him in episode 2, marking the beginning of their strained yet evolving relationship. Episode 3 explore deeper into the crew’s dynamics, introducing Kang Kang-su’s enigmatic presence and the ethical challenges of conducting experiments in space.
Stellar Cast and Details
The cast includes Lee Min-ho as Dr. Gong Ryong, Gong Hyo-jin as Commander Eve Kim, Oh Jung-se as Dr. Kang Kang-su, and Han Ji-eun as Choi Go-eun. Supporting roles feature Kim Joo-hun as a veteran astronaut, Lee El as the Vice President of IOU Space Center, and Lee Cho-hee as the station’s medical officer.
When the Stars Gossip streams on Netflix, with new episodes released every Saturday and Sunday.
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