Actor Alex Hafner is about to make waves in the K-drama world with his role in When The Stars Gossip, a highly anticipated Netflix series set to premiere in early January. The show marks a unique milestone for Alex, being the only non-Korean actor in a cast led by prominent South Korean stars, including Lee Min-Ho. In an interview with Pop Culture Unplugged, Alex shared his experiences working on the series, the challenges of filming in space-like settings, and his love for storytelling across global platforms.
A Global Career Spanning Multiple Genres
From Cable Girls to Vampire Academy, Alex Hafner has built a diverse career in both European and American productions. Based in Madrid, he has worked on everything from historical dramas to sci-fi thrillers.
When asked about his career evolution, Alex said, “It’s been a journey of going where the work takes me. I’ve done projects across Europe, and now, with When The Stars Gossip, I got to experience the Korean entertainment industry, which was unlike anything I’ve done before.”
His versatility and multilingual abilities have made him a go-to actor for co-productions requiring international talent.
How When The Stars Gossip Came to Alex Hafner
Alex admitted that landing a role in a K-drama wasn’t something he had on his radar. “I was actually on a foodie trip in Italy for my birthday when I got the audition request,” he shared. “At first, I thought, ‘Korea? Really?’ But I sent in my self-tape, and next thing I know, I’m on a plane to Korea to film one of the biggest projects of my career.”
Unlike many auditions that involve callbacks and Zoom meetings with directors, Alex’s role as Santigago was a direct booking. “Sometimes, when a role is meant for you, it just works out,” he said.
Playing Santiago in When The Stars Gossip
In When The Stars Gossip, Alex plays Santiago, a character based on real scientific research surrounding fertility in space. “My character is obsessed with having a child, and he believes the answer lies in space. Yet, being in space keeps him away from his potential family,” Alex explained.
This contradiction is central to the show’s themes of love, destiny, and self-discovery. “It’s a beautiful story about finding something you didn’t even realize you were looking for, in the most unexpected places,” he added.
Challenges of Filming in a Zero-Gravity Setting
Filming scenes in space isn’t easy. Alex revealed that the production team built a replica of the International Space Station across multiple sound stages to mimic the weightlessness of space.
“The hardest part was the harnesses,” he said. “You’d be in these contraptions that make you feel like you’re floating, but after a while, they hurt. There were days I’d be hanging in a harness for hours, and I’d think, ‘This is intense.’ But the final product looks amazing.”
The team even brought in Korea’s only astronaut, Yi So-yeon, to help the cast understand the physical experience of being in space.
“She told us that being in space feels like you constantly want to vomit. It’s a very unique feeling,” Alex shared. “We had to get our movements just right to make it look realistic.”
Working With Korean Stars Lee Min-Ho and Gong Hyo-Jin
Alex was the only non-Korean actor in the main cast, which added a “lost in translation” element to his experience. “It felt very much like the movie Lost in Translation,” he joked.
He praised his co-stars, particularly Lee Min-Ho and Gong Hyo-Jin, for their professionalism and warmth on set. “They each have their own teams—makeup artists, stylists, photographers—it’s a whole entourage,” Alex said. “But they were all so kind and welcoming. I learned a lot from watching them work.”
A Love for Travel and Cultural Exploration
One of Alex’s favorite parts of acting is the opportunity to travel. “I’ve shot in some pretty remote places. The most off-the-beaten-path place was probably Georgia, the country. You get to experience things you wouldn’t otherwise,” he said.
Filming in Korea was a unique adventure. “I was there for almost a year. I fell in love with the culture, the food, and the people. I’m even learning Korean now because I’d love to work there again.”
The Show’s Themes and Message
When The Stars Gossip explores themes of love, destiny, and human connection. “The show is about finding love in unexpected places, but it’s also about self-love and self-discovery,” Alex explained. “Sometimes, the answers we seek are closer than we think.”
The series also tackles issues related to declining birth rates, particularly in countries like Korea and Japan. “There’s a scientific aspect to the show, but at its heart, it’s about relationships and human connection,” he said.
Memorable Moments on Set
For Alex, one of the standout moments was filming the space launch scene inside a replica of the Soyuz capsule. “It was just me and Lee Min-Ho for the first two months, crammed inside this tiny capsule. It felt very real, very intense.”
Another memorable moment was a mishap involving water. “There’s a scene where my character has to drink a lot of water, and I took it literally. I drank so much that I felt sick. We had to pause shooting, and I went for a run to sweat it out,” he laughed.
What’s Next for Alex Hafner?
While Alex didn’t reveal too many details about his upcoming projects, he did tease a potential return to musical theater and a new animation project.
“I’ve got some things in the works, but nothing confirmed yet. I’m really excited to see what doors this show opens,” he said.
A Possible Season 2?
When asked if When The Stars Gossip could return for a second season, Alex was optimistic. “Most Korean shows are intended to be one season, but there are definitely cliffhangers. The way the story ends, it could absolutely continue into a second season,” he said.
Final Thoughts
Alex Hafner’s journey from Europe to Korea and beyond showcases the power of versatility in acting. His role in When The Stars Gossip is a testament to his willingness to embrace new challenges and explore different cultures through storytelling.
As the series prepares to debut, Alex is excited to see how audiences around the world connect with the show’s unique themes. “It’s a beautiful story, and I think people will really resonate with it,” he said.
Follow Alex Hafner on Instagram at @TheAlexHafner and stay tuned for the premiere of When The Stars Gossip on Netflix starting January 4.
Photo Credit - Vico Vang