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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a summer i once left behind, now lives within me
i’m not the type to fall for pure romance. my taste in k-dramas leans toward the extraordinary – fantasy worlds with time travel and supernatural beings, mysteries wrapped in crime and thriller, or intense medical dramas that keep my brain ticking. romantic comedies, on the other hand, have always sat at the bottom of my list. i usually find them too predictable, too repetitive – two people falling in love, misunderstanding each other, fighting, making up, and ending up together anyway. i tend to drop them halfway, wondering what the point was.and yet, somehow, our beloved summer slipped past that wall.
i dropped it a long time ago after just three episodes. not because i hated it, not because of any flaw i can remember – i just did. and honestly, i don’t even understand why. maybe i wasn’t in the right mood, or maybe it didn’t click at the time. but recently, it started flooding my fyp, and curiosity got the best of me. before pressing play again, i read reviews – and the most common complaint was that it was boring. still, i gave it another shot.
and i’m so glad i did.
from the first episode to the last, it never failed to make me laugh. it made me smile in that soft, quiet way that doesn’t need big punchlines or loud moments. the main characters, the side characters – everyone added something warm, something sincere. this drama isn’t loud. it doesn’t try too hard. it just exists gently, like a memory you didn’t realize you needed. it’s light. peaceful. healing. it feels like taking a deep breath after holding it in for too long.
maybe that’s why some people find it boring – there’s no chaos, no dramatic twists, no villains. just life. raw, real, and quietly beautiful.
and let’s talk about the cinematography – absolutely breathtaking. every frame is filled with intention and softness. from the golden light filtering through trees, to the nostalgic haze of their past, to the dreamy stillness of ung’s house. even the opening sequence feels like a painting in motion. it’s the kind of visual storytelling that lingers in your chest.
i never expected a romantic comedy to break through my usual preferences, let alone stay with me like this. our beloved summer didn’t just meet my expectations – it gently surpassed them. it reminded me that sometimes, stories don’t need to shout to be heard. sometimes, they just need to feel honest.
oh, how i wish i could watch it again for the first time. till we meet again, ung and yeon-su. till next summer.
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a drama that breaks you and heals you
watching this drama for the second time felt just like the first – an emotional wreck. it will make you cry so hard, yet somehow, it never fails to make you laugh even while your eyes are still brimming with tears. one moment, your heart is heavy with sorrow, and the next, you’re chuckling through the pain. it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but that’s what makes it so special.each episode has its own theme, tackling deep and difficult topics, especially mental health. despite the heavy subjects, the drama carries a sense of hope. one line that stayed with me is, ”failure means you should try again.” this drama doesn’t just show struggles – it reminds you that healing is possible.
aside from the emotional weight, what truly makes this drama shine is the trio’s bond. ryeon, ryung-gu, and joon-woong’s different personalities balance each other so well, making their interactions heartwarming to watch. their teamwork, banter, and growing connection make the journey even more meaningful. no matter how painful the episodes get, their dynamic always brings a sense of warmth and comfort.
if you’re still debating whether to watch this, don’t. just do it. it’s a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impact. i know i’ll be back to watch it again because this is the kind of drama that stays with you forever.
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the perfect blend of medicine, romance, and unforgettable lessons
dr. romantic is an experience like no other. the attachment i developed with the characters is something i rarely feel in a drama. it has everything – emotions, intensity, and life-changing lessons. kim sa-bu is truly the heart of this story. his unconventional ways of discipline and teaching make him the best mentor, and i love him so much.i want more than just three seasons. i could support and watch this series until season ten, as long as kim sa-bu remains. the depth of storytelling and character growth never fails to impress me. this drama is simply it – a solid 1000/10.
while i absolutely love it, i won’t deny its flaws. the first and third seasons are a perfect 10/10 for me, but season two falls slightly short. the repetitive plot and ongoing conflict with do yun wan felt unnecessary, as it could have been resolved in the first season. it became exhausting at some point. however, the fresh dynamic brought by the new lead characters made up for it, keeping me engaged despite its shortcomings.
i also want to see more of eun jae and woo jin’s med school life – their academic rivalry and interactions. they are my ultimate reset couple, and i can’t get enough of them. if a season four ever happens, i hope to see do in beom, yoon seo jung, kang dong joo, seo woo jin, and cha eun jae alongside kim sa-bu. just imagining them together excites me.
i can’t let this drama go. it is the best of the best, and no other medical k-drama can surpass it. dr. romantic will always hold a special place in my heart.
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