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The popular K-drama When the Phone Rings starring Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae So Bin has faced criticism from some viewers regarding its depiction of a fictional war-torn country in its finale. While the series, with its much-anticipated ending, had a lot to reveal, a specific scene in the final episode has sparked controversy.
Despite the fictional names, many viewers perceived the story as a reference to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This led to criticism from those who felt the portrayal was insensitive or lacked accuracy in representing the complex realities of the situation.
When the phone rings, a dispute arises
In the finale, we see the kidnapper whisper something to Sa Eon, after which he looks at Hong Hee Joo and disappears from her life. Months later, determined to find answers, Hong Hee Joo takes matters into her own hands and travels to the fictional, war-torn country of Argon, where Sa Eon once lived, along with her journalist friend, Jang Hyuk Jin (Ko Sang). Worked as a negotiator. -yes). After being captured by the “rebels”, Hong Hee Joo is eventually rescued by Sa Eon, who has become a vigilante in the months since.
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One particular scene has attracted attention: Hong Hee Joo acts as a sign language interpreter during a broadcast where Na Yoo Ri (played by Jang Gyu Ri) reports on a situation involving the fictional country “Paltima”. An airstrike is accused of being carried out against another fictional country. The country, “Ishmael”, while taking Korean citizens hostage.
Despite the fanciful names, some viewers immediately recognized them as allusions to Palestine and Israel. The scene sparked a firestorm of criticism, with fans accusing the show’s creators and the network of misrepresenting the situation or promoting ‘Zionist’ propaganda.
Many are now demanding accountability from director Park Sang Woo and screenwriter Kim Ji Woon, urging them to apologize, while others think that the scene was completely unnecessary and out of context, so it Should be removed immediately.
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“For anyone who hasn’t seen it, it’s best to boycott it, we all know which country they mean, they don’t even bother to cover it, and they just tell the opposite facts of what happened Exposes,” one social media user commented. “Ishmael and Palmitar with Korean hostages? This is a mockery of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. “WTH was that even,” chimed in another. “MBC remove the clip and apologize,” a third wrote.
When the phone rings with the highest rating
Despite the controversy, the show ended with a new personal best! On January 4, the romance thriller starring Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin ended with the highest viewership ratings in its entire run. According to Nielsen Korea, the series finale of When the Phone Rings achieved a nationwide average rating of 8.6 percent, setting a new all-time high for the drama.
Meanwhile, Lee Min Ho’s new tvN series When the Stars Gossip debuted with an average rating of 3.3 percent nationwide. The show is airing on Netflix for a global audience.
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