Must-Watch 2025 Romance K-Drama for Fans of Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun’s The King: Eternal Monarch

When the Stars Gossip captures the hearts of viewers who fell in love with the romantic K-drama The King: Eternal Monarch. This captivating series, which features Lee Min-ho as Lee Gon, the King of the Republic of Corea, intricately weaves a tale of love between him and Kim Go-eun’s character, Jeong Tae-eul. A standout since its release in 2020, the drama garnered praise primarily for the undeniable chemistry shared between its lead actors, making it one of their most memorable projects.

Marking Lee Min-ho’s return to K-dramas after a hiatus, When the Stars Gossip debuted in 2025. This enthralling series follows a space station tourist who, while on a covert mission, unexpectedly finds himself falling for his commanding officer. With breathtaking visuals and a compelling narrative, When the Stars Gossip showcases the talents of a remarkable cast, allowing fans to rejoice in yet another Lee Min-ho romance after his five-year break from the genre.

Lee Min-ho Takes Center Stage in When The Stars Gossip

Lee Min-ho Portrays Gong Ryong in When The Stars Gossip

In When the Stars Gossip, Lee Min-ho embodies the character Gong Ryong, an OB-GYN on a seemingly carefree journey to a space station as a tourist. However, beneath this facade lies a critical purpose: he is to create an embryo using his fiancée’s brother’s sperm. As he embarks on this mission, he encounters Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin, an astronaut on her inaugural mission. Initially at odds with each other, their relationship evolves as they discover the complexities of their characters.

Similar to his previous roles in K-dramas, initially, one might assume Ryong fits neatly into a specific archetype. However, he is a richly developed character who finds himself grappling with intense emotions for Eve, the space station commander.When the Stars Gossip encompasses the beloved elements of Lee Min-ho’s other projects, yet the distinctive dynamic between Eve and Ryong truly elevates this series. Reflecting on his role, Lee Min-ho expressed that this character represents an ideal comeback for him, as he constantly seeks to challenge himself (via ZapZee).

Comparing When The Stars Gossip to The King: Eternal Monarch

When The Stars Gossip: A Unique Romance Set in Space

Despite both shows featuring Lee Min-ho as the romantic lead, there’s a stark contrast between the characters and their respective narratives. While Netflix has dabbled in space-based K-dramas, such as Gong Yoo’s The Silent Sea, When the Stars Gossip marks the platform’s first romance K-drama in a cosmic setting. In contrast, The King: Eternal Monarch weaves a tale of romance within a sci-fi fantasy framework.

Both series boast captivating storylines, but When the Stars Gossip emerges as one of the most unique entries in Lee Min-ho’s illustrious career. Moreover, where Lee Gon in The King: Eternal Monarch embodies the authority of a king, Gong Ryong is just an OB-GYN, navigating a personal quest for connection and authenticity amid the stars. Yet, Lee Min-ho continues to shine brightly in both roles, affirming his status as one of the most prominent K-drama actors today.

Exploring Lee Min-ho’s Versatility Beyond K-Dramas

Lee Min-ho’s Role in Pachinko

Since his acting career began, Lee Min-ho has primarily focused on K-dramas. He catapulted to fame portraying Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers, a role that firmly established him as a household name. Following this breakthrough, he starred in hit dramas such as City Hunter, Legend of the Blue Sea, and The Heirs. After The King: Eternal Monarch, Lee Min-ho momentarily stepped away from K-drama roles.

Lee Min-ho’s Notable Movies/TV Shows
Movie/TV Show	Character
Boys Over Flowers	Gu Jun-pyo
City Hunter	Lee Yun-seong
Legend of the Blue Sea	Heo Joon-jae
The King: Eternal Monarch	Lee Gon
Pachinko	Koh Han-soo
When the Stars Gossip	Gong Ryong
The Heirs	Kim Tan

In 2022, Min-ho portrayed Koh Han-soo in Apple TV+’s adaptation of Min Jin-lee’s acclaimed novel, Pachinko. This character diverged from his typical roles, revealing a morally complex persona embroiled in a passionate affair with Sunja. While celebrated for his leads in K-dramas, his performance in Pachinko paved the way for greater versatility in his career. Returning to K-dramas, Lee Min-ho’s role in When the Stars Gossip signifies a significant comeback in a cherished genre.

For additional insights, visit ZapZee.

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