This review may contain spoilers
i am tired with same old stories !
‘When the phone rings’ give those dark romance comic book vibes in the beginning episodes but soon turns into a typical romcom story. That’s what most kdramas are doing now, they start with a unique storylime which slowly turns into same old cliches. We know whatever happens in the drama the ending is going to be lovey dovey even when its illogical. FL falling down a cliff and surviving without breaking any bones was soo unrealistic for a thriller drama. ML getting shot in the last episode is also must in kdramas that i am soo doneee with. Please give us something new.I was waiting for a crazy twist that never happened.
The ML is a hottie and acts cold but is a softie inside. Shocking right !!! 🙄I liked his harsh side more but the last episode ruined his character for me. Why was he guilty about something that he had no connection with!!! Why was he soo dumb to disappear like he did something wrong but it turned out to be a stupid reason. It was stupid way to end the drama. Nevertheless i think he was still better than the Female lead. Female had zero expressions on her face. Whether she was shocked or scared or angry there was literally same expressions on her face. Her character was also written poorly. ML made me keep watching till the end.
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The best kdrama in 2024.
The best kdrama in 2024.I love actors performance also the story is new and good. It is one of the best kdrama I have seen so far. I appricate all lead actors cha soobin and yoo yean seok for their best acting and also all sapporting actors for acting as well. I waited every week for coming episods . I really loved their chemistry . This drama hooked me frome the begining. The ending was rushed but still a great watch. I was amazed by how captivating this drama was the every first episode. YYS and CSB definetly deseve the 3 awards. This drama recieved a too exellent actor and exellent actress and a best couple awards in MBC awards 2024. I love how the dtama kept me emotionally engaged with moments of tension , every scene is well crafted , the actors brought the characters to life, they had such and beautiful commanding presence the actors.Was this review helpful to you?
First ten Episodes are watchable but damn those last two episodes
"When the Phone Rings" is a thrilling romance that follows the complex relationship between a spokesman and a sign language interpreter who struggles with selective mutism—an aspect of her character that adds depth to the story, though revealing more would spoil the surprise. Three years into their marriage, they are anything but a typical couple; their communication is virtually non-existent, and their relationship remains hidden from the public eye, leaving her unable to openly acknowledge him as her husband.The tension escalates when she is kidnapped, and her husband dismisses the call about her abduction, thinking it’s a scam or voice phishing. Fortunately, she manages to escape, taking with her the phone used by the kidnapper to issue threats and demand a divorce. This twist sets the stage for a powerful moment of reclaiming agency through blackmail, showcasing a side of her that starkly contrasts with the innocent persona we’ve come to know.
While the setup and premise of the drama are strong, I found her attempts at making threat calls to be somewhat lacking. It felt like she was playing a risky game without a solid backup plan, which, while entertaining, made me question her choices.
The initial episodes are beautifully intense and thrilling, capturing my attention, but as the story progressed, it began to feel a bit underwhelming for me personally.
This review reflects my personal experience, and I recognize that opinions on the show may vary widely.
There are definitely aspects of "When the Phone Rings" that I really enjoy. For starters, I absolutely love the male lead, Yoo Yeonsook. Typically, I find tsundere male leads a bit overdone, but he brings something special to the role. He embodies his character so well that I often find myself swooning whenever he appears on screen. He has that aura reminiscent of a classic Wattpad character, and his presence and dialogue make him truly engaging. His character is fascinating—not your typical green flag or red flag, but rather a complex grey. Like many male leads, he has a backstory that shapes who he is, but I won’t go into that to avoid spoilers. His character is definitely one of the highlights for me.
Another standout is the female lead, Chae Soobin. She portrays an innocent character forced to live without a voice, which is compelling in itself. What I really appreciate is that she isn’t just a damsel in distress. We get to see a fiery side of her when she makes those intimidating phone calls, and I wish that aspect of her personality had lasted longer or transitioned more into her physical character. Some might see her as weak, but to me, she’s not. She’s someone who yearns to find her place in the world. With a difficult upbringing and a complicated relationship with her mother, she just wants to belong, and it’s heartwarming to see how she lights up when she finally finds that sense of belonging.
The acting is also a stand out element... the leads deliver such nuanced performances that every glance and subtle expression resonates deeply. Their chemistry is palpable and feels so genuine, making their interactions incredibly engaging. The way their relationship evolves from enemies to lovers is refreshing, especially with the added layer of an arranged marriage.
The phone calls serve as a unique form of therapy for both characters, allowing them to open up in ways that push their relationship forward. It’s heartwarming to see how they begin to understand each other better, breaking down the walls that initially separated them. The development of their bond is the drama's heartbeat, and even if the thriller aspect were removed, the romance alone could carry the story effortlessly.
The direction and transitions are expertly crafted, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The original soundtrack complements the scenes perfectly, adding an extra layer of emotion that elevates the viewing experience.
Now, while "When the Phone Rings" has its strengths, there are definitely some aspects that leave much to be desired. The thriller element, which should ideally add suspense and intrigue, often feels disjointed from the romance. It’s almost as if the drama is trying to juggle two separate narratives, one focusing on the romantic development and the other on the thriller plot. While I appreciate the attempts to weave in the male lead's backstory, it sometimes feels like a distraction rather than an integral part of the story, making me wish for a more cohesive approach.
Another significant drawback is the portrayal of the second leads. Their characters and motivations seem out of place, especially since they weren't part of the original webtoon. This lack of integration makes their storylines feel forced, and I found myself skipping through their scenes, as they didn't resonate with me at all. Their investigations, while seemingly connected to the main plot, often lack clarity in motivation, which detracts from the overall flow of the drama.
Overall, "When the Phone Rings" leaves me with mixed feelings. There are moments of excitement, but they are often overshadowed by the inconsistencies in the narrative. I appreciate that the show is limited to 12 episodes, as it prevents unnecessary dragging and maintains a tighter storyline. It’s an interesting watch, but it could have benefitted from a more focused approach to both its romance and thriller elements.
The last two episodes of the series were truly a disappointment, and not in a way that was entertaining. It felt like the writer had lost touch with the story, leading to a plot that was both confusing and frustrating. The constant recycling of scenes became tiresome, and the supposedly intelligent characters made decisions that were completely out of character, which was jarring to watch.
The introduction of the argan war zone plot felt like a forced twist that took up almost 40 minutes of the finale, and it seemed disconnected from the overall drama of the series. The male lead’s disappearance due to his "noble idiocracy" and his delayed return after half a year felt unrealistic. When he finally reached out to the female lead, it was hard to believe she would run into a war-torn country only to get kidnapped again. Their heart-to-heart talk and the rushed make-out scene while being chased felt poorly timed, and the subsequent bed scene seemed like a desperate attempt to rekindle the romance.
Despite the initial addiction to the series, the spark has faded significantly. While the characters themselves were interesting and the chemistry between the leads was a highlight, the lack of character development and the flawed script overshadowed the acting, which remained strong throughout. Overall, the last two episodes extinguished any remaining excitement I had for the series.
Anyways I appreciate the acting, the interesting characters who could have been properly developed or utilised, the maiznf chemistry between the leads the sensual kiss scenes and maybe the osts.
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This drama can be found on Netflix.
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engaging romance, average plot
before watching this kdrama, i was unsure whether to give it a try. the reviews were mostly negative, and the imdb rating was only 5.6, which is quite low. even though it had a better rating of 8.0 on mydramalist (mdl), the comments were still filled with criticism. despite that, i decided to give it a shot.the first episode immediately pulls you in. it has a strong start that makes you curious about what will happen next. however, i do agree with others that as the episodes go on, the plot weakens. still, for those who love romance and don’t mind an average storyline, this drama can be enjoyable. but if you’re someone who looks for a solid and well-structured plot, this might not be the best choice.
the storyline has both clichés and some unique elements, making it feel like something straight out of wattpad. the plot itself is nothing special, but if you’re watching purely for the romance, it won’t be an issue.
overall, i liked the drama. i had fun watching it and even laughed at some parts. the chemistry between the leads is incredible. from the very start, the tension between them is intense. the retreat incident (which i won’t spoil) really showcased sa-eon's emotions – the acting was outstanding. you can see in his eyes how deeply he loves hee-joo, and that alone made the drama worth watching.
for those who stay for the romance, this is a good watch. but looking at the plot, i believe the story could have been wrapped up in 8 episodes. it’s straightforward and doesn’t really need the full 12 episodes. while 12 episodes are still manageable compared to the usual 16-episode kdramas, the finale felt lacking. episode 12 had potential but ended up feeling pointless. the plot could have wrapped up in episode 11, and instead of dragging it, i wish episode 12 had focused more on a happy, fluffy ending to satisfy romance fans.
in the end, when the phone rings is best for those who enjoy romance and don’t mind an average plot. it’s not the most well-written kdrama, but the leads’ chemistry and the emotional moments make it an entertaining watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Romance thrillers are the best
Overall ImpressionWhen the Phone Rings stands out as a highly engaging thriller with a strong emotional core. Despite its darker themes, it has significant rewatch value, largely due to the strength of its central relationship and character development.
Characters and Performances
The highlight of the drama is the dynamic between the leads, played by Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin. Their chemistry is convincing and carries much of the narrative. Yoo Yeon-seok delivers a layered performance, portraying a character shaped by identity struggles and emotional restraint. Chae Soo-bin is equally effective, particularly in her use of sign language and non-verbal expression, which adds depth to her role and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Character Development
Sa-eon is written as a character who struggles with emotional expression due to his upbringing and lack of personal identity. His initially distant behavior toward Hui-ju reflects this internal conflict rather than simple indifference. While some of his decisions—such as going to a war zone—can seem extreme, they are consistent with his psychological state and past experiences. His development becomes more apparent after key events, particularly as he begins to confront his own emotional limitations.
Hui-ju’s character arc is equally significant. Her low self-esteem and silence are rooted in her upbringing, making her one of the more complex characters in the narrative. Her gradual shift toward asserting herself and seeking change provides an important counterbalance to Sa-eon’s development.
Plot and Structure
The drama effectively combines thriller and romance elements. One of its strengths is the gradual revelation of information, which maintains suspense across episodes. The use of incomplete information encourages viewer engagement and adds tension to the narrative.
However, certain plot points rely on heightened drama and may feel less grounded. While these moments can be justified within the emotional logic of the story, they occasionally weaken the overall realism.
Themes
A central theme of the drama is the importance of communication in relationships. Despite the strong emotional bond between the main characters, their inability to express their thoughts and feelings creates conflict and distance. The story suggests that emotional connection alone is not sufficient without clear communication.
Supporting Characters
The second leads are handled in a restrained way, avoiding unnecessary romantic conflict with the main couple. This decision helps maintain focus on the central relationship. While their own chemistry is less pronounced, their presence supports the overall narrative without becoming a distraction.
Conclusion
When the Phone Rings succeeds primarily due to its strong performances and emotionally compelling central relationship. While some narrative choices rely on dramatic exaggeration, the consistency of the characters’ emotional arcs allows the story to remain engaging. Its combination of suspense and romance, supported by effective acting, makes it a memorable and rewatchable drama.
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A slow burn shonen that overstayed it's welcome … then sprinted to the worst possible ending.
✨ THE GOOD (IT HAD US… FOR A WHILE):The setup is genuinely intriguing , mystery, tension, that something’s wrong energy.
The slow burn at the start? Kinda Works. Builds mood, hooks you in, makes you trust the process.
🙄 THE “WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG?” PACKAGE:
Midway through especially at the start of the second half , it just refuses to fu**ing move.
Scenes drag, tension stalls, and you start wondering if the damn phone will ever ring again.
🤦 THE “NOW WHY ARE WE RUNNING?” ENERGY:
Then suddenly " boom " hyperspeed mode from thin fuc**ing air .
Character arcs, revelations, consequences? Thrown at you like a true shōnen final boss montage.
and btw the damn unticlaimactic ending feels less “earned” and more “we ran out of episodes.”
💔 THE “WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?” DEPARTMENT:
That finale? Straight-up shōnen-ass ending slapped onto a grounded thriller , cuz f**k you! that's why .
Power of will, rushed closure and zero emotional digestion with the damn female mc so fuc**ing
obnoxious with motion sickness triping from minute 1 till the last damn second on anything and everything
A Completely fumbled drama.
🎯 FINAL VERDICT:
A drama that burns too slow, then explodes too fast feamale lead with motion sickness and male lead that just exist to thew every single idea we thought of at .
✔ Watch if: You enjoy moody mysteries and can forgive bad .
❌ Skip if: You hate pacing whiplash and endings that betray their own tone.
📞 Best paired with: Lowered expectations and the urge to yell “WHY NOW??” at the screen.
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Ooo it's so good
You think you know what the story is going to be - but it's the complete opposite! From episode 1 it has you on the edge of your seat. Damn annoying when you have to wait a week to find out what's going to happen. If you want a seriously good heightened suspense, thrill, mystery, between a husband and wife this is one to watch.It definitely deserves the hype it got. The delivery, script and acting are great. The team really rode the suspense and mystery thread and got the audience rooting for the couple, which really helped keep everyone captivated week after week. Want to learn how to captive an audience this is one drama to learn from.
You won't be skipping any scenes. However for me the last two episodes could have been written differently, after all that adrenaline and heightened suspense it felt it dropped a bit. They managed to tie the ending together in a manageable way, it was lovely and sweet though I was looking for a more high peak at this point especially from what this drama had delivered and managed to produce so far. I did feel the last episode dragged only compared to the rest of the series for the sake of completing 12 episodes. I think if they cut an episode that would of be fine as long as the story held strongly. The rewatch rating could be higher. But this is small compared to what the drama delivered and is without a doubt worth watching. Congrats to the story writers and directors for creating this.
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This review may contain spoilers
First of all, the show was a lot more romance than I thought it was going to be based off of the synopsis. I really liked some of the choices they made when presenting certain things like flashbacks and I did originally like the way they presented information when they would show a scene, skip ahead a bit, and then go back to the scene to show what they left out; however, they did it so much that it did kind of get a little old for me eventually. I was originally going to give it an 8.5 but the last episode kind of threw me off a little bit with her going to a war zone and getting kidnapped, especially since it was only for a brief moment. I also only had one question: when did the sister actually start talking and why was the mom confused? Whenever the mom and sister met up, the mom had asked her when she started talking, which she never answered, but three years ago in the show, she was talking to Yu-yeon on the phone; so did she just not speak to the mom at all even three years ago or however long ago it was when she got the surgery? Was this review helpful to you?
ending left a bad taste
casting: i liked the casting, i think the male and female leads made sense for the characters and very well had the faces of their characters. the younger ML and FL were perfect too!plot: I won’t deny that this was a great plot and possible storyline - do i wish we saw a more badass side to the female lead? yes, but the story was pretty good until the last couple of episodes.
a. I hated the sudden, very obvious and uncomfortable amount of propaganda that was thrown at us in nowhere.
b. The whole war arc made absolutely no sense and added nothing substantial to the story..like genuinely why did it even exist.
c. It wasn’t in character, i personally feel like the ending was both rush and out of character for the most part 🤷♀️
overall: it wasn’t a bad show while i was watching it but the ending left a bad taste. so now whenever i think about it, unfortunately, i remember the absolute shitshow the ending was. I personally haven’t recommended it to anyone which is disappointing because it had all the charm to be a really good kdrama.
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Amazing drama and a rollercoaster of plots & emotions
I will keep it short, I have really enjoyed watching When the phone rings: the characters perfectly well acted and I got attached to them quite easily.Talking about the scenario…AMAZING ! the rhythm was perfect I thought, th e plot was giving us rollercoaster plot and the result was greatly entertaining.
The only downside is that I was really surprised by the last 1-2 episodes… it broke the pace and felt like an addition to meet the necessary episode count. it didn't really add the same value to the scenario/character development than any other episodes and honestly felt out of place. that's why my rating doesn't go over 8.
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A Great Romance Thriller Turned Overwhelming Due To Its Finale
This drama started absolutely brilliantly. There was everything in it from mystery, thrill, romance, and proper relationship development between the ML & FL for me to love this drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the drama until the 11th episode and was utterly disappointed after I watched the last episode. The Argan track felt completely unnecessary to me. The leads had a great understanding between them, so the Argan track did not make any sense (at least not to me). Also, I would have loved to see their proposal and wedding track instead. Though they got a happy ending, I felt something was missing in the last episode. Overall, it was a very nice drama that I loved watching.Was this review helpful to you?
