When the Phone Rings

Review: When The Phone Rings (2024-2025)

When The Phone Rings is a South Korean drama that aired between 2024 and 2025. The series blends elements of romance, suspense, and psychological drama, drawing viewers in with its intense storyline and complex character dynamics. The plot follows a young woman who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after being kidnapped, leading to unexpected emotional conflicts and dramatic twists.

The first two episodes of the series are truly engaging. Many viewers who enjoy this type of show will likely continue watching after the initial episodes. The presence of two villains and the fact that the main character hates the kidnapper even more than the girl does add an intriguing dynamic to the story. However, as the episodes progress, the narrative takes a turn that significantly weakens its impact. It is revealed that the so-called villain was never truly bad and had loved the girl from the beginning. This revelation immediately made the series less compelling for me.

No matter how strong the early episodes are, the later ones fail to maintain the same quality. The idea that a couple could spend three years completely misunderstanding each other feels unrealistic and frustrating. The overused theme of "it was all just a big misunderstanding, and we actually loved each other all along" makes the story feel overly simplistic and even a bit insulting to the audience’s intelligence. A similar theme appeared in Queen of Tears, where the couple initially disliked each other, but that story was written in a much more clever and engaging way.

Overall, When The Phone Rings starts off as a promising drama with an exciting premise, but its later episodes fail to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

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was good but what the heck???

At first the premise is good. Until the 5th episode the plot is consistent, fast, interesting, but then it’s predictable, well part of it because what the heck was that subplot in the last episode????? Ridiculous. the whole thing came out of nowhere, so it was a tedious big parentheses in the whole story that didn’t do anything for the plot. I get angry just remembering that.
On the other hand, I’m not going to deny that the chemistry between the protagonists is sublime, and the OST is lovely.
Overall it was fun to watch till 11 episode, but for me the ending is really important when liking and rating a drama, in this case the last episode ruined everything.

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My new addiction

This drama just makes me stay excited for every ep. the acting is great and the cast is my fav actors and actresses. the story and the tension is top tier. we got one of the best chemistry in 2024 series here. love the ost and I keep listening to it on repeat, it is amazing. love everything till now and I hope it remains great till the last. I wish I had waited for all the eps to start watching because now I have to wait every week and it's tourturing I can't wait to see the next eps. really this year is full of amazing drama and this one might top them if it goes as great as now till the end

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Had they just dialed down the crazy a tiny bit..

I found the early episodes awesome. It's been such a long time since I felt this way while watching a kdrama. I find the basic concept to be incredibly fun & despite the leads being a bit lacking in chemistry I felt their back and forth refreshing, interesting & even the related mysteries/thriller bits were quite well presented, for a kdrama.

Unfortunately my excitement started to seriously fade around e7-8 & by 10 I felt a tremendous amount of boredom. By e8 I thought that I had most of the plot figured out & that I pretty much know what's what with the villains & how this is going to go down.
Again unfortunately I was surprised, the script really went above and beyond my expectations in a bad way. The writers escalated the makjang to absolutely insane levels, not even a hint of sanity had been left in the show. Then comes e12 & again I thought this is it now we'll just go through the motions & we'll get some kind of a cringy super unrealistic happy ending. We've ultimately gotten that alright, but the forced separation & some of the noble idiocy explanations, the dialog related to that part is again completely insane & if we add in how she ended up "there", that's just too much.
I could talk about intelligence insulting plotholes, but I'm not motivated enough to go back & rewatch some of the earlier parts to be absolutely sure this is right.

When The Phone Rings is really hard for me to rate, because on one hand the early episodes were wonderful, but on another this drama has almost everything I hate about kdramas & Brazilian soaps. The one thing it does not have is a strong love triangle & I'm greatful for that, but good gawd all the makjang classics are present & in incredible abundance at that. Epi 11 of this show is quite possibly the craziest kdrama episode I have ever watched, we really go through all the big soap tropes and more in a super condensed way...

The OST on the whole is not great, I barely felt it most of the time, but there is an instrumental track I really liked, though it only played like 3 times throughout the entire show. It's called `In Your Arms` and it can be easily found on Youtube searching for that + When The Phone Rings.

In the final episode there are some veiled references to events that are going or went down in the Middle East, I did not watch the mistranslated version & I don't really care honestly, but it's strange the production team had to go with stuff that resembles controversial real world events, why would you step on toes like that I don't know. This did not influence my rating though, I just find it strange that this was given the okay, considering the ramifications.
Then again maybe I shouldn't be too surprised, Korean writers/directors rarely care about international success & the opinions of international viewers, Netflix or not. Just look at how often Africa comes up in kdramas & how dumb it is every single time.

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Wattpad story ruined by the final episode

When I first started this drama I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did until the last episode

During the first two episode I immediately knew this story was cliche or wattpad ish cause I have seen so many to the point I can recognize within minutes and it was done quite well most of the story but I do understand why people think this is very overhyped or hate it tbh I would’ve as well

Despite it being a cliche I think the acting wasn’t bad tho it could’ve done well as a longer drama seeing how 12 episodes couldn’t wrap it up properly and some storylines could’ve been developed more such as the 2nd couple or how heejo falls for saeon

The last episode was quite a ride to say? First half good, 2nd half you lost me cause suddenly there’s this whole argan plot and how the ml is there right now fighting as a soldier and how the fl goes into a war zone but ofc they had to make sure that South Koreans looked like saviors by donating money to people of colour of who are unfortunate and “poor”

I’ve read some comments saying how in the novel it written out better this arc so I’m gonna trust that with a grain of salt
And I’ve also read that apparently it was the directors idea to include a new report on 🍉 and it’s ongoing war
Gotta say very insensitive even if the goal was just trying to be more “realistic”

Overall the drama is quite cliche so if u enjoy a possessive ml type romance with a badly written ending then go ahead

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IT’S A DUD!!! GOOD ACTING BUT STUPID SCRIPT, STUPID CHARACTERS

IT’S A DUD!!! GOOD ACTING BUT STUPID SCRIPT, STUPID CHARACTERS

Mystery thriller in the first episodes, but turned romance in the middle eps. Thrill reappeared after this slump — when the caller entered the scene again.

EARLY EPISODES

I don’t get ML’s seeming animosity towards FL. Why does he seem to HATE FL when we would learn later that he’d been protecting her and finding her as his source of comfort. And that all along he knew that she’s being treated unfairly by her mother.

So, to me, this seeming disrespect toward FL is uncalled for. Especially when he told her to take the wedding gown off. He could have said it in a more friendly and respectful manner —because FL did nothing wrong, and he knows that.

And the THREE YEARS they spent under one roof — without eating or sleeping together!! I don’t get that, really. And the reasons (given in the middle eps) were lame at best.

It seems the writer did that just to fit in the “enemies-to-lovers” trope, which is now is overused, really.

*****

Also UNINTENTIONALLY FUNNY is when FL did sign language interpretation in an event where there were no deaf or mute folks in the audience. The scene is forced — just so the two will have their first public appearance together.

🙄

JUST WHEN I THOUGHT that the story is predictable, Ep 9’s cliffhanger gave us a very unexpected revelation. I guess nobody saw that coming.

And then, ANOTHER twist soon followed (Ep 10). Wow.

*****

THE REVELATION (EP 10). When ML revealed to the whole world that he is not who they think he is, he proceeded with the drama about loving his wife. Super corny scene/script. Ok, fine.

BUT… no explanation was given as to who he really is and why he pretended to be the son of a presidential candidate??? And the media people didn’t ask why?? ALL became stupid and unthinking?? Wow. Is that realistic?? 🙄

In Ep 11 the father (presidential candidate) explained to the press “what really happened.” Okay. And this is a day or two after ML’s big revelation. I mean, hello??? What happened RIGHT AFTER ML’s revelation? No one really bothered to ask??? Not even his staff? That just seems incredible!

*****

Also in Ep 11 (penultimate ep), there’s another revelation — from the kidnapper; but he just whispered it to ML. ML was dumbfounded and teared up. What is it? And why did he look at FL?? I guess we’ll have to wait till the finale to know what it is.

But ML being the REAL son of the old rich man is not new anymore. This was revealed earlier by the professor (the mother who was arrested).

SPEAKING OF THE MOTHER, the scene where she killed the old man — that was also forced. The old man is dying!! Couldn’t she wait?? Did she really have to do that?? Stupid move from stupid character.

*****

FINALE

What?? ML disappeared (hid) from everyone — including FL?? For SIX MONTHS?!! Without giving any reason?? Another major roll-eye moment. This is as — if not more — cruel than his initial treatment of FL. Sheeez….

For whatever reason he has, SIX MONTHS is waaaay too long. Does he think his wife has no feelings??? Grrr.

Now I’m watching in 1.5x speed. Too bad, Netflix had no 2x speed.

*****

NOW, WE’VE ENTERED A REBEL TERRITORY
and we have only 30 minutes more to go.

Who watches sunsets in rebel territories??? 🙄

*****

STUPID FL RISKS HER LIFE
and stupid ML scolds her after saving her —
after not seeing her for SIX MONTHS!!!

Then, stupid ML asks, “Why are you here?”

Stupid!!! 🤣

Haha!!! Can this get any funnier???

*****

And it DID get funnier…

ML: “Can’t you see I’m holding back?”

Oh gosh. What is this, writer??? 🙄

*****

SO… we learn what the kidnapper told ML.

So what???

It was ML’s father who did that, NOT ML!!

So, why the reaction (hide from it all)???

Why didn’t he talk to FL about it?

Stupid reaction to a stupid plot twist.
Geeeez!!!

*****

OVERALL

Sorry to disappoint the fans of this series, but it’s just another makjang for me. Google makjang. So many stupid scenes. Series started okay, but it went steadily downhill and crashed at the end.

Acting from the entire cast is okay to great, but the STUPID story couldn’t save this sorry mess of a series.

Definitely not rewatching this one — ever!

🙄

ALSO: Posters for this series are duh, lazy, uncreative, unimaginative. Who did those?? High school kids??

MY RATING: 5 / 10

👎🏼

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Wow! Buckle up....You're in for a Ride

Last episode:
I liked the last episode but didn't love it. I thought including the two main leads coming back to each other in a war-torn country was a bit much. I'm not sure that was really necessary. Regardless, the last episode does wrap everything up nicely and gives us viewers plenty of romance between the two main leads. There are three strengths with this Kdrama that I believe made it a hit. 1) The chemistry between the ML and the FL. They were really good, and very believable in their attraction and love for each other. 2) The writer (or the director, or even the actors themselves) allowed the two leads to show us they were in an adult relationship with each other. There weren't any awkward physical interactions that seem to occur in so many of these dramas. This boosted the romance so much, and made their story together that much better for the viewer. 3) Lastly, the intrigue was top notch. The storyline of the parents ambition, the coverups and substitutions that occurred to keep the family image intact, the revenge, and, of course, the 406/phone/kidnapper angle--all came together to give the viewer the suspense needed to keep you dying to see the next episode. A really good Kdrama!! Congrats to all the cast and crew on this one!!! And with that.....I think I'll go watch it again.

Just watched the 11th episode:
#$@% what a story!!! I'm overdosing from the climatic endings and the "what will happen next" cliffhangers!! This is very well written. I am reminded of Reborn Rich which wove an intense and unbelievable plot around all these characters. And, just when you think you have it figured out....bam!!....there is another twist. The twist and turns of this story have kept me glued to my screen. I can't wait for the last episode to see how this ends. One of the best Kdramas of 2024-2025!!!

After 7 episodes:
The major theme--the children of terribly ambitious parents who grow up trying to please these selfish parents but realize how damaging it has been to their lives. In the end, the two main leads try to fix their wrongs into rights so they can be happy with each other. It's a wonderfully romantic story that is set in a thriller/mystery/political corruption drama that really keeps you glued to the story. I love that the main leads are able to express their love for each other in an adult manner. There is no stupid, juvenile embarrassment when expressing affection. It is real, and the actors do a superb job expressing the characters love for each other. I don't know what will happen next, and that is a BIG part of the appeal. The suspense is huge!

After 4 episodes:
I just wanted to post quickly and say that THIS Kdrama is good!! It's got the best hook that grabs you and won't let go. A mystery in the relationship between the ML and FL, with maybe a psychological thriller twist that makes you want to keep watching to see what happens next. Great acting by the cast. They are supremely evil, mysterious, timid, intense, comedic, and all sorts of divinely abnormal. The mothers are vicious. They all roll together to take you on the ride of your Kdrama life. We need to get a poll/wager going on who the real 406 is.

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THE DRAMA"S OVERRATED

Don't get me wrong it hooked me from its first episodes because of its unique concept. But it also gives me a typical Wattpad-like storyline (but it was fine since I was expecting something different from this drama). However, the drama got a little too boring for me because a lot was going on, and it was hard to keep up with the characters and the drama, especially with the last episode, it just went downhill. It was a little disappointing because they got a great start and if the production just kept it up, then it would have justified the hype of this drama. Although, the cast did a great job portraying their characters well.

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So Annoying

This series is not so bad that I want to stop watching, yet I'm really annoyed by a couple of things about it. First off, just how stupid is the ML that he can't put 2 and 2 together? How many episodes is it going to take before he can finally see what's right in front of his face? IMO it should have happened in episode 2 or 3 at most. And I refuse to believe that the FL can so easily control herself in difficult circumstances so as not to reveal her big secret. I find it easier to believe in zombies and I hate zombie series. Naturally, the 2 episodes a week format isn't as enjoyable as the binge-them-all-in-one-shot opportunities. Netflix arbitrarily skipping a week didn't help. As it is I have to watch everything at 1.5 speed due to the prolonged pauses inherent to a lot of Kdramas. Overall I just want this series to move faster. Hopefully it will ripen into a good romance, but it's just a bit too green for me right now.
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Just watched the finale and it was tot the ending I was hoping for:

The dramatic ending of episode 11 left us hanging (well, for a day) as to what Bad Guy (BG) said to his Uncle ML. I tried to think what new twist could have been so devious that ML would look so sad and made him disappear from FL? When I realized that BG was regularly calling FL "Sis" it occurred to me that maybe BG and FL WERE actual half-siblings! (Her mother would have some explaining to do.) I chuckled for at least a minute. That would have been so wrong! ML would be FL's uncle also and that would make their marriage a very bad idea.

Imagine my disappointment when finding out that ML went away because he felt bad. Yawn. And then there was the whole foreign war-torn adventure in the finale...all to set up some cozy time with a view of the sunset. Far too many footprints in that sand outside their window BTW. The rest of the victory lap episode was ok, not particularly earth-shattering.

Overall I felt that ML and FL didn't spend enough time smiling, or rather I should ask did they cast FL because she cries so well? And at the very end of the finale when 406 becomes a thing again, FL missed an opportunity to be more emphatic and demanding. "Get your a$$ back here right now or you'll be eating my cooking for the next two months!!!" Ah well.

Note: The preceding comments represent my opinions and are published as a personal record (and maybe for the entertainment of others.) Please write your own review about this show rather than critiquing mine.

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Best drama of 2024 hands down ?

I recommend this drama 1000 times. I Never leave writing reviews but this drama actually deserves one. I watch it because I love soo- bin acting since I’m not a robot, watch plenty of her drama, As for yeon seok I started the interest of love because I like Moon ga-young but that drama I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. When the phone rings is a truly masterpiece, I did not know the potential of the drama or the plot very well but I dived in and what a surprise the show hooked me since episode 1. The acting and chemistry of both of the leads got me watching behind the scenes something I usually don’t do as well. The OST is amazing as well. The director, the staff and the rest of the cast did an outstanding work.


Pd: Want to add to my review that i didn’t read the manwha but I do think the last six or five minutes of the ending episode were unnecessary except from their call at the very end and park do-jae comeback but this doesn’t mean I’m going to disregard the actors hard work, when they probably didn’t even know about it, blame the director and the writers. The Argan plot I do understand because he needed to change his name plus in the early episode they mentioned as well. The drama still enjoyable and you can feel how much effort every actor put into it specially the leads.

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