Shooting Stars: Rom-Com Sparks in the Glittering Chaos of PR
Introduction
Shooting Stars is a 2022 tvN romantic-comedy that pulls back the curtain on celebrity PR life. It follows the witty PR ace Oh Han‑byul and her contentious relationship with top actor Gong Tae‑seong. Packed with office drama, media mishaps, and unexpected romance, this rom-com glistens with behind-the-scenes charm.
Overview
Title: Shooting Stars (별똥별)
Year: 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Lee Sung‑kyung, Kim Young‑dae, Yoon Jong‑hoon, Kim Yoon‑hye, Lee Jung‑shin, Park So‑jin
Number of Episodes: 16
Runtime per Episode: Approx. 60 minutes
Broadcast Network: tvN
Streaming Platform: Viki, Viu, iQIYI
Overall Story
Oh Han‑byul (Lee Sung‑kyung) is a high-powered PR manager at Star Force Entertainment, responsible for managing the flawless public image of stars. She knows the industry’s frantic pace and damage-control all too well.
Her new challenging client is Gong Tae‑seong (Kim Young‑dae), a beloved megastar with a charming image and a secret scarred past. Their relationship is stormy—marked by public mishaps, hidden truths, and private tension rooted in their shared university history.
As unexpected scandals break—ranging from charity missteps to viral rumors—the PR team springs into action. Han‑byul leans on her colleagues, while Tae‑seong struggles between his carefully curated façade and his real self emerging under pressure.
Amid flaring headlines and crisis management, sparks fly between Han‑byul and Tae‑seong. Their mutual barbs hide a growing attraction, complicated by their careers and reputations.
Supporting characters add depth: managers, legal advisors, and reporters each bring their story arcs—friendships, rivalries, and ethical dilemmas—highlighting the human side behind celebrity glam.
By the finale, the PR disasters become catalysts for emotional honesty. Together, they learn that love may need explosive headlines—but it also needs vulnerability and trust far beyond public image.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
In Episode 1, Han‑byul meets Tae‑seong during a media crisis. His public meltdown—and her no-nonsense response—sets the tone for their combustible but magnetic dynamic.
In Episode 4, a charity scandal in Africa forces them into a tense press conference. Her firm control contrasts with his panicked honesty, creating an awkward—but emotionally charged—moment.
In Episode 8, a leaked script from Tae‑seong’s new project puts Han‑byul in a tight spot. Their covert showdown in the office corridor turns vulnerable as she confronts him.
In Episode 12, Han‑byul’s team rescues Tae‑seong from a public scandal sparked by misquoted rumors—underscoring the trust they’ve built, even amid chaos.
In Episode 16, at the end-of-season wrap party, tensions burst into candid confessions. His heartfelt apology and her emotional reciprocation mark a satisfying emotional payoff.
Memorable Lines
In Episode 2, Han‑byul mutters, “Stars shine brightest when someone cleans up their mess.”—a nod to her role behind their image.
In Episode 5, Tae‑seong admits, “I’m perfect in public, but I’m broken when no one’s watching.”—a rare glimpse of his vulnerability.
In Episode 9, Han‑byul jokes, “PR is like surgery—you see the result, not the blood.”—highlighting both humor and dedication.
In Episode 13, Tae‑seong confides, “With you, I don’t need a script.”—a simple but profound declaration of trust.
Finally, in Episode 16, he says, “Only you can handle my storm.”—a heartfelt admission that brings their arc full circle.
Why It’s Special
Shooting Stars is more than a bubbly rom-com—it’s a loving satire and heartfelt homage to the chaotic, exhausting, and oddly endearing world of Korean entertainment PR. What makes it stand out is how it peeks behind the glamor of red carpets and photo ops to reveal the unsung heroes: the PR managers, talent coordinators, and media fixers who keep stars shining.
Lee Sung-kyung delivers one of her most balanced performances as Oh Han-byul. Her character is smart, assertive, and often the most rational person in the room—but beneath her composed surface lies deep emotional fatigue. She makes you feel the toll of constant crisis management, while still lighting up the screen with her comic timing and heartfelt moments.
Kim Young-dae’s portrayal of Gong Tae-seong is a revelation. Previously known for supporting roles in shows like “Extraordinary You” and “The Penthouse,” he steps up here as a leading man with both charisma and nuance. His journey—from a polished celebrity to someone stripped down and emotionally real—mirrors the show’s core message: there’s always a human beneath the brand.
What also sets this drama apart is its razor-sharp commentary on the media machine. The show takes jabs at sensationalist journalism, “cancel culture,” and the impossible standards placed on public figures—all while keeping a light tone. It’s social critique wrapped in glossy visuals and slow-burn romance.
The ensemble cast, from quirky lawyers to unpredictable reporters and loyal managers, is tightly knit and well-utilized. Their subplots are never filler—they offer levity, tension, and warmth that make Star Force Entertainment feel like a real workplace family.
Visually, the drama embraces a clean, modern aesthetic, with pastel-toned offices, sleek fashion, and understated lighting that mirrors the manufactured perfection of the industry. But when emotions run high, the show strips that sheen away—offering raw, authentic beats that linger. This visual contrast is subtle, but masterfully executed.
Popularity & Reception
Upon its release in April 2022, Shooting Stars received modest ratings in Korea, hovering between 1.2% and 2.5%. However, the drama found a vibrant life internationally, especially on platforms like Viki and iQIYI. Fans around the world praised its clever setting, emotional depth, and playful romantic tension.
On MyDramaList, the series maintains a strong score (above 8.2), with comments describing it as a “healing rom-com” that feels “refreshingly grown-up.” International forums noted how rare it is to see a drama tackle media ethics and celebrity burnout with both levity and seriousness.
The chemistry between Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-dae became a hot topic. Their constant bickering, hidden longing, and eventual mutual care drove fan discussions and edits across YouTube and TikTok. Several scenes—especially Episode 16’s final confession—became widely shared GIFs and soundbites.
Critics in Korea applauded the meta-writing, noting how screenwriter Choi Young-woo—himself experienced in entertainment reporting—brought real-world insight into each episode. The show’s references to real scandals, subtle cameos, and backstage absurdities delighted fans who follow the industry closely.
Though it wasn’t a domestic blockbuster, Shooting Stars built a dedicated fandom that appreciated its sincerity. Viewers saw themselves in the stressed-out workers, the flawed stars, and the small kindnesses exchanged under pressure. That emotional realism gave the series staying power beyond the ratings.
Cast & Fun Facts
Lee Sung-kyung (Oh Han-byul) had already made a name for herself in dramas like “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” and “Dr. Romantic 2.” But in “Shooting Stars,” she plays against type—not a quirky heroine or medical genius, but a hyper-competent, emotionally tired PR executive. In interviews, Lee shared that she drew from her real experiences interacting with her own PR team to build Han-byul’s demeanor.
Lee Sung-kyung also personally worked with real PR professionals to master press conference dynamics, emergency response calls, and media tone management. Her crisp diction and strategic posture onscreen mirrored those she studied in the industry. She even improvised some of her stressed-out phone rants—something her own managers reportedly found too realistic.
Kim Young-dae (Gong Tae-seong) stepped into his first major leading role here. While previously typecast in elite or cold-hearted roles, this drama let him flex comedic muscle and show more vulnerability. Tae-seong’s inner turmoil and gentle moments let Kim create a layered portrait of a celebrity struggling under the weight of public expectations.
Kim reportedly studied famous actor interviews and PR crises as part of his prep, even watching behind-the-scenes videos of stars during meltdowns and apologies. His most intense scenes—like the panic attack after a false scandal—were praised for their authenticity and subtle control.
Yoon Jong-hoon (Kang Yoo-sung), the loyal and stylish manager, became a fan-favorite for his calm presence and protective instincts. Known for more intense roles (like in “Penthouse”), his subtle warmth here offered a new side. His dynamic with Tae-seong was dubbed a “bromance of emotional repair” by fans.
Park So-jin (Jo Gi-bbeum), playing the entertainment reporter with a crush on Yoo-sung, added a delightful romantic subplot. A real-life idol from Girl’s Day, So-jin has been growing her acting profile—and this drama showcased her comedic timing and relatable awkwardness.
Interestingly, the drama includes multiple meta-cameos. Real Korean celebrities make appearances, playing either exaggerated versions of themselves or fictional stars embroiled in PR nightmares. This created buzz online, with viewers speculating on which scenes were based on real-world scandals.
Director Lee Soo-hyun, who also directed “Find Me in Your Memory,” brought a polished sensibility to the project. Her choice to balance bright visuals with deeper emotional pacing helped keep the drama light without being superficial. She emphasized in post-interviews that “the goal was to show that people in PR, like actors, deserve empathy too.”
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
In a world obsessed with image, Shooting Stars reminds us that authenticity can still shine. It’s a drama that gently pulls us behind the curtain, asking not just what stars endure—but who supports them when the lights go out. Romantic, sharp, and surprisingly heartfelt, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in media, fandoms, or the human cost of fame.
And if you're someone in law, communications, or crisis management—this show might resonate on a different level. It’s an unusual but relevant glimpse into media strategy, brand reputation, and emotional labor, all wrapped in a romantic package. That makes it not just entertaining, but refreshingly insightful.
Comments
Post a Comment