Editorials 
Good Enough
Korean Drama '' When the Phone Rings '' is a romantic melodrama.The drama has a strong start, with a pure makjang plot with many cheesy twists that are enjoyable for those who love the genre, and well handled overall.
The romance was intense as well, as the couple had chemistry and had many sweet and romantic scenes together.
On the other hand, the final part was not as great. The drama should have ended two episodes prior, as the plot was stretched too thin in the final two, they utilised way too many cliches that didn't make any sense, and in general, the story went downhill.
So, all in all, six out of ten.
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It was ALMOST a great series
This was an extremely enjoyable series with so many plot twists & turns throughout, which kept it extremely interesting. Yeon Seok was fantastic, playing a character that showed a completing different size of him as an actor. He was a great mix with Soo Bin, who was also great as Hui Ju. The only thing that really made me rethink how great this series had become, was the final episode. I thought the story in episode 12 became completely foolish, showing us the reasons Sa Eon disappeared, leaving Hui Ju by herself for more than a year, it just didn't make too much sense, and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the series. It caused me to reduce my ratings on what was truly a great suspense series to that point.Thankfully in the end, everything did turn out the way you were hoping it would, so all was corrected for. It gave a solid ending to a great series.
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Best Drama of 2024: A Perfect Happy Ending
I will just say this is best drama of 2024. Also my 2025 year happiest by giving happy ending. If you didn’t started yet then please go and watch this drama. Each and every episode are more interesting.The cinematography and soundtrack are equally captivating, heightening the drama's emotional and suspenseful undertones. The OST, in particular, is unforgettable and fits the narrative like a glove.
Overall, When the Phone Rings is a must-watch for K-drama fans. It offers a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and life lessons, leaving viewers deeply moved and satisfied. Don’t miss out on this gem!
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Turned Sour in the Second Half
This drama had me HOOKED in the first half but then nosedived into overdramatic chaos in the second part. Gosh, it was so bad, I skipped through episodes 11-12 and didn't feel like I missed anything. The amount of unnecessary drama in a 12-ep. series is a waste of time. What the heck was episode 12? At that point, just shorten it to 11 episodes. The plot was a jumbled mess. The directing and editing complicated things further.The actors acted the hell out of that terrible script though. That's the only reason I rated this so high. The chemistry between leads was so good during the phone calls in the first half, but they couldn't hide terrible writing/directing/editing.
Lower your expectations before going into like ep. 7.
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What is up with Netflix?
I'm genuinely in shock. What was that ending? They spend 90% of the show in agony and having misunderstandings and then you'd think the last episode would be just them finally getting to enjoy each other???? But HE'S SUDDENLY AT WAR ?????!?!?!?!?! AND WE DIDNT EVEN GET ANY REAL,SANGWOO YOURI SCREENTIME. i genuinely loved this show until the last episode. i cant believe that was greenlit???? I begin to wonder if Netflix just fires the writers before the ending... I hope I'm not the only one that was in shock at that? How do we only get like 10 minutes of them being happy??? They could've given them a kid at least... or 2 like why make it sad again? She's almost died like 6 times and they defeated their enemy why tf is he in Argan????#?"?$(%(#Was this review helpful to you?
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The Epitome of wasted potential
This drama started off very strong, I've never been so hooked this fast, the chemistry between the leads was a killer and the phone ring OST was really good. This drama was so good that I was ready to overlook some unrealistic plot points here and there (like who the hell can survive a jump from that cliff, come on be for real writer-nim) but when using an ongoing genocide as a cheap plot device and twisting the truth while using very obvious "fake" country names (again be ffr y'all) at this point I couldn't tolerate this anymore and felt something weird and bitter about this drama. Such a shame because it went really well and could've been easily one of my favourite but I just couldn't swallow the unsensitive unnecessary war thing.Was this review helpful to you?
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INSANEEEE
If you’re hesitating about starting this drama, let me put your doubts to rest: WATCH IT NOW. From the very first episode, it had me completely hooked! The chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is absolutely magnetic, and the tension between their characters will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is packed with some of my all-time favorite tropes—arranged marriage, the “he fell first” dynamic, and a cold yet secretly caring male lead—and it pulls them off brilliantly😍😍Baek Sa Eon’s protective and possessive nature adds layers to the drama, and the plot twists are simply mind-blowing. Every scene is crafted with such intensity and precision that you can’t help but feel drawn into their world. The acting is stellar, the music enhances every emotional beat, and the rewatch value is off the charts. This is the kind of K-drama that leaves you craving for more.
Honestly, I can’t stop raving about this show. Whether it’s the incredible character dynamics, the sizzling tension, or the fresh plot, this drama does not miss a beat. Do yourself a favor—start watching it now, and thank me later for introducing you to a masterpiece!!!!!!
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Extremely unique and well made until it wasn’t
The last 2 episodes really pulled down the show , I don’t know who wrote the ending but it was extremely rushed and tried to tie all the plot lines in under an hour and it just didn’t execute well. The random war zone plot was also really random, rushed and didn’t fit the story whatsoever. The izmael and palatina line too? what were the writers thinking🌚It was still a overall really good kdrama but was there any need for all that? The acting and chemistry between the leads saved the entire kdramaWas this review helpful to you?
Can I hire yoo Yeon Seok to be my husband?
It's a very good drama, complete with romance, thriller, action, few funny moments.The Love chemistry between yoo Yeon Seok as Baek Sa Eon and Chae Soo Bin as Hong Hui Ju is amazing.Both of them are very talented and versatile actors.If yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin really become real life partners, I will bless them, even though I am young. The supporting artists also did a great job.But I felt that the ending of the last episodes was a bit too rushed and missed the point like ,What does Baek Sa Eon do?Also, Heo Nam Jun as Ji Sang U & Jang Gyu Ri asNa Yu Ri romance was a bit dull. over all it's good drama .
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Disgusting propaganda and meaningless history
A fundamentally problematic series because its ending turns out to be Israeli propaganda, no matter how much it wants to change the names. It turns a blind eye to who are the perpetrators of the genocide taking place in Palestine.But even if we ignore its problematic ending, it is a series with little to highlight. Some screenwriters confuse “more story” with “good story”. Then they unleash stupid, implausible, messy, chaotic, and difficult-to-understand plot twists just to leave the viewer with their mouths open, although the only thing they do is distort the plot and the initial themes of their story.
Chae Soo-bin gives a good performance, but overall, this drama is pathetic, with the initial intentions of talking about a marriage in crisis and then getting into an inept thriller with lost siblings, serial killers, and a war pulled out at the last minute. It's an embarrassment that takes viewers for fools as it pulls out a more ridiculous twist than the previous one in every episode.
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"DARE I SAY THIS IS THE BEST KDRAMA OF 2024....''
WOW! JUST WOW!! I've got no words for this kdrama, honestly. I am just flabbergausted such a drama had to wait till the end of the year to be released, like why?? But, let's start first with the cast, GOD DAMN! The casts is so unexpectedly amazing, i didn't expect the chemistry between Yoon Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin to blow up this big, like the chemistry is TOP-TIER, the tension between them is ONE WORD- INSANE, despite the 10 year gap, they proved all haters wrong with this acting. Just them too looking at each other already bring so much passion and butterflies in the stomach as a viewer. Who knew their chemistry will really explode like this? I'm so really happy for them....Also, the plot, damn, the plot...is INSANE...
PLOT DEVELOPMENT
The story begins with Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, who have been married for three years but live in silence, largely due to their mutual disdain for each other. Their relationship is strained further when Hee-joo is kidnapped by a masked man who uses malware to hijack her car. This kidnapper demands Sa-eon’s attention and threatens Hee-joo’s life.
As tensions rise during the hostage situation, Sa-eon faces immense pressure as he navigates his responsibilities as a government spokesperson while dealing with his wife’s kidnapping. In a critical moment during a phone call with the kidnapper, Sa-eon coldly tells him to kill Hee-joo if he wishes—words that deeply hurt Hee-joo when she hears them.
After managing to escape temporarily from her captor, Hee-joo’s anger towards Sa-eon intensifies. The couple must confront their feelings and decide whether they can overcome their past grievances and work together to resolve the crisis. The narrative delves into their emotional struggles as they grapple with issues of trust, love, and redemption amidst external pressures from politics and personal trauma.
Ultimately, “When the Phone Rings” is not just about the kidnapping but also about how this traumatic event forces both characters to reevaluate their lives and relationship. It raises questions about what it takes for them to acknowledge each other publicly and privately while dealing with the demands of their respective roles in society.
Thanks for taking ur wonderful time in reading my review. Hope you have a nice day and stay safe.
*Also the ending of ep 6 is so ICONIC*(WATCH IT TO KNOW)
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If you’re not watching it now, then when will you???
An enormous fan of Yoo Yeon Seok, I heard this drama was about to air. So, I just casually decided to watch it without even knowing the plot or checking the trailer. Boy, I decided the right thing. This drama keeps you engaged right after it starts. Chae Soobin often keeps low profile in her dramas. But here, ufff the chemistry between the leads is so hot and interesting. Soobin just keeps getting better and better. The story is very interesting with unpredictable characters and the cinematography is so aesthetically pleasing. After each episode, you are only left with one line- When is the next episode coming, I can’t wait. ❤️Was this review helpful to you?
