[Sports Chosun, Reporter Moon Ji-yeon] With a fresh script and artistic direction, 'Ask the Stars' has successfully 'connected' with viewers despite its unconventional approach.
The first episode of the tvN weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (written by Seo Suk-hyang, directed by Park Shin-woo) aired on the 4th, showcasing the spaceship G.O-10 safely arriving in orbit with the main characters, Gongryong (Lee Min-ho) and Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin). From the very first broadcast, it captured the audience's hearts as it kicked off the story of life beyond Earth.
As a result, 'Ask the Stars' garnered a viewership rating of 3.8% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 5%, and an average of 3.3% nationwide, with a maximum of 4.6%, making it the number one show in its timeslot across cable and general programming channels (based on paid platform statistics, including cable, IPTV, and satellite, provided by Nielsen Korea).
The show begins with scenes of G.O-10 preparing for its journey to a space station, tracing the extraordinary journey of Gongryong, who was just an ordinary obstetrician before becoming a space tourist after spending astronomical sums. Born after losing his mother, Gongryong grew up viewing his aunts as maternal figures, and despite a challenging family background, he managed to achieve a perfect score on the college entrance exam to enter medical school and become an obstetrician.
Despite his gratifying role in bringing new lives into the world, he remained engulfed in poverty. After operating on the MZ Group's CEO Cha Ki-eun (played by Han Ji- eun) for an ectopic pregnancy, Gongryong fell out of favor with the MZ Group's chairman, Choi Jae-ryong (played by Kim Eung-soo), leading to his termination from the hospital and subsequent difficulty finding new employment.
Then came Cha Ki-eun, who unexpectedly confessed her love to Gongryong, further complicating matters. To make things worse, their public appearances together were reported in the media, prompting Choi Jae-ryong to decide to send Gongryong into space, aiming to tackle various issues like infertility and chronic diseases.
By the order of Choi Jae-ryong, Gongryong embarks on an adventurous journey in space, facing countless challenges along the way. A sudden bout of motion sickness led to a choking incident for Gongryong, requiring immediate care from Commander Eve Kim, who quickly administered first aid. Seeing her injured toe, Gongryong felt both gratitude and guilt.
Once the spaceship regained its orbit, Gongryong persuaded Eve Kim to help him suture her toe, even while grappling with the difficulties of microgravity. Observing Eve Kim, who cared for him like a mother in such alien surroundings, Gongryong's face reflected a mix of emotions, making their extraterrestrial living situation all the more captivating.
In this way, 'Ask the Stars' successfully launches Korea's first space office drama with the chaotic journey of the tourist Gongryong and Commander Eve Kim, as they embark on their adventure together. The rapid unfolding of Gongryong's eventful life and his journey into space has drawn viewers deeper into his emotional world.
Particularly noteworthy is Lee Min-ho's portrayal of Gongryong, which expresses the character's tumultuous life, alongside Gong Hyo-jin's commanding charisma as Eve Kim, enhancing the narrative's immersion through the actors' solid performances.
Moreover, the vibrant storytelling, swift pacing, and innovative directorial techniques showcasing a space tourist's perspective elevate the unique charm of 'Ask the Stars', captivating everyone watching. The stunning depiction of the vast cosmos, the zero-gravity environment, and the detailed interiors of the spaceship have drawn viewers' attention from the first episode, fueling anticipation for the diverse stories set against the backdrop of endless space.
The adventure of tourist Lee Min-ho and Commander Gong Hyo-jin will continue as the tvN weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' airs its second episode tonight (5th) at 9:20 PM.