Starry Drama 'Ask the Stars' Ends with Controversial Finale

The highly anticipated drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), which began with a production budget of at least 500 billion won, concluded on February 23 with a finale that left many viewers frustrated. The series featured the character Eve Kim (공효진), who tragically died after giving birth in space, while her partner, Gongryong (이민호), remained on the space station as a gynecologist to protect their child.

In a poignant narration towards the end, Gongryong reflected, "The stars kissed her feet a hundred times in a day. Eve accomplished so much. The universe became both a grave and a womb for her. Farewell, Eve, until we meet again." This recurring theme of 'womb' that started the series continued until the very end.

'Ask the Stars' depicted the lives of Eve, a boss working in a zero-gravity space station, and Gongryong, a mysterious visitor with a secret mission. The drama was penned by Seo Sook-hyang, known for her work on 'Pasta' and 'Jealousy Incarnate', and directed by Park Shin-woo, who also directed 'Jealousy Incarnate'. Lee Min-ho, who gained global fame from 'Pachinko', played the male lead.

Despite the star-studded cast and impressive budget, the show faced criticism for its convoluted plot and challenging visuals, including intimate scenes that shifted between space and Earth. Viewers expressed confusion over how the substantial budget was utilized, with many questioning the narrative choices.

The portrayal of Gongryong as a gynecologist in space and the frequent comparisons of the universe to a 'womb' sparked backlash, particularly in a cultural context where singlehood and child-free lifestyles are increasingly valued. The emotional connection between Gongryong and Eve failed to resonate with audiences, as their life-and-death struggle to have a child in space felt out of touch with contemporary sentiments.

While 'Ask the Stars' aimed to capture the mystical experience of life in space, it ultimately lost its grounding in reality. The romance, a key element of the series, lacked the excitement and emotional depth that viewers expected, leaving behind a repetitive theme of 'universe=womb' without any real charm. As the series concluded, one might wonder what kind of romance it truly intended to portray, perhaps prompting viewers to ask the stars themselves.