Completed
Mo_oon
6 people found this review helpful
3 days ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 3.0
This review may contain spoilers

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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Dropped 9/12
New Yorker Drama Lover
40 people found this review helpful
10 days ago
9 of 12 episodes seen
Dropped 4
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 2.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

This show stinks

This show is just awful and someone needs to say it clearly, especially in light of all the fake Perfect 10 reviews giving it a perfect score in every category. If this show is someone's real idea of a perfect show then they need their heads examined. Not one aspect of it has any sense of realism or plot points that could exist anywhere outside of a cartoon.
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Completed
Nikiya
7 people found this review helpful
2 days ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

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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Ongoing 6/12
kentv
56 people found this review helpful
23 days ago
6 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 23
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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Completed
Ana0528
5 people found this review helpful
3 days ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0

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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Ongoing 6/12
scoupsyyy
30 people found this review helpful
25 days ago
6 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

INSANEEEE

If you’re hesitating about starting this drama, let me put your doubts to rest: WATCH IT NOW. From the very first episode, it had me completely hooked! The chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is absolutely magnetic, and the tension between their characters will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is packed with some of my all-time favorite tropes—arranged marriage, the “he fell first” dynamic, and a cold yet secretly caring male lead—and it pulls them off brilliantly😍😍

Baek Sa Eon’s protective and possessive nature adds layers to the drama, and the plot twists are simply mind-blowing. Every scene is crafted with such intensity and precision that you can’t help but feel drawn into their world. The acting is stellar, the music enhances every emotional beat, and the rewatch value is off the charts. This is the kind of K-drama that leaves you craving for more.

Honestly, I can’t stop raving about this show. Whether it’s the incredible character dynamics, the sizzling tension, or the fresh plot, this drama does not miss a beat. Do yourself a favor—start watching it now, and thank me later for introducing you to a masterpiece!!!!!!

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Ongoing 6/12
Hee-Jin
28 people found this review helpful
23 days ago
6 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

"DARE I SAY THIS IS THE BEST KDRAMA OF 2024....''

WOW! JUST WOW!! I've got no words for this kdrama, honestly. I am just flabbergausted such a drama had to wait till the end of the year to be released, like why?? But, let's start first with the cast, GOD DAMN! The casts is so unexpectedly amazing, i didn't expect the chemistry between Yoon Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin to blow up this big, like the chemistry is TOP-TIER, the tension between them is ONE WORD- INSANE, despite the 10 year gap, they proved all haters wrong with this acting. Just them too looking at each other already bring so much passion and butterflies in the stomach as a viewer. Who knew their chemistry will really explode like this? I'm so really happy for them....
Also, the plot, damn, the plot...is INSANE...

PLOT DEVELOPMENT
The story begins with Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, who have been married for three years but live in silence, largely due to their mutual disdain for each other. Their relationship is strained further when Hee-joo is kidnapped by a masked man who uses malware to hijack her car. This kidnapper demands Sa-eon’s attention and threatens Hee-joo’s life.

As tensions rise during the hostage situation, Sa-eon faces immense pressure as he navigates his responsibilities as a government spokesperson while dealing with his wife’s kidnapping. In a critical moment during a phone call with the kidnapper, Sa-eon coldly tells him to kill Hee-joo if he wishes—words that deeply hurt Hee-joo when she hears them.

After managing to escape temporarily from her captor, Hee-joo’s anger towards Sa-eon intensifies. The couple must confront their feelings and decide whether they can overcome their past grievances and work together to resolve the crisis. The narrative delves into their emotional struggles as they grapple with issues of trust, love, and redemption amidst external pressures from politics and personal trauma.

Ultimately, “When the Phone Rings” is not just about the kidnapping but also about how this traumatic event forces both characters to reevaluate their lives and relationship. It raises questions about what it takes for them to acknowledge each other publicly and privately while dealing with the demands of their respective roles in society.
Thanks for taking ur wonderful time in reading my review. Hope you have a nice day and stay safe.

*Also the ending of ep 6 is so ICONIC*(WATCH IT TO KNOW)

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Ongoing 6/12
Tayang Hamzah
24 people found this review helpful
25 days ago
6 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

What a thrilling + love edition!

I don’t know why I want to watch this drama at first. But once ai started, ai cannot stop! I fell in love with the couple. Their chemistry is good. The storyline is power. All the actors are amazing. Very stressful to wait every week.

Now i have crush with Yoo Yeon Seok and I had my eyes on Chae Soo Bin. At first I thought it was just only a simple romantic drama. Anyway, everything is good. 😍
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Dropped 7/12
Faria Tasnim
10 people found this review helpful
20 hours ago
7 of 12 episodes seen
Dropped 2
Overall 1.0
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 1.0
Music 1.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Misinformation on Palestine

I just wanted to write a review because I found out in episode 12 the show has scene where they basically talk about Palestine attacking occupied Israel. Which is absolutely misinformation and false. Israel is literally committing a genocide against Palestine and Palestine Has so defense so there are hundreds of people dying every single day!! Innocent kids are killed and bombed everyday it’s soo disgusting for the writers and directors to do this and i Cannot continue to watch anymore. I think we all should boycott this drama and the Director. Anyway #freepalestine

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Completed
taegist
4 people found this review helpful
4 days ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

An entertaining drama with a striking and innovative plot, good soundtrack and plenty of tension.

An entertaining drama with a striking and innovative plot, good soundtrack and a tension between the main characters that produces fire.

At first I liked the beginning where you think Baek Saeon is a bad husband with no feelings and cold but at the end everything takes a 180 turn, where he was always in love with Heejoo and he just wanted to take care of her and let her be free.

The producers did a good job in creating the tension scenes, adding that it has a very good soundtrack. It also has good plot twists, like I didn't expect Baek Saeon to not really be Baek Saeon but a replacement because the original is a psycho and this original Baek Saeon chasing and threatening the replacement Baek Saeon, makes it peak.

Obviously there were things that I didn't like a lot, like the filler plot of Sangwoo and Yuri's or that they left scenes that showed evidence of something important but didn't finish it and left the viewers adrift until later where it picks up and then you just know what they were talking about, that makes you lose the thread and the viewers get confused about the plot. But overall, it's a drama that I recommend when you want to watch something with an original plot and if you want to blush and feel things.

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Completed
Kcdramamusings
4 people found this review helpful
23 hours ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Entertainer of 2024 Indeed!!!

Sometimes what we see might not be the absolute reality!

While “When the Phone Rings” started with a bang, charting through unraveled mysteries, I kept questioning the need for the “Almost” animosity between the lead couple. The pilot episodes led us to believe that Baek Sa Eon doesn’t care much about his fake wife, she is a mere replacement for her elder sister who ran away on the wedding day. None of the people in Sa Eon’s social circle have met her and no one knows about her existence; and yet somehow she ends up kidnapped. Makes you wonder how well Sa Eon kept her hidden. The plot gets thick when Hong Hui Jo decides to take things in her hands and starts blackmailing her own husband to get an easy divorce. Shockingly she doesn’t expect two things- one that her aloof, grumpy husband actually loves her and also his real identity is different from his public image. What drives the narrative further is deciphering these secrets and betrayals levied upon them by their so-called parents.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2025/01/08/when-the-phone-rings-series-review/

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Completed
Leadskates
4 people found this review helpful
3 days ago
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

What person thought that this last episode was a good idea?

My wife and I enjoyed this series, and we were looking forward to the last episode, but the Argan was unnecessary and distracting. You could have had him “need to forgive himself” (which he didn’t) and come back more romantically. First, the writer who came up with this idea should NOT be allowed to input anything else, and more importantly, the management that thought this was a good idea should be fired. You don’t make a meal better than dumping a cup of salt on it.
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When the Phone Rings (2024) poster

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