Gripping
The entire drama pulled every emotion out in you. At times, my heart actually ached at what was going on. This is probably one of the best dramas I have ever scene. You may need to step away from this every now and then though to keep your emotions in check. The roller coaster is a bit overwhelming even though you know it is only a drama. The portrayal of these characters are so real. I can't imagine giving this less than full stars. If you are looking for a drama that grips you and pulls you in, this is it.Was this review helpful to you?
I have seen both leads in other series and they always deliver but they were both outstanding here particularly YYS.
I wish there’s a compilation of all the couple scenes on the net somewhere. Would play that on loop for sure.
The theme song “See The Light” somehow sets the mood on the couple scenes like a ballad would on break-up scenes.
Would definitely watch this series again
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right person. right writer. right casting. right chemistry.
The drama is a captivating blend of exceptional acting and innovative storytelling. Yoo Yeon Seok masterfully embodies the character of Baek Sa Eo, a man who projects an aura of coldness and indifference, his body language perfectly mirroring this persona. In contrast, Chae Soo Bin portrays Hong Hui Ju, a woman who appears soft and lacking in confidence, yet harbors a hidden strength and determination. She skillfully plays the part expected of her, all the while maintaining a calculated control beneath the surface, revealing a resilience as she navigates her circumstances.The drama's unique artistry lies in its unconventional approach, employing a mobile phone as the catalyst for action. This inventive use of technology serves as a constant reminder of the characters' communication dynamics, or rather, the lack thereof. They engage in endless exchanges through their phones, yet remain emotionally distant, revealing their innermost selves to strangers rather than to each other, creating a poignant contrast between constant connectivity and profound disconnection.
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At first i wasnt hooked because of the hype and overall on Netflix yet i dont regret starting it.
---->I loved Yeon Suk and his performance for the entire series. The attitude, the attires, the walks. High level of standards.
---->For Soo Bin, there was that thing that made you curious about her from the first episodes on glance. Her characters story stroke that intense cord between the main characters interaction and all the background story. I enjoyed seeing her on the main screen even though some may have found her annoying as character type, introvert and dead waste.
---->all till episode 11/12 was perfection. Episode 12, dissapointment. FAIL of an ending - as in the way to end it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Most horrible thing I have seen
I started watching this drama because I saw many people talking about how amazing it is and decided to check it out. To say I was let down would be an understatement. From the very beginning, the ML is a complete a**hole and we are supposed to root for the ML and FL's relationship?! I would understand if he was indifferent or cold, but instead, he was straight-up mean. As the drama continued, his character improved, but the same could not be said about the plot. The breaking point is the 12th episode, where the writers just throw the entire plot out the window. The finale is a complete sh*tshow. The ML going to Argan makes no sense, not to mention that Argan is clearly a country in either Africa or the Middle East, while the rebels and children there are blonde, blue-eyed white people?! Also, almost at the end of the episode, they mention Paltima and Izmael (aka we know what) and portray Paltima as the villain, saying that it is the one attacking Izmael, like... If the writers are so incredibly uneducated, they should save themselves the embarrassment, and don't make a show mentioning other countries.Was this review helpful to you?
Must Watch Romance thriller
Finally finished this beautiful drama. I am glad I waited till it finished airing to binge watch it because the suspense was real lol. From the moment I saw the trailer, I knew it was a good candidate to remove me from my current k drama slump.
Enemies to lovers is one of the OG Korean drama troupes which I love , but this was far from cliche. Fresh story line , brilliant acting, beautiful music, action packed, crazy chemistry with the leads, suspense, plot twists, thriller.
Although the last episode seemed rushed and out of place , It was an amazing ride and I am looking forward to more dramas like this. Some scenes were unrealistic but still engaging enough to have you seated in admiration of everything else happening.
Ps would have given 9 points for the unnecessary arc in the last episode. But the other episodes make up for it lol. Plus I am not a fan of the bandwagon hate. So this is a solid 10/10 minus nothing. Kudos to the actors, I hope they realise their effort and hard work is mostly appreciated.
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Let's Pretend Episodes 11/12 Did Not Happen
I rated this drama highly simply because of the first 10 episodes which had some of the best well executive + acted scenes and plot lines I've seen from a kdrama as of late. The last two episodes (esp. episode 12) pretty much ruined how I viewed the entire storyline and I decided to pretend they did not happen. If you decide to watch the drama please watch until episode 10 and then skip to the last 5 minutes of episode 12. Spare yourself the massive disappointment I experienced!!!Was this review helpful to you?
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Best Kdrama of 2024
When the Phone Rings is a thrilling K-drama that masterfully combines suspense, romance, and political intrigue. The story follows Baek Sa Eon, the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, who comes from a distinguished political lineage. Despite his stellar career as a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchor, his personal life tells a different story. His marriage to Hong Hui Ju, a mute sign language interpreter and the daughter of a prominent newspaper owner, is distant and based on convenience. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Hui Ju is kidnapped, forcing them to reevaluate their relationship and confront their true feelings.The series excels in character development, presenting Baek Sa Eon as a man torn between duty and personal growth, and Hui Ju as a symbol of silent strength and resilience. Their journey from estrangement to genuine connection is portrayed with emotional authenticity, making their transformation deeply moving.
The drama's suspenseful pacing and brilliant cinematography keep viewers hooked, while the intricate storyline ensures there’s never a dull moment. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, enriching the plot without overshadowing the leads.
Why When the Phone Rings is the Best K-Drama of 2024
For me, When the Phone Rings is hands down the best K-drama of 2024. It strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and edge-of-your-seat suspense. The show delves into profound themes of communication, vulnerability, and rediscovering love amidst adversity, making it both thought-provoking and heartwarming.
If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you captivated from start to finish while offering rich character arcs and meaningful storytelling, When the Phone Rings is an absolute must-watch. It’s more than entertainment it’s an unforgettable experience.
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I just love this alooot
Everything is at it best.. Amazing kdrama 2024Casting, actiong, director and it give viewer very clear and detailed script it is so open and understanding.
The female lead has done a great job to act very calm and lovely.While the male lead has been making life of FL easy without FL known that he does it all for love...I love this drama alot
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The show was solid, the ending was wacky. ⚠️ SPOILERS AHEAD ⚠️
This drama was great. The chemistry was spicy. The thriller aspect kept you going because it kept giving you new information and I really loved that because just when I thought I'd figured everything out something new would come up. The side characters were good, they were necessary but I never really felt a great attachment to them because the romance was the centerpiece of the show and it was what they focused on most of the time. I do feel like some of the drama was just done for drama's sake, like the bad guy shot his dad, but then like his dad lived and I was like; "Really, we couldn't have just killed his dad." Or we see our ML get shot but then it turned out to be a dream or she ran off a cliff, but she didn't run off a cliff.Then he was going to be in negotiator but nothing actually happened to him and he ended up Morroco in a dangerous position But that really didn't amount to anything. I don't make some fake outs but they did that alot in this drama. They kept trying to scare the viewers into thinking we wouldn't get a happy ending, and I wasn't crazy about that. Also when the villian whispers something to our ML we already know what it is cause they revealed it earlier so there's no shock factor. I really think they could've held onto to that final secret till the end so we'd be surprised as well as Hee Joo. All that being said I loved the chemistry between these two actors. The scene at the end was so lovely. It wasn't vulgar or inappropriate and it was just very well done. I wish we could have seen their future. I would have LOVED to have seen them with children. I would have loved to have seen their wedding day. If the big Morocco scene that didn't amount to anything and the scene where he was talking to the man who raised him would've been cut we could've had a scene in the future where she even calls him on the 406 phone and have a cute back and forth to end it wouldve been better. One thing I really didn't like was the mother. She went from TERRIBLE mistreatment of her daughter to just changing in an instant because she thought she was dead. I don't know. I thought that was a bit much. This woman caused her daughter so much pain and suffering and then she just like NEVER owns up to it. Even at the end she's just like; "I did it all for you." When she's crying and she didn't, she did it for herself. This whole idea that she did it for her daughter is crap! I didn't like how they made it seem like this whole time this woman was truly just wanting what was best for her daughter, cause I don't believe that at all. The sister easily could have been removed. She didn't really have any crucial role in the show. I mean, the whole idea of the arranged marriage was big enough and then they could have found other ways to reveal that he wasn't actually the son of the 2 people without the sister. The sister just didn't really add anything to the show. There are things that she revealed that could have been revealed by anyone else. Plus you just don't really care about the sister. I understand the reasons that they had her in it. But they were reasons that could have been easily changed. Her entire character could have been taken out in my opinion. She just didn't have that big of impact. So yeah, there were just some things that could have been done better. But it was a really great drama. You could definitely tell that they were depending on these 2 actors to carry the show and they did. Their chemistry was intense, and sexy and vunerable and it just worked. If I find out that they're dating or they get married I will not be shocked because their chemistry was very deep. I'll give it that. The thriller aspect was also very good.I liked how they drug out the villain and they didn't kill him too easily so it didn't feel lackluster.At the end, I think the way they ended his story was perfect.So yeah all in all a solid drama and one I recommend and enjoyed greatly! 😊
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MY FAVE KDRAMA FOR THIS YEAR 2024
This drama is absolutely captivating! I haven't been this invested in a K-drama in ages. Each episode was so good, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Surprisingly, not a single episode feels dull. Just when you think the previous one was the best, the next surpasses expectations, delivering peak after peak!The OSTs also are all so good. Non stop with the "Numb". AND The casting of Yoo Yoon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is pure genius! THE CHIMESTRY! OML. it's electrifying! That scene on the latest episode (episode 7) has me blushed profusely. The drama's pacing, paired with exceptional acting, makes for an unforgettable viewing experience. Bravo to the entire production team!
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This review may contain spoilers
What Works
Compelling Character Dynamics
The relationship between Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Ju is the heart of the show. Their love story is slow-burning, grounded in mutual understanding, and layered with vulnerability. Sa Eon’s stoic demeanor contrasts beautifully with Hee Ju’s quiet resilience, creating a relationship that feels both realistic and deeply moving.
Intriguing Mystery
The thriller aspect, involving Hee Ju’s veiled threats and the unraveling of her past, adds a gripping element to the narrative. The balance between romance and suspense is masterful, ensuring that neither overshadows the other.
Themes of Healing and Growth
The show explores how love and support can lead to healing, especially for Hee Ju, who learns to trust and open up despite her struggles. Similarly, Sa Eon’s journey from a guarded and distant individual to someone who embraces vulnerability is equally compelling.
Cinematography and Direction
The show’s visuals are striking, using muted tones and symbolic imagery to reflect the characters’ emotional landscapes. The direction ensures that every scene feels purposeful, whether it’s a quiet, tender moment or a high-stakes confrontation.
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