Oh Jung Se embarks on a journey beyond Earth in When the Stars Gossip.
When the Stars Gossip follows Eve Kim (Gong Hyo Jin), a top astronaut and perfectionist who does not tolerate even a single mistake, and Gong Ryong (Lee Min Ho), who goes to the space station with a secret mission.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay's Oh Jung Se takes on the role of Kang Gang Su, a second-generation financial conglomerate and space scientist.
Kang Gang Su is a space scientist conducting research on the reproduction of fruit flies while staying in a space station. Born with a silver spoon as the second son of a financial conglomerate, he is recognized as a next-generation leader with a fresh perspective, quick thinking, and meticulousness.
Defying everyone's expectations that he would inherit the family business, he unexpectedly pursued a degree in engineering and now enjoys breaking free from the constraints of gravity. This raises curiosity about what drove Kang Gang Su to venture into space.
Regarding his character, Oh Jung Se described Kang Gang Su as "a character I initially wondered, 'Can I really play him?' but ultimately decided, 'Let's meet him first and see.'"
He added, "I had previously worked with director Park Shin Woo, and I felt he was someone I could learn a lot from — a meticulous yet determined individual. That made me think I could fully enjoy working on any project with him. The script was also fresh and entertaining, so there was no reason to turn it down," explaining his decision to join the series.
Oh Jung Se also shared how he approached the role, "I thought hard about how to express the sense of weightlessness on the space station, the emotions arising in a confined space, and the story of human life."
He noted that real astronauts exercise daily to prevent muscle and bone degeneration in a zero-gravity environment. "I imagined Kang Gang Su as a healthy individual. Though not a muscular physique, I worked to maintain a fit and healthy body," he added.
Oh Jung Se also remarked, "This is a bold drama that has attempted many new things. It's a story about people living on a space station, and it is a work that strives to pursue a fresh approach in every aspect, including script, directing, and art design to CGI and acting. So, please look forward to it."
When the Stars Gossip will premiere on January 4, 2025. The K-drama will be available to stream on Netflix.