This review may contain spoilers
When this phone rings.. don’t pick up
Mediocre script and wasted potential.The FL was your typical damsel and is always in distress. Even when she had the chance to do something with the weapon (anonymous phone) in hand, the execution was sloppy and childish.
What should’ve been an exciting cat and mouse game became a soapy chat therapy session . Then, you get thrown into this complex day time soap of who dunnit.
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Lost its way ...
I'll keep it brief, it's ok to skip this. The chemistry of the leads can't make up for the fact that the plot is a convoluted mess. The premise is very good, however, towards the end this drama becomes a mess. The acting was great, chemistry is fire but the storytelling was actually painful. Save yourself the time and skip out on this.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I love it I'll totally rewatch. My only complaint is that I wish that they made the entire episode 12 of happy ending instead of nonsense that was not necessary.What about the SL relationship it was barely there,
And why would the ML punish himself for his "useless father who he does not accept" mistakes, he never even met them FL when it everything happen, he could have just curse him out or spit on his grave instead of punishing himself by leaving the FL. Anyways totally rewatch.
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I have seen both leads in other series and they always deliver but they were both outstanding here particularly YYS.
I wish there’s a compilation of all the couple scenes on the net somewhere. Would play that on loop for sure.
The theme song “See The Light” somehow sets the mood on the couple scenes like a ballad would on break-up scenes.
Would definitely watch this series again
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1
1when the phone rings, sometimes you answer and sometimes you just call back later
An interesting premise: a mysterious caller and kidnapper. The phone changed hands.A ridiculous premise: stand-in, for show marriage (and some, but not all, that followed.)
Chae Soo Bin delivers a particularly strong performance, effectively conveying the escalating tension and paranoia experienced by her character. While Yoo Yeon Seok also delivers a commendable performance, capturing the evolving dynamics of his character, his portrayal may not reach the same emotional depth or range as some of his previous work.
The chemistry between the leads, while present, could have been more pronounced. I didn't feel a strong spark between them as I wanted. Their on-screen chemistry felt a bit subdued, and I found myself wishing for a more intense connection. It felt like something was missing, and it prevented me from fully investing in their relationship.
Let's talk about the 3 years of emotional abuse...
I cannot and will not, no matter the MLs justification, forgive 3 years of emotional terrorism. At best, he was unfriendly to her; at worst he is just a terrible person that deservers no forgiveness for his neglect. I don't know how that can lead to any romance (other than the tired trope of first love conquering all.) His attempted justification is even more stupid. He could have just communicated with her. Their relationship suffered needlessly due to a lack of basic communication skills. Weird how a spokesperson would traumatize his wife with a basic lack of communication.
While the lead performances provide a solid foundation, the supporting cast may appear less developed in comparison. Some secondary characters feel somewhat stereotypical, and their motivations and reactions might seem painfully predictable. This lack of depth in the supporting roles can occasionally detract from the overall narrative flow and diminish the emotional impact of certain scenes throughout the show.
It's worth noting that both lead actors likely did the best they could with the material provided. The writing, although not exceptional, had its moments. The dialogue occasionally felt stilted, and some plot points lacked the necessary depth to fully engage the audience. The narrative could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of character motivations and a more compelling overall arc. While there were moments of brilliance, the writing ultimately fell short of its full potential.
I think the initial phone conversations were fantastic. 406 should have stayed 406 until the finale (or at least much later in the show). It was really the best part of the show for me. I really wish that it was carried on for a while and was the main premise for unlocking the key relationships and key parts of the mystery. Furthermore, the show missed an opportunity to meaningfully explore the character's selective mutism, which could have significantly advanced the plot. Especially as a juxtaposition between the phone conversations.
Ultimately, it is a perfectly okay show for me (and that is okay.) I am glad I watched it, but don't think I will ever watch it again.
Pros:
• Strong Lead Performances
• The Visuals
Cons:
• Underdeveloped Characters
• Ridiculous Premise
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One of the best of 2024!
This drama went straight to my list of favorites for 2024! I absolutely loved everything about it—the story, the actors' chemistry, the incredible OST, the cinematography, and those plot twists. Everything felt so well done. Waiting each week for a new episode was pure torture, but it was totally worth it. (´･ᴗ･`)I couldn’t resist and ended up reading the novel, and while I don’t like to compare, I have to say there were things I loved more in the drama and others I preferred in the novel. But I won’t go into too much detail since I’m not planning to write a super long review.
I can’t skip over the chemistry between Yoo Yeonseok and Chae Soobin. Oh my God, those two were phenomenal! All their mukbang scenes had me kicking my feet and giggling like crazy. I swear, I’ll never get over them! (〃ﾉωﾉ) ❤️ Their connection went beyond the screen—you could even feel it behind the scenes. They’re both so professional, and it really showed in every scene they shared.
That said, while I loved the drama overall, I’m a little unsure about the ending. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed it, but I guess I was hoping for more romantic moments between the characters. After all, they spent years being indifferent to each other, and when things finally worked out, it’s natural to expect a bit more payoff after all that drama. Also, the whole Argan storyline felt a bit over the top to me. Even though it’s true to the novel, I think it might have worked better if they had tweaked or toned it down a bit for the drama. But honestly, I’m so in love with this that I’ll let that slide, lol. I really liked this Kdrama, and I’m really going to miss it and the characters. It’s definitely one that’ll stay with me for a long time! ❤️
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Stop
Right now!And actually do sth meaningfullnot just hating on a opinion and don't make ot a trend, uou just make your actions hilarious, it is about life and de@th not about a show, boycot USA then...............################################################################################ actions are the thing and nobody there give a f about the opinion of a writer and that is not the way of stopping things
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This review may contain spoilers
When the Phone Rings: A Perfect Blend of Romance and Thriller
When the Phone Rings isn’t just a drama—it’s a journey through love, heartbreak, and moments that make your heart race. From the very first episode, it pulls you into its world with an irresistible mix of romance and suspense. The chemistry between the leads feels electric, the emotions raw, and every twist leaves you holding your breath.This isn’t just about love—trust, sacrifice, and the delicate ties that bind people together. The story balances heartwarming relationships with edge-of-your-seat thrills, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of drama that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving you smiling, teary-eyed, and craving more.
If you’re a fan of romantic thrillers with a touch of Wattpad magic, When the Phone Rings will capture your heart and keep you hooked. This one’s not just a recommendation; it’s a must-watch. There are lot of tropes mentioned here like:
1. He fell first and harder
2. Marriage of convenience
3. Childhood friends
Loved the chemistry, YYS's acting, Mr. Kang, 2nd leads were also good, the friendhip between ML and his bestfriend and how he supported him in the worst moments, bonding between the 2 sisters <333
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so good so far
I’m only on episode 2 and I’m addicted. the plot and the plot twists are really good. the casting is great Aswell the chemistry is there. I love the plotline romance meets mystery meets action. this popped up on my Netflix and I added it to my watchlist and started watching it last night. it’s great so far and I love it. the acting is great and I personally love romance/action plotlines especially in kdramas. there are 12 episodes in total and I can’t wait to watch all of them. for some reason the setting reminds of penthouse- it could just be me but it gives that vibe.Was this review helpful to you?
For me: best K Drama at the moment
Extraordinary, I watched first 6 Episoden, this K Drama did captivate me right from the beginning until now. The music, the atmosphere, the Plot, the scenes and the great chemistry between the leads. Worth watchable, absolutely. So, do yourself a favor and watch it 😉It is about the marriage between a politican and his wife, she doesn‘t speak only with sing language. They live in a cold marriage and both hide their true ferlings. This marriage gets shaken up in the moment, when his wife gets kidnapped. The hidden emotions and secrets arise bit by bit. The Kidnapping Story also contains a lot of secrets, the childhood of both mainleads hold a lot of pain. We get to know them better and better, why both mainleads choosed to burry their feelings and I am stunned, when they begin to show them in captivating scenes.
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A Romantic Thriller? An Honest Review
★★This is my personal opinion, and we can obviously have different preferences★★This is going to be a long review.
"When the Phone Rings" is a Kdrama that leaves a lasting impression with its blend of suspense and heartfelt moments.I adore dramas that deliver what they promise. It was promoted as a romantic thriller and it delivered that, of course, leaning more towards the romance tag.A number of people may find the synopsis "cringe" even before watching the drama. This review, however, isn’t intended for them.
The way I see it, the story is about a loving husband who has cherished his wife for a long time but couldn't express it because both of them had secrets from their pasts. While it may sound like any other drama, the performances, the background music, the screenplay—everything—elevated it and made it stand out from the rest.
Actors:
Both leads, as well as the other recurring actors, excelled in their roles. The lead actress, Choi Soobin, went to great lengths to learn sign language, and the way she delivered it felt as though it was second nature to her, seamlessly integrated into her character's world. Her expressions and body language differed significantly between her home and workplace, showcasing her impressive acting range. The contrast between her portrayal of the innocent, timid wife in the first half and the more comfortable, free character in the second half was especially notable. The makeup artists and costume department also did an excellent job.
YYS, who played the male lead, needs no introduction. However, I’d like to highlight his exceptional acting in one particular episode where he portrayed a husband whose wife was missing. His performance in that scene was truly top-notch.
The actor playing the kidnapper truly nailed his character, capturing the nuances of his role through subtle micro-expressions. Overall, everyone did an outstanding job, contributing to the drama’s success.
Story:
I believe that if someone is drawn to the synopsis, they will likely enjoy the drama. The thrill in the first four episodes was impressive, and kudos to the makers for creating such an engaging start. Even though the level of thrill tapered off after that, it remained captivating and enjoyable to watch.
What I personally liked most:
Even though I enjoyed the drama as a whole, there are a few things I'd like to mention.
★Many people claim to dislike childhood/past connection tropes, but I personally love them—especially when done right, like in this drama. The childhood scenes had a significant impact on the story. It wasn’t just about following a trend; they were well-integrated and meaningful. The child actors were fantastic, especially the young actress who portrayed Heejoo. She nailed her role, conveying the silent suffering of her childhood through micro-expressions.
★The decision to avoid a third-party love angle was the best choice the makers could have made for this drama. Dramas about married couples don’t necessarily need a third angle, and I’m grateful the creators understood this. The potential third-party character, instead of being an antagonist, turned out to be a kind-hearted person with her own past struggles.
★As for the OST and its placement, I’m in the minority when it comes to not being fond of most K-drama OSTs and their placement. I’m usually happy if even one OST stands out. In this case, the drama had excellent BGM placements, and the song "See the Light" definitely deserves special mention.
What I'm not fond of:
As I mentioned, this is going to be an honest, personal review, and I’ll add this as well.
★The tone shift from episode 8 felt too sudden to handle. I wish they had balanced it out more carefully. After the leads got together, their screen time suddenly decreased, which was definitely a letdown for people like me, who lose interest in dramas once the leads are together.
★The second couple, who were not part of the original novel, were added by the makers, and they should have been utilized better. In the first half, they had several boring scenes that felt disconnected from the main story, and by the end, their arc had a half-baked conclusion, which was disappointing.
★The "redeeming parents" trope—K-dramas often have this arc where parents, who have been awful throughout the story, suddenly have a change of heart in the final episode. Sadly, this drama couldn’t escape that trope either.
★Lastly, the "last episode curse." Few dramas these days can escape the common trope of one of the main leads disappearing for a while, only to return briefly for a happy ending. While this drama wasn’t as rushed as many others, they could have executed it in a better way.
Now, do I recommend it? Obviously, as I mentioned before, if you liked the synopsis, you would likely enjoy the drama.
Will I rewatch this? This is another personal opinion. I tend to rewatch dramas that have a lot of comedy, and this is not one of them, so I might not rewatch it. However, I did revisit many scenes while it was still airing.
Overall, I would suggest giving this drama a try. It might not be a masterpiece as a whole, but it is definitely a masterpiece in its genre and a treat for fans of this trope.
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Overhyped af
The drama was seriously overhyped. It started off interesting, but honestly, it just fell off after a while. The cast was solid, but the acting didn't hit the mark for me. I know most people loved it, but it just didn’t work for me. The female lead has done some great work in the past, like in Strongest Deliveryman and When the Stars Land, but her performance here, especially in emotional moments, really bothered me. The one character I genuinely enjoyed was Gyuri's—she was the highlight for me.Was this review helpful to you?
