This review may contain spoilers
No Drama, Just Thriller (with Makjang Ending)
The overall storyline is good. The pace of the story is quite fast, you can enjoy it since the very first episode. The pace picked up a bit after the phone stops ringing, but you may not notice it since it does not have much difference. You will enjoy more thriller in this show. At first I thought we will get a lot of heartbreaks since Sa-Eon statement about "Call me when there is corpse". I was wrong then. The romance is pretty straightforward, no need any painful flavor of faded or unexpressed love (at least until last episode). The thriller itself does a great job, since I saw a lot of theories appeared prior the airing of each episodes. The return of In-A successfully misleads a lot of audience, since she becomes the first person to side with the main leads. Both lead actors have a quite exceptional performance in this show. Soo-Bin does an excellent job potraying a fragile and vulnerable Hui-Ju, while Yeon-Seok potrays a stiff and strict bureaucrat who doesn't know anything about love and how to love.Good storyline does not mean it is flawless. Na Yu-Ri does not get a good purpose for second lead, only to complete a second lead love puzzle. On the other hand, it is a bit weird that Sa-Eon keeps allowing Hui-Ju to use the burner phone, even after knowing that it is her behind the blackmails. Sa-Eon is a government negotiatior after all, he must have experience dealing with some threats against the country. However, he somehow fails to notice that the phone maybe hacked or tracked (which is logically, highly possible). On the other hand, I also feel that the killer does not have a really good motive to carry out all of his actions. When Sa-Eon confronts him regarding what he wants, he does not have a clear answer but "I want you to feel the same pain". This makes the killer sounds like a maniac psychopath. However if he is really a psychopath, why it takes so long for him to do this? I get it that he has tried to threaten Sa-Eon earlier, but why suddenly his threats become more successful (even off Do-Jae's plan)? Also the severity of threats those are addressed directly to Hui-Ju is somewhat more dangerous than his threats against his "other enemies", which makes him looks like just crazy about Hui-Ju. There are a lot of bloopers too (shoes, clothes altered, etc). But the biggest one is during the crash scene, Il-Gyeong arrives with her wife and In-A in a car. How is this possible because her wife doesn't follow him to the Memorial Park? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW SA-EON SURVIVES THE SHOT! IT IS A DAMN SHOTGUN FIRED FROM A VERY CLOSE RANGE!!! The last two episodes look like a spectacular show from the main leads with extreme pace and a bit confusing timeline, and more likely just a fanservice. To me, the last two episodes are total chaos.
I learned from Tiktok that this show reproduces a lot of scenes from Queen of Tears. I was on Episode 6 when I know it, and I did not notice it initially. As I was progressing throughout the new episodes, I began to see it, and I feel they take too much similar scenes (Sa-Eon searching for Hee-Ju in the woods, car chase scene with Sang-U, Sa-Eon first lines when he wakes up at the hospital, and some other scenes that I may have forgotten). This drama also makes QoT ending doesn't look very bad. Unfortunately, they don't mimic the strategy of soundtrack placement from QoT.
I still recommend this show. It has an enjoyable thriller, with additional sufficient romance. Yes the story quality has dropped a bit after Episode 10, maybe they actually deserve more episodes to explain everything. But hey, at least there isn't any super-uneccessary conflicts towards the end of the show. I would like to give a solid 9 previously, but the messed up final two episodes and excessive number of bloopers make me rethink about it.
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What a disappointment ! Such an overhyped drama !
It started so well (that "plot twist" ending of episode 1 was especially interesting and intense - I was seated !) and I was quite entertained until about halfway through where it rapidly started going downhill.As the show progressed, the storyline became more and more unrealistic and the characters' development stayed too superficial. I could barely understand any of their (nonsensical) actions or relate to any of them.
The plot also became so predictable in a very chaotic way (like they were desperately trying to make each new episode more exciting).... until the most RIDICULOUS and UNNECESSARY (and politically shameful) last episode ever.
Btw, have you ever heard of the Republic of Argan... in Africa (obviously) ?!? ;-D
During airing, most viewers were talking non-stop about the main leads' fiery chemistry. Well, I'm not so sure about that, sorry, but I'm pretty certain the only thing that saved this drama is the ML (Yoo Yeon Seok) great acting.
PS: sadly, the second couple (was there even a second couple, really ??) had ZERO chemistry.
At the end, I was relieved it was a short drama.
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Amazing - I can't get enough
Final Review after 12 eps:The last 3-4 eps have completely ruined this drama for me. It was easily 10 stars until that point but the story became very confusing and unnecessarily complicated towards the end as well as rather boring compared to the first few episodes which were all masterpieces, in my opinion. Overall, giving it 8 stars to account for how good it was at the beginning, but the ending really really sucked and let down the entire story.
Original Review after 4 eps: We're only 4 eps in, but this drama has been so incredible so far. Superb acting, a great storyline and a lot of tension. I'm very excited to see what happens next! I have high hopes for this drama!
The FL is absolutely incredible and I love her expressions, the ML is great too, very intense. The story is complicated and greatly complimented by the romance.
I hope to raise my rating even higher as the story expands in the episodes to come! If you like thriller/romance dramas then be sure to give this one a try!
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This review may contain spoilers
Spiderman will have a hard time with this tangled web
Like some other high profile k-dramas of late, I'm in two minds about this show. On the one hand, it totally nailed the romance. It was a slow burn in the beginning but when they jumpstart their relationship it is a sizzler! It hits you in the feels from all directions.I think they hit the jackpot when they selected the leads for this drama. They really acted their hearts out. Bravo! Their chemistry will keep you warm in the depth of winter. I won't spoil the story because it has a nice twist early on but it has its flaws.
I know you are expecting this as I mentioned my reservations about high profile k-dramas. Namely the A-plot is very manipulative. It is like a piece of art that has been crafted specifically to be seen from a certain angle. If you look from the side then the illusion is broken.
To wit, the show has the ML protecting the FL by taking her away from her dysfunctional family but then spent 3 years treating her like a pariah. I accept his eventual explanation but Korean writers have problems with timescale. When 1 month will do, they'd go for 1 year. In this case we went for a grandslam. Why 3 whole years? Most prison sentences are shorter than that! 3 months is more reasonable. Why labour the point.
When you are dealing with years, other factors comes into play like resentment, despondency and resignation. So he took the FL from an abusive and unloving home and put her into a cold and unloving home for over 1000 days. Yay...?
You can sense the writer-nim micromanaging the plot to be as impactful as possible. Ditto the timing and backstory of the antagonist. Hey, don't looking too closely. This is ART, dammit!
The writer-nim then hit us with the angst bomb. No trope was spared. The mess those families are in will keep a team of therapists employed for years. I know it is part of the overarching plot but it can be overwhelming when twist begot more twists. Secrets are like nesting dolls. You just become numb.
The worse part is after all the pain and suffering, the ML repeated the same mistake. He disappeared for 6 months to punish himself while disregarding the FL's feelings. Of course, she finds herself in a dark, dark place and being tormented continually. Her life effectively grinds to a halt. Is he selfish or clueless? Neither label puts him in a good light.
The heart fluttering scenes after their reunion are major highlights but it is like being given a candy after having to drink a bitter draft.
BTW, I find the made up Argen plot poorly done. It is awkward and unnecessary. I can also see a storm brewing over the fictitious war where 2 thinly disguised middle eastern countries took some Koreans hostage. What is the point of that? It was on screen for 20 seconds but it will haunt them for a long time.
I have no doubt this series will be a huge hit and for good reasons. However, I'm not 100% onboard. There are lots to like but there are also bits that left me cold. On balance, I enjoyed the show and I would have no problem watching a highlight reel of the OTP's romance. That is definitely the glue that held the show together. I would have scored this higher if it is more focused on that. As it stands, it is a potboiler in needs of a script doctor's deft ministration. Peace.
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One of the best kdrama I've seen in a long draught of mid kdramas
Don't get me wrong, every single cliche you know in the kdrama world happened in this drama:Truck of non doom
Cliff of non doom
Chaebol paternity secret
Secret wife that no one knows
Secret wife that is the LOHL etc etc.
But it was still the best, in that the ML and FL acted out the part so well I forgot I was watching the same thing told in a different way...until I did and found myself cheering it on all the same, and the leads chemistry was 🔥, and after they started dating over the phone, I was officially won over.
Although fictional, this drama and most of the rest I've seen this year (including cdramas) have me seeing how difficult it is to be a woman from another woman's point of view. It looks to me that whatever y'all do invites scrutiny no matter how well y'all do it. Makes me want ask the women around me, 'how're you holding up? Are you okay?'
My hats off to the women who take it in strike and still step out winners at the end of the day regardless, y'all are the real MVPs. See y'all in 2025.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unrevealing the mystery
"When The Phone Rings" is a captivating Kdrama that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and intricate character dynamics. The story begins with the main character receiving a mysterious phone call that disrupts their ordinary life. This call leads them on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover secrets that not only challenge their understanding of the situation but also test their relationships.
The chemistry between the characters is palpable, particularly between the protagonist and their closest allies. As they navigate the complexities of the unfolding events, their bonds strengthen, showcasing how trust and loyalty are tested in times of crisis. The interactions are rich with emotion, allowing viewers to feel the weight of their struggles and triumphs.
What sets this Kdrama apart are the numerous plot twists that keep the audience guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new revelation changes everything. Characters who seem trustworthy may have hidden agendas, and the true motives behind the phone call unravel in surprising ways. Each episode leaves you eager for more, as the tension builds and the stakes rise. Overall, "When The Phone Rings" is a thrilling ride that expertly weaves together a compelling storyline, strong character chemistry, and shocking twists that will keep you hooked until the very end.
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Gripping romance thriller with sublime acting
I was on kdrama slump after disappointment of Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale & Cinderella at 2 AM. On 26 November 2024, I was about to watch cdrama on Netflix during lunch when the trailer of 'When the Phone Rings' automatically played.Mature looking male lead ✅
Arranged marriage ✅
Thriller ✅
Intriguing...I immediately clicked 'Play'. I was excited for the series!
What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin followed by supporting cast such as Heo Nam Jun, Han Jae Yi, Yoo Sung Joo, Im Chul Soo, Park Yae Jun. Yoo Yeon Seok was great at microexpressions - just watch episode 6.
2. Romance - I wasn't fond of Baek Sa Eon's frosty attitude towards Hong Hee Jo at first but that facade was lost once he realised he could lose his wife.
3. Voice theme - Both Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo lost their voice and autonomy at the start of the series. I like that the show their growth and resilience in reclaiming their voice and position within their family.
4. Baek Sa Eon characterisation - He was cold and distant at the start of the series, which turned out to be his defense mechanism against potential threats. I love watching his character growth. One thing is consistent throughout the series: his commitment towards his marriage. There were plenty of shots featuring his wedding ring. Would love to see more of his negotiation skills, which was hinted in the last episode.
5. Hong Hee Joo characterisation - She's soft spoken and dainty but grew stronger once she found convinction. She in a nightgown and being cheeky with Baek Sa Eon was my favourite part of her character.
6. Sign language - It's wonderful to see significant sign language scenes being featured in a tv series. My favourites were 1) when Hee Joo did live sign language interpretation during her interview and when she and Baek Sa Eon used sign language in the lift.
7. Music - 'See the Light' is wonderful song - it's been added to my playlist. I love the score especially the one featured during the rescue.
8. Thriller - I love the thriller suspense elements of the series especially regarding the kidnapper. The shots were gripping!
What I disliked:
1. Argan arc - Hee Joo going to foreign land alone was silly because she didn't have an exit plan.
2. Crime connection - I think the scenes that connect kidnapper to his mastermind and the orphanage were too simplified.
Favourite scene:
Baek Sa Eon-406 caller scene at the end of episode 6
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A Drama That Stole My Heart
“When the Phone Rings” is a drama that will stay with me for a long time. I truly enjoyed watching it and waiting every week for new episodes to be released.When I first started watching the drama, I honestly didn’t have any high expectations. But by the end of the first episode, I was already completely hooked on the story. The acting, the emotions, and the chemistry between the main actors—it all captivated me so much.
One of the biggest highlights of this drama is definitely the actors themselves. They brought the characters to life in such a powerful and emotional way that it felt impossible not to be invested in their journey.
I’ve seen Yoo Yeon Seok Oppa’s previous works before, but this was the first time I got to see him in a lead role—and he completely blew me away. I feel like he showed a whole new side of himself as an actor in this drama. His performance was absolutely top-tier, and I was so impressed with how deeply he portrayed his character’s emotions.
I also really loved Chae Soo Bin. She was so sweet, so feminine, and her portrayal of Hee Joo was incredibly heartfelt. She captured every emotion perfectly, making her character feel so real and relatable.
The second thing that stood out to me was the storyline. In my opinion, the adaptation was even better than the original source material. I also loved how each episode ended in such an unexpected way, keeping me curious and excited for what would happen next. The epilogues at the end of the episodes hold a special place in my heart—they added so much depth and meaning to the story.
The OSTs were another strong point of this drama. They were so emotional and perfectly matched the tone of each scene. I especially loved that Yoo Yeon Seok sang one of the OSTs in the later episodes—it made those moments even more touching.
This drama had everything I love about K-dramas—the chemistry, the slow-burn romance, the plot twists, and so many emotional ups and downs. Watching it was truly an unforgettable experience for me.
I also hope to see the actors work together again in future projects, and I wish the entire cast and crew much success in their careers. Thank you so much to everyone involved in creating this amazing drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
basically everything but the kitchen sink
I tried to put the least amount of spoilers (there are still some) for the people who are looking to read the reviews before watching.Probably one of the best dramas to come out 2024. It was consistent with cliff-hangers and constantly had you at the edge imo. It was also one of the more spicier dramas to come out this year.
In terms of acting YYS and CSB both did really well and had the craziest chemistry, and I'll be honest when I first saw this came out on Netflix I wasn't even planning on watching it but I got bored and saw the first two episodes and was immediately hooked because of the "dark romance" which isn't usual of kdrama and because of their chemistry which I really was NOT expecting at all. I will say though YYS stood out a lot more in this drama, he portrayed real range and nuance, to where I forgot I was watching him act which is truly a high compliment. He showcased raw emotion and you can just see how much work and thought he put into his character even from the BTS. As for CSB, she learned a whole language for this role and that's real dedication. I do think at times she was a little too expressionless, but to be fair that was most likely a character choice given her trauma and her backstory.
YYS and CSB's chemistry was crazy. I do act in theater so I know how close we get as a cast especially with your specific scene partner and so I can say that their chemistry is genuinely one of a kind on and off screen which is what I think made this drama so good. They both clearly put a lot of work into creating a good rapport off screen to where it translated so well on screen. I would say in terms of intimacy even though it was 13+ or 15+ it was pretty heavy for kdrama; I do wish they would've milked the mole on her leg bit, but I guess that could've become 18+ real fast so perhaps they couldn't go too far with that.
Now onto the plot. Was it ridiculous at times? Yes, but overall I'd say it was solid. It was definitely something new and fresh tied in with old cliches but it was done well. Even if there were a good amount of cliches--like that first kiss haha--it was balanced with a lot of newer lines and ideas so it never felt too chummy. I think the pacing was probably the best by far until ep 12 which was rushed but I'll forgive it given how consistent they were with having us on cliff hangers every week. I think the wait was probably what added to the fun of this drama, but this is definitely a rewatchable/bingeable drama as well. I do wish HJ wasn't constantly getting kidnapped! But if you're looking for basically every kdrama trope in one drama, this is it. I mean we had everything except amnesia (THANK GOD).
A lot of people didn't like the finale...I too felt like it was so different than the rest of the drama it almost felt like a whole new drama, but it came back around 20 min till the end so don't let all the chaos about 12 deter you from watching. This is pretty typical though for dramas, they'll be super good and then the ending will kind of knock it down a notch, I suppose that's how you know the writers and everyone are human though.
ALSO I will address it, the last episode does have a mistranslation where they inserted a reference to real life events, do your own research is what I will say, but in English it's not translated properly which Netflix is notorious for. I truly wish they didn't even insert this scene in the drama, I don't think it was necessary and kdrama is fictional and real life is real life, I don't know why they felt the need to write it in.
All in all I'm giving it a 9.5/10 overall. It was fun waiting every week and now I'm sad...lol
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Best Kdrama I've watched in a while. Absolutely worth it
The story always kept you wanting to know what appens next. It was so funny seeing everyone in the fandom turning into detectives. The acting is superior and the story is really well written and plays out nicely. This show really stands out from other dramas I've watched and I eagerly waited for every Friday and Saturday for new episodes. I haven't done that in a while.p.s. please ignore the haters that downvoted this drama due to a misunderstanding caused by a mistranslation on Netflix.
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Ring of Deception, Heart of Truth
I feel compelled to write a review even though I have never written one before.When the Phone Rings is a brilliant K-thriller with romantic suspense at its core. The show masterfully weaves a complex web of chaebol intrigue, kidnapping, blackmail, and murder. Fans of the genre won't be disappointed.
The cinematography is top-notch, capturing the contrast between the empty, luxurious apartments and the bustling workplaces. The autumn and winter scenery adds to the show's visual appeal.
The chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is undeniable. Their interactions are unforgettable, and their performances have won hearts globally. They deserve widespread recognition and awards for bringing to life characters that resonate with fans worldwide.
Episodes 11 and 12 were controversial for some, but I found them satisfying. They explored the characters' emotions and motivations, tying up key storylines in a way that felt true to the story (especially the novel) While some viewers were unhappy, I appreciated the complexity and closure these episodes provided.
Some of the criticisms surrounding these episodes often feel unnecessary and misplaced. Good storytelling should surprise and challenge us, and "When the Phone Rings" does just that. We should appreciate the depth and effort that went into creating such a complex storyline.
The only aspects of the show I didn't really like were how unrealistic some scenes were. For example, Sa Eon surviving the first fire, Hee Joo falling off a cliff without getting hurt, and Do Jae recovering from being beaten, stabbed, and nearly drowned. Those moments required a lot of suspended disbelief.
Additionally, I felt that the execution could have been better. The opening of episode 10, for example, was confusing and felt like a trick. There were too many imaginary scenes that left me wondering what was happening.
I also found the plot twists to be somewhat predictable. Maybe it's because I was actively reading comments and theories, but I was able to guess some of the surprises. However, there were other moments where I had to rewind and rewatch to fully understand what was happening.
All in all, this drama's phenomenal success owes much to the combination of a compelling storyline, brilliant cast, and top-notch execution at every turn. Its global adoption speaks volumes about its unprecedented quality and wide-ranging appeal.
I highly recommend "When the Phone Rings" to anyone who enjoys fun storytelling and K-dramas. However, if you're not a fan of K-dramas or clichéd storylines, this might not be for you.
I'd give When the Phone Rings at least an 8.5/10. However, I'm adding extra points because I was totally immersed and fell in love with the lead couple. Even now I think about them and I miss them so much.
Warning: This drama is addictive. Proceed with caution!
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BEST DRAMA OF 2024-25
This drama had me HOOKED from beginning to end. The acting? PHENOMENAL. The story? AMAZING. The chemistry?? HELLO DO I EVEN NEED TO SAY ANSWER THIS, THE CHEM B/W YYS AND CSB WAS SERIOUSLY OFF THE CHARTS.I will say, for a romance/thriller, the thriller part was definitely mid - but since I'm not a thriller fan! It didn't matter so much to me. To be honest, that doesn't even take much away from the drama though (unless you're a thriller fan watching the drama for that bit of thriller and you expected more). The drama was a bit cringey at some points, but it really shows how in depth the actors' acting was. They all portrayed their characters SO well. YYS's acting was PHENOMENAL, but that's NOT to say CSB's acting wasn't!!! This was the very first drama I've watched of his so his acting really stood out to me.
To be honest, I wish this drama had more episodes. I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to this drama. WILL DEFINITELY REWATCH LATER.
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