If you’re a fan of K-dramas, chances are you’ve heard of the recent global hit When the Phone Rings. This Korean-language romance thriller took Netflix by storm, topping charts in 12 countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. With its gripping plot, stellar cast, and unexpected twists, it had fans glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting each new episode.
Adapted from Geon Eomul-nyeo’s web novel The Number You Have Dialed, the drama initially delivered everything viewers craved: a mix of romance, suspense, and jaw-dropping intrigue. The story revolves around Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok), a rising politician, and Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), a sign language interpreter, who are entangled in a seemingly loveless contract marriage. But this isn’t your typical K-drama. The show throws in kidnappings, murders, faked deaths, and even political intrigue—all served with just the right amount of intensity to keep you on the edge of your seat.
From Masterpiece to Mayhem
At first, When the Phone Rings seemed poised to be a standout classic. Its penultimate episodes earned a stellar 9.8/10 rating across multiple platforms. Then came the finale, and with it, a wave of disappointment and backlash.
In the last five minutes of the show, the writers made the bold—and highly controversial—choice to incorporate a fictionalized version of the current Israel-Palestine issue. The countries were renamed “Paltima” and “Izmael,” but the parallels were clear. One particularly jarring scene featured Hong Hee-joo interpreting a broadcast accusing Paltima of launching airstrikes on Izmael while holding Korean nationals hostage.
Fans, who had expected a satisfying conclusion to the drama’s original storyline, were blindsided. Many felt the inclusion of such a sensitive real-world issue was unnecessary and poorly handled. The backlash was swift: ratings plummeted from 9.8 to 5.5 on IMDb, with Google reviews dropping to an abysmal 1.5 stars—an unprecedented low for a K-drama.
Why Fans Felt Betrayed
K-drama viewers are known for their loyalty and dedication. But this time, they felt let down. The last-minute insertion of a politically charged narrative, with overt bias toward Israel, left many feeling blindsided and betrayed.
“If we’d known the drama would take this direction, we wouldn’t have supported it,” was a common sentiment among fans.
Others criticized the questionable characterization and plot inconsistencies that surfaced after episode 8, further tainting what had been a promising series.
Lessons for Storytellers
The downfall of When the Phone Rings serves as a cautionary tale for writers and directors. Fictional dramas are meant to entertain, not alienate. By inserting a real-world issue—especially one as sensitive as the Israel-Palestine issue—without adequate nuance or warning, the creators risked losing the trust of their audience.
Final Thoughts
At its peak, When the Phone Rings showcased the brilliance of K-drama storytelling. But its controversial ending overshadowed the show’s earlier success, leaving fans with a sour aftertaste. As viewers, all we can do is spread awareness of what’s happening, the world should know the atrocity of Israel and the genocide that is happening now.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
One Response
Thanks for letting me know. I definitely will skip it.