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1This review may contain spoilers
MY HEART CALLS YOUR NAME
***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.
OVERVIEW:
The drama begins with Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo, a couple married for three years but trapped in silence due to mutual animosity and Hee Joo’s selective mutism. Their fragile relationship worsens when Hee Joo is kidnapped by a masked assailant who threatens her life to get Sa Eon’s attention. After escaping, Hee Joo’s resentment towards Sa Eon intensifies. She uses the kidnapper's phone to communicate her demands of getting a divorce. As the story unfolds, the couple must face their unresolved feelings and decide if they can move past their grievances to navigate the crisis together. The drama delves into their emotional struggles, tackling themes of trust, love, and redemption amid various external challenges.
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IN MORE DETAIL (SPOILERS AHEAD):
Fist off, I liked how When The Phone Rings (WTPR) was able to captivate me in 2 episodes, usually dramas take 4-6 episodes to draw me in but this one did not. It felt like a breath of fresh air and after the first episode I went immediately to the next, without a break or hesitation.
The vibe of this drama is right up my alley; it’s a romantic suspense drama with mystery / thriller aspects, arranged marriages and a bit of tension between the leads. The transition from childhood friends to lovers adds a charming twist. I enjoyed it! It was the perfect antidote for those times when you’re in a drama slump, looking for something quick, bingeable, and effortlessly captivating. I found it especially revitalizing, as I was starting to feel that K-dramas were losing their spark.
The storyline was quite engaging, even if it leaned heavily on makjang tropes and required a hefty dose of disbelief. Flaws are a given in any show, and this one is no different. However, each character and far fetched plot line served a purpose, and in the context of this drama, it all somehow worked.
Honestly, sometimes, you just crave a cheesy, cliché drama that feels like a warm hug. Watching their slow-burn romance blossom into heartfelt confessions and breakthroughs was simply enchanting. Their unconventional love story touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect.
MIXED EMOTIONS:
Initially, In A appeared menacing but ultimately reveals a non-threatening nature. It seems unreasonable for her to expect Hee Joo to resume speaking just because her surgery was successful, allowing her to hear and talk again. That part annoyed me because it seemed selfish, especially after relying on her as a substitute for so many years.
It was disheartening to find out that Do Jae was scheming against Sa Eon, even though I had a hunch about it. While I might be able to brush off his treachery, the memory of him starting a fire and pushing Hee Joo off a cliff, leading to her serious injuries, is hard to shake. Moreover, the fact that Do Jae managed to survive after being beaten, stabbed, and nearly drowned stretches believability to its limits. In reality, both of those events should’ve left them severely injured or dead.
The second couple didn't resonate with me much; they seemed to lack the spark I was looking for. Their love was more subdued and comforting, unlike the fiery connection of Sa Eon and Hee Joo. Despite this, I was pleased that they revealed plans for marriage at the end.
While I recognize that Sa Eon should have learned sign language sooner to communicate with Hee Joo, it's important to consider his peculiar upbringing. To the Baek’s, he was only a spare, which positioned their marriage as a business arrangement. He maintained distance, feeling unworthy of genuine affection. Nonetheless, I commend his later efforts to learn, which showed his desire to connect with her on a deeper level.
DISLIKES:
The 5th episode was likely the weakest link in the series; it felt like a filler and earned a modest 7/10 from me. I was hoping for more excitement, but it just didn’t deliver.
I believe this drama could have reached greater heights if it had targeted a more mature audience. The 13+ rating restricted the depth of the romance earlier on. Still, I admire Sa Eon’s gentle approach; patience really is a virtue.
Sa Eon’s so-called family treats him like a mere pawn in their game, completely disregarding his humanity and identity. It’s heartbreaking to see him, an orphan, uprooted from his life simply because the grandfather chose him for his own agenda. His existence has never truly belonged to him. The flashbacks of his childhood, especially when he was forced to eat fish broke my heart. On the other hand, it was endearing to see how back then he offered his plate to Hee Joo when she was forced to restrict herself. These little parallels between past and present add to the story and highlight Sa Eon’s unwavering care and protectiveness towards her.
I really wish we had seen more of the mother taking responsibility for forcing her daughter into silence. Honestly, she came off as way too nonchalant, and it’s hard not to see her as a deeply troubled and insensitive individual. Everything seems to revolve around her, with her excuse being that she wanted a better life for Hee Joo than the one she experienced. Sure, but in doing so, you subjected her to a different kind of suffering! The mental and emotional scars are not something that just fade away. That’s my main issue, along with the overused trope of parents trying to make amends and seek forgiveness.
I also felt like the news report at the end particularly with the use of fictional country names mirroring real-life ones was unnecessary.
LIKES:
This series featured a stellar cast, the actors played characters with a sense of authenticity and realism. Yoo Yeon Seok delivered as usual, I don’t think I could ever imagine anyone else playing Sa Eon now. Chae Soo Bin brought her own unsuspecting charm and innocence to the role, while also being super flirty and daring when she was 406. I liked seeing her range. She deserves accolades for her impressive sign language performance.
Conversely, the kidnapper exhibited a commendable performance. Finally, there is a villain with a compelling backstory, clear motives, and justifications for his actions. While I did not feel sympathy for him, I appreciated the depth of his character. His troubled relationship with his parents nearly elicited pity. However, I found his demise somewhat too quick and simplistic but then again, you can’t always have it your way.
In my opinion, the finale was a total treat for fanfic enthusiasts. Given that this story started on Wattpad, everything that unfolded was spot on, and I’m not even a little bit sorry for enjoying every second of it. I swear, watching the last episode I was giggling and smiling so much. The people who get it get it and the ones who don’t, don’t. In my opinion they’re just out of the loop or above cliches altogether, but then again, everyone has their own preferences.
I’m glad there was no love triangle or 3rd person attempting to sabotage the couple. Additionally, the absence of a trivial breakup is refreshing. Sa Eon’s departure was indeed heartbreaking, primarily due to his difficulty in confronting Hee Joo after realizing he was the son of the person who inadvertently forced her to be mute following the accident which killed her brother. I think these events laid the foundation for their eventual reconciliation in Argan, similar to dramas with military themes.
I liked how Hee Joo engaged in conversations with those who had a deep connection to Sa Eon, as it allowed her to feel closer to him. It’s such a relatable portrayal of loneliness and confusion; those small interactions were her lifeline during those tough days.
That kidnapping scene where she was blindfolded, it felt like it was lifted straight from a romance novel. It had the essence of multiple shows and movies blended together, but honestly, I didn’t care because Sa Eon looked incredibly handsome while rescuing her.
The cinematography is impressive. While some may dislike the imaginative scenes, I find them endearing as they offer a glimpse into the characters' thoughts and showcase more charming moments between the couple. I also value the subtle hidden details they added that help’s to convey the emotions of the leads.
The OST is also amazing. The first time I heard the captivating opening track, "Hear Me Out," and saw the theme, I thought it was quite intriguing. The first experience hearing “See The Light” was thrilling, and Lim Hyunsik’s vocals are powerful. "Numb", for "May I Love You," and "I Feel It Now," are my top 3 song, as it expresses the emotions of our leads so well. Honorable mention for "Say My Name" which is beautifully sang by Yoo Yeon Seok and shows off his amazing voice.
LOVES:
The leads chemistry is off the charts! I was breathless by the end of episode 2 and again in episode 7. The way they match each other's energy was electrifying. Their intimate scene following the kidnapping was truly something. The filming was excellent; the directors captured the perfect angles and flow. While some viewers criticized the earlier kiss in episode 10's epilogue, I believe the final scene redeemed everything. As a romance enthusiast, their love story resonated with me, and their unwavering connection was evident. The last 15 minutes of the finale were everything, showcasing them as newlyweds finally experiencing happiness after 11 episodes of struggle. It was a satisfying happy ending.
I also appreciate how, in the jungle scene in Argan, Hee Joo initiated the kiss. It was refreshing shift in dynamic showing her taking control. After all of Sa Eon’s encouragement throughout the drama to pursue her desires without hesitation, she finally embraced his advice. Talk about a well crafted arc! And let’s not forget the scene that followed was absolutely sizzling!
What I truly admire is how they handle their issues with such gravity. The years of pain they endured were no joke. The moment between In A and Hee Joo, where she realizes that clinging to the past will only bring sadness, was particularly poignant. I loved how they both showed mutual respect, with Hee Joo letting go of her resentment towards In A. That was a genuine breakthrough that really tugged at my heartstrings.
I loved the character development of Hee Joo. She transforms from a timid and naive person into a confident, determined woman who pursues her desires. Her newfound courage to confront those who have wronged her is inspiring. Similarly, Sa Eon undergoes significant growth, enduring numerous challenges before ultimately finding his happiness.
Sa Eon's affection for Hee Joo stands out, especially considering he was brought up devoid of love. He was raised to be perfect, to make up for the faults of his fake parents and to preserve their legacy. Although he developed a reserved and distant demeanor, his tenderness towards Hee Joo is heartwarming and his sweetness shines through. While he may appear rough around the edges, his love for her is unmistakeable. From the start, their hearts have called each other's names; it was merely a matter of time.
The beauty of that final scene lies in the fact that there were no pretenses this time around. Hee Joo was honest about her feelings, simply wanting him to return home. The progress they have both made in these 12 episodes has been truly remarkable.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘊𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”
“𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘚𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺.”
“𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵.”
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘶𝘱. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘦𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘰.”
“𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦.”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”
“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This drama was an absolute delight! As a fan of heavier and more emotional stories, it was a nice change of pace to watch something lighter that didn't leave me feeling drained. Some persons would beg to differ but for me, this drama was not that deep. It was simply a joy to watch.
All in all, I simply loved how they blended almost every genre together, the mystery, thriller, romance and romantic suspense which kept you on your toes and had you eager to watch the next episode.
This drama was made for yearners and slow burn lovers. Yu Yeon (formerly Sa Eon) and Hee Joo perfectly encapsulate that dynamic. I love the name he chose and their cozy little married life. The ending was so heartwarming, especially the scene where he tells her if she wants their home to be more lively they need to add to their family and then lifts her bridal style to the bedroom.
Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Is it binge worthy and enjoyable? Definitely. WTPR may not be perfect, but it had me hooked! Although the last 2 episodes faltered a tiny bit, the show's overall excellence still prevailed. It provided a much-needed escape, lifting my spirits and making for a gratifying watch.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially to persons who are beginners or just watching for a good time. I even roped in 4 friends to watch, including two who had never even watched a K-drama before. So far, they’re loving it, and it’s fun to have people to discuss the episodes with.
The romantic suspense and chemistry was brilliant. The leads were so captivating that they definitely earned some extra points in my book. I genuinely loved them, and I can confidently say there was rarely a dull moment in this drama for me.
I need to see YYS and CSB in another project together. Also, what is Yu Yeon up to at the end? He looks like he’s giving some secret agent vibes fr. I just can’t get enough! This drama definitely deserved more than 12 episodes. 14 or 16 would have been perfect. Fingers crossed for the possibility of a 2nd season!
My averaged episode scores put When The Phone Rings at an 8.5/10. While the characters and storyline definitely could've been more fleshed out, I enjoyed the performances by the cast and suspenseful elements. Everything combined made this drama such a fun watch.
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SIDENOTE:
While some claim WTPR is overhyped, I believe its popularity is well-deserved. It captivates and entertains throughout. Everyone has different preferences, WTPR met mine. If you are still unsure, by eps 2 to 4, you'll know if it suits your taste; if not, it's best to move on. Manage your expectations to avoid disappointment, and remember it’s literally based on a Webtoon / Wattpad novel.
I tried to keep my review neutral, concentrating on the main points of the plot and my viewing experience. It is important that we maintain a respectful and focused conversation without any political biases or jumping to any premature conclusions.
Anyway, that’s my two cents lovelies.
As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
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a cracktastically fun show that loses its way and lands in disbelief
this show had one of the BEST opening episodes i have ever seen. it was an overdramatic soapy ride, carried by simmering intensity and masterful acting, backed by fine direction and beautiful camerawork, then driven home by the unapologetically dramatic music score. the buildup that ended in that big twist? i was hooked and screaming and scrambling for more.the first four episodes were in a similar manner, very soapy and intense, flattered by the chemistry between the actors, and without a doubt greatly elevated by the spectacular performance from yoo yeon sook. the only complaint i would raise would be that of the fml's character - the first episode promised more bite but she was ultimately very overmatched. however, the show still delivered its fair share of twists and emotional punches and high voltage spicy moments. every episode had at least one highlight scene (i have written episode reviews for every single episode 1-4, which i have not done for any other show):
- ep2: 'will you take it off, or should i?' / the epilogue phone call reveal of how the ml & fl's marriage came about.
- ep3: the motorcade scene
- ep4: the rooftop scene / (which is amplified by) the epilogue reveal of what happened in the police car
every single scene with the score 'breakthrough pt. 2 (oh hee joon)' was so emotional and intense and iconic. i've replayed those scenes for more times than i'd care to admit, especially during the wait for new episodes (no thanks to yoon suk yeol).
but.. the show loses that spark. for 5 through 8, the show was still reasonably good, though increasingly cliche, and threatens to snap the suspense of disbelief with totally unconvincing scenarios that cannot be excused with dramatic dressing. then the show just loses its footing and ends with, well, shitting the bed. it's a shame that the show went out with a whimper, especially with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the last episode. however, the first 4 episodes were so good, i'll allow nothing less than a 8.5.
to summarize:
- breakthrough pt.2 is now one of my ringtones.
- yoo yeon suk, you have earned yourself a fan in this one!
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What a Rollercoaster ...
... but a good Rollercoaster. Honestly, I was not expecting go get thrown a curveball E1. I saw it as one of those dramas that would be a slow start and the high ratings came from the climax, but this one came on swinging ... in a good way!The story itself is ok. I think what really kept me rushing to click next episode and skip intro were the well-timed cliffhangers where you absolutely HAVE to know what the heck is going on. The story flows at a pace to keep you entertained and makes perfect sense ... until the last episode. I'm sure the more seasoned K-Drama fans know that the last episode is always a dude. The twists, turns, how things tie together and the reveals are worth the watch (again, this DOES NOT apply to the last episode because I don't think it was part of the same storyline). Another drama that I applaud for not making a love triangle the center of the story.
The acting I felt was chef kiss. You never knew who the antagonist and protagonist were until they decided to reveal it all, then the roles reversed and the actors really made it seamless. The chemistry between the two main leads was perfection. Some of those kisses definitely had me clutching my imaginary pearls.
The music was fitting. It wasn't anything that overtook or distracted you from a scene and they were songs that I'd find myself humming after a binge of a few episodes.
I think this has a decent amount of rewatch value if you find yourself a fan of the story. Some of the things that happen throw you for such a loop, you almost want to rewarch again to see if you had noticed anything differently.
Overall, I enjoyed this drama. Be warned, the last episode is so odd and not anywhere near fitting of the rest of the drama. Don't let it sway your ratings. The 11 episodes are addicting.
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This review may contain spoilers
"When The Phone Rings" is a romance/thriller drama about Sa Eon and Hee Joo, two people with secrets who enter into a marriage contract.Sa Eon is the president's spokesperson, a distant and cold person, who marries Hee Joo in place of her sister. Hee Joo is pretending to be mute because her mother is forcing her, saying that Hee Joo is to blame for In Ah becoming deaf. She also marries Sa Eon because of this same responsibility. In three years of marriage, the two never get close, they are almost like strangers living in the same house, but everything changes when Sa Eon receives a call from someone he calls "406", a person who is blackmailing him to divorce Hee Joo.
The blackmailer is someone who kidnapped Hee Joo, but she stole his phone and used it as an opportunity to escape from her prison… the problem is that after this starts happening, Hee Joo and Sa Eon eventually become a real couple, as all the secrets start to come out.
The couple has amazing chemistry on screen, one of the best I've ever seen in a drama, the passion between the two is fantastic, the kisses are really impressive. Sa Eon and Hee Joo's relationship is the highlight of the drama, especially since the rest of the story is a bit confusing.
We learn that Sa Eon is also just a substitute, that the people who raised him are not his biological parents and the blackmailer is the real Paik Sa Eon, who wants his place back. It was also because of the real Paik Sa Eon that Hee Joo and In Ah's younger brother died, because he saw him, that dirty family secret. If the story stopped there, it would be perfect, but it would have to add more and more things… That Sa Eon is actually part of that family, he is Sa Eon's real uncle.
I don't even know what to say about this ending with Hee Joo going after Sa Eon in a country on the other side of the world, as if Sa Eon was some secret agent… even though the kiss was spectacular, the scene was weird. HAHAHA'
Like I said, the couple is amazing, they are definitely the reason why the drama is worth watching, but the drama has a lot of mistakes in the development of the story. One of them is with the second lead, who doesn't appear on screen. I thought Sang Woo was someone who liked Hee Joo, but he didn't even try to win her over and we only see him sometimes… it's almost like he was content with Yu Ri and gave up on Hee Joo without even trying first. Also the weird story about Sa Eon's birth secret, that was just thrown into the narrative without any concern. It could have been better.
PS: I know people fell in love with Yoo Yeon Seok now, but he already won my heart in "Mr. Sunshine" <3
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Action packed & incredibly romantic mystery
Wow the 1st half is so so good. The unimpressive/kinda boring opening credits are probably the only semi"bad" thing.The 2nd half is not as good as things escalate. The plot stretches to the limits of my plausibility meter but these gaps are quickly forgotten with the drama's fast pace. Although only 12 eps long this drama feels a bit longer - in a good way. The twists and turns make for an exciting ride with good closure touching on explaining everything before wrapping things up with a nice satisfying ending.
This drama was very well done and one of the most creatively told stories I've watched in a long time. Really fun to watch with well paced surprises throughout. This drama is very entertaining and action packed while still managing to be incredibly romantic. There are unexpected LOL comedic interactions and jealousy inducing romantic moments that would speed melt the hardest hearts.
Casting is impeccable. The acting is superb especially the ML. He is an exceptional artist. (I haven't watxhed him before but I'll be looking more of his dramas as I find the time.) He nails this character down from all angles. The delivery of some of his best lines are so breathtakingly smooth and swoonworthy. I'm not sure anyone else could replicate or do better. His domineering stares are GQ/Hugo Boss runway steamy while his vulnerable true self makes you melt all the same but for completely different reasons.
Great mix of good and bad relationships on display. I loved the couples and friend circles. I had zero issues with the main lead age gap. They looked so good together and they are both smart mature adults. Their chemistry was fire! Perfect balance of sugary sweet and red hot spice when they turn up the heat. Also, It was nice to see the FL wasn't dumbed down to some childlike character.
This story is told by a director with master skills. Eventhough you might be able to guess the main culprit half way, there is enough going on to keep you hooked.
The scriptwriting is never boring. You'll find unexpected humor, subtle double entendres, plus heartgriping declarations of love and pain. There are characters who must learn to bend and forgive those who may have wronged them to allow for some redemption and freedom. Others need to learn to be stronger, and more steadfast to almost being stubborn. Lessons on honesty and compassion are also key. Every conversation adds to the suspense and emotional intensity.
Cinematography, music and editing are all very good. Some really fun creative shots; all of them interesting and matching the stylish edgy vibe of the whole production. The visuals are high contrast layers of light (bright sunny lush forests and shining ballroom opulence) to sudden shades of grey and moonlit darkness. This parallells our journey as we are shown the multiple sides of each character. The drama keeps you guessing; who is a friend who is not? who is hurt? who is causing the pain? How far are they willing to go? Etc. Etc.
Highly recommend this.
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Just stop watching after the first half of ep. 11 and you're good!
I really loved this drama. I was rooting for the main lead and I was crying with them - a lot.I still couldn't understand why Baek Sa-eon was being such a jerk to her at the beginning, but I could look over that because overall I was just sucked into the show.
I was ready to call it one of my favourite dramas until it suddenly all went south after the second half of the 11th episode. The show strayed away from all logic, brushing over first-time-mentioned topics and didn't care to really explain how things got to happen - but even if they did, I couldn't care less. Because it wouldn't make sense either way.
I was almost ready to drop the drama at this point because I thought it was a 16-episode show, and if that was the direction the drama would continue with, I couldn't finish. After I found out it's only 12 episodes, I watched it until the end, and I can definitely tell, that it was not worth it.
I'm a little shocked by how easily the last 1h 30min could overshadow everything that happened before and ruin the overall image I have about the drama... In the end I decided not to include the last hour of what-the-heck into my rating and just look at the drama as an 11 episode piece.
I would definitely recommend watching it, but I would just keep in mind, that the last episode does nothing for the viewer.
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Moreover, I loved the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin. They look good together. The sexual tension between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju was on fire. Also love the way Baek Sa Eon flirted with 406, the way Hong Hui Ju was getting jealous was cute.
Hong Hui Ju mother horrible. Hated her to the core. One good thing is that her step sister is not evil. She is a good person who wants Hing Hui Ju to be happy.
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A lifetime of Devotion
The emotional intensity between the male lead and the female lead created tremendous chemistry. The story overall was a very good one. The eventual development of their relationship was heart touching. Their inability to be vulnerable with each other from the beginning of their marriage and open in their communication and feelings cost them a lot of unnecessary anguish. But, it did make for a very complex relationship. I do feel somewhat frustrated by the male lead's need to punish himself for something he did not do. Several of the supporting casts added in a positive way to the story. I especially liked the cute romantic Kang.Was this review helpful to you?
expected tears got fake smiles.. but it was amazing :‚P
First of all the cast was insanely gorgeous. . this drama was completely diff from anything I’ve seen.. the chemistry btween the leads was fire, and the story's super catchy. . . Honestly, it’s pretty romantic even if it doesn’t seem like it at first, you’ll get it later. Took me forever to understand the deeper meaning, but wtvs... The ending, though? IT RUINED EVERYTHING. I don’t get y they did thattt. Like WHO even thought that was a good idea? I swear, if anyone tries to ruin my drama experience again, I’ll come at them.. I mean, it was a "perfect happy ending", but tbh, it wasn't even CLOSE to satisfy me, I wanted to throw my phone. If the ml had died or if it ended on a sad note, I’d be crying rn. At least I’d have some emotional trauma to hold onto. Still, I was hooked from start to almost finish, so I’m giving it 5 stars. My first Kdrama, and I’m already obsessed js don’t expect perfection, prepare to love it and hate the ending w me. Defo would watch again, but skip the ending. The intro song was js perfection😔💓Was this review helpful to you?
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Intriguing cliche ft. ridiculous plot at the end ?
This show came out of nowhere and took majority of us down the memory lane of swooning over wattpad romances.I only want to talk about the MLs because honestly they are only whom I was fully invested in.... The main leads are typical: Seemingly cold, rich, and no-nonsense ML and a simple, softie FL. This is so wattpad-coded: Saeon showing redflag signs (thankfully he changed) and Heejo being a damsel in distress. I've seen a lot of this dynamic yet this one just hits different. Why? I believe that the actors played their roles so well and the show really tried to flesh out their characters, their personality.
Again, the usual trope of rich family, orphan, revenge, childhood connection... Nonetheless, the way the story unfolded was definitely gripping. The pacing of every episode was perfect - enough to feed my curiosity and enough to keep me wanting for more.
With all that, I really wanted to rate this higher but fell short all because of the last episode. The plot all throughout was pretty well-explained and the turn of events are fairly sensible except the last episode.
* Their relationship was already established. They expressed their feelings which made them stronger together. So, how can Saeon suddenly went MIA? They were opening up and trusting each other. A heartfelt conversation would've helped them.
* And out of all the places he could've gone to.....A warzone.....that Heejo went to....Argan.....also with the stereotypical color filter as soon as she stepped to that country...and they made love.....in a warzone...(will just pretend that that happened at their home, on Heejo's bed)
Yes, they followed the web novel but I wish they did not with that one. Yes, this is fictional but I wish a teeny bit of logic was still considered. I'm sorry but no matter how much someone will defend this plot, I will never change my mind that this is just straight up ridiculous, the worst.
I also want to list my nitpicks here.
1. When we first heard Heejo speak, when she was with the kidnapper, I wish she stuttered first. She was on a life-threatening situation + with someone who is dangerous + has selective mutism. I would've felt more if she struggled a bit with finding her voice and words then after few tries, had the courage to speak up. Also when she was on the police car. Similar case. I'd just imagine Saeon feeling and looking even more conflicted if he heard her struggle speaking first and then she screamed...
2. I honestly did not like how Saeon made Heejo go to the amusement park. (Lol just overthinking this) I mean Saeon was so protective and concerned with Heejo's rest after the cliff fall, and then he suddenly asked her to come out of the hospital alone on a cold night to go to the park??
3. Did the selective mutism trope just vanish? How did others take that she can actually speak? I wish they also included how Heejo able to overcome it, how she was gradually able to communicate with others and build confidence to voice out herself....
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this mainly because of their chemistry. I will never forget how intense the first few episodes were as much as I will never forget the crappy Argan plot.
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When Your Wife Calls
I thought this series would lead me back to Kdrama. Unfortunately, it failed me again. This is your another clichéd Kdrama full of murder, crimes, political and family rivalry. I'm here supposedly for the romance. But, the romance I am hoping for took a back seat in the story. Oh yes, it started again with that aloof, domineering, snob character of the ML. Which expectedly would make a turn towards the end of the drama. Yes, everything is predictable, from the crime itself, the childhood flashbacks, the orphanage and the romance itself. Very poor storyplot. Lots of unnecessary characters like the sister of the FL who didn't play a significant role at all, FL's colleagues in the court or judiciary.The idea of the burner phone is too lame for me just to express ones feelings. Even poor execution of crime solving. Like, a car that can be easily hacked and operated by a culprit but a simple burner phone cannot be easily located or even decoded by the Office of the President. Like, how inefficient such office can be?
Anyways, this is a wasted potential. If only the writers focused on the romance, instead of the too overly used crime trope, it would have been much more interesting. Yes, this is a total slowburn. Why let the audience wait for the finale for a married couple to get intimate? Can't it be at least halfway thru? or better yet, after the wedding ceremony itself since the feeling is mutual anyway. Would have been much better if they have kids in the finale.
Mysterious Love or My Lethal Man Cdrama is way better than this.
I was suppose to give this a 7.0 for the minimal romantic interaction between the leads. The actors were all awesome. My first time to watch Yoo Yeon Seok in a drama. Second time for Chae Soo Bin as first seen her in I'm Not A Robot. Still, gave an overall rating of 8.0 for the intimate finale scene. Definitely, chemistry was there. Another overrated drama.
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There were a lot of things in When the Phone Rings that usually make me roll my eyes whenever they appear on the screen in romance dramas, like rich evil parents and their twisted family dramas and birth secrets and the like. But somehow the soapy goodness of When the Phone Rings managed to make it all work. A kdrama story about an emotionally stunted rich man and the woman who makes him open up just by loving him, with a dash of family drama nonsense and tropy plot that seems over the top but works so well within the universe that the drama has created.
The story felt airtight and structured where there was always plenty going on and a good enough flow to the story to keep you constantly entertained. There was always a plot twist, something that kept you on your toes, and the chemistry between the paths was so electrifying that you couldn’t look away. You never really knew what to expect.
The emotional weight of the story works well with the suspense. I enjoyed that Hong Hee Joo seemed helpless to the other characters in the drama, and yet the narrative showed her that she wasn’t, she was just trapped. It created such a beautiful contrast and interesting character dynamic, and Chae so Bin was great in this role. To me, this jerk who is the main male character is often in the beginning a double-edged sword. It can be an interesting character, dynamic and fun like the ‘I hate you, but I also adore you’ relationship that you have with that character while they’re opening. It’s become a tired cliché to a certain extent, as many of these characters because the narrative needs them to be, but it doesn’t feel organic, but here I thought it worked really well for the character.
These two characters’ longing for love was palpable, captivating, and addictive. The two main leads have quite a rich inner turmoil that becomes quite intense and addictive to explore as the story unravels and at quite a simmering speed. They are very interesting characters that you can’t help but root for in one way or another in their source of happiness and inner peace.
One of the few minus points I can really give this drama is the second way, which feels way too much filling and doesn’t help much in moving the story forward. If anything, these characters and their story seem to hinder the tension and the pacing of the story. And those secondary characters were just there, if anything. The plot didn’t need them.
Although those characters involvement in the mystery was perhaps because When the Phone Rings is only 12 episodes, and the story here so wants to dwell on the emotions and spark between our main characters and focus on telling that story as kdramas tend to have a slower and more emotional structure in their stories that the current twelve-episode formula doesn’t always allow for. And if so, I think it was the right call because Paik Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo are the emotional core and focal point of the story and everything else revolves around them.
This drama is such a soap opera but that’s what made it so fun. It takes a bit of a skill to weave together such a story that uses tired and old tropes in a fun way and really leans into the soapy aspects of the old school kdramas while also finding a way to satisfy everyone no matter how long or not they have watched kdramas. Every episode had an intent, or a purpose and it felt like not much time was wasted as the story briskly takes us from one heartfelt moment to another cliffhanger and onwards. And with the exploding chemistry of the leads and the highly dramatic story it was very entertaining and an addictive watch.
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