When The Phone Rings (지금 거신 전화는)

Written by Kim Ji-woon & Directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu

I needed time to process my thoughts before writing this. Weeks have passed since I finished this drama, and I wasn’t sure if I should write about it at all, given that it didn’t resonate with me. But I’ve made a pledge to write about things I experience on this platform—it’s become a kind of mental health mantra for me. So, despite my reservations, I felt the need to share my thoughts.

Diving into the Chaos of Makjang

When the Phone Rings falls squarely into the makjang (막장) genre, a South Korean style of storytelling known for its exaggerated plots, shocking twists, and emotional extremes. It thrives on morally questionable decisions, pulling audiences into a whirlwind of chaos. While I respect makjang for what it is, it has never been my cup of tea—just my personal take.

Defined by its unapologetic excess, makjang features extreme plot twists—secret parentage, long-lost twins, amnesia, and even characters returning from the dead. Its stakes are centered around betrayal, revenge, and forbidden affairs, often within chaebol families, where greed and power struggles fuel the drama. The genre excels in moral and ethical transgressions, with characters making shocking choices to keep audiences hooked.

So why is makjang so popular? Despite its absurdity, it’s undeniably addictive. The relentless twists create an unpredictable ride, with each episode revealing new surprises. Beyond the shock factor, makjang provides emotional catharsis, allowing viewers to vicariously experience suffering, passion, and redemption. At its best, it’s a wild and immersive escape.

My Take on When the Phone Rings

I’ll be honest: I’m a devoted consumer of South Korean dramas—an addict, even—but this one left me teetering between hope and disappointment. I came to When the Phone Rings with high expectations, largely because of Yoo Yeon-seok. His performances are often a masterclass in subtlety and emotional depth, and his portrayal of a samurai in Mr. Sunshine remains one of my all-time favorites. And to his credit, he did not disappoint. But even his undeniable talent couldn’t mend the fractures at the heart of this drama.

A Makjang Pushed Too Far

While its premise is grounded in something relatable, the execution pushes makjang tropes to the absolute limit—perhaps too far. The best makjang dramas balance their excess with emotional authenticity, allowing the chaos to feel meaningful. When the Phone Rings, however, leans so heavily into its own sensationalism that it begins to unravel.

Instead of crafting characters whose struggles resonate, the drama bombards viewers with relentless toxicity—people acting in ways that defy logic, not for emotional depth, but for shock value. There’s a fine line between heightened drama and outright absurdity, and too often, this show lands on the wrong side of it.

Final Thoughts

I wanted to love When the Phone Rings. I truly did. But a drama needs more than just twists and turmoil—it needs heart, nuance, and emotional truth. And while Yoo Yeon-seok rremains a bright spot—both in talent and looks—but even he couldn’t rescue this makjang from collapsing under its own excess.

Would I still recommend it? Maybe—for those who live for unhinged, dramatic chaos. But for viewers hoping for something more grounded, this might not be a call worth answering.

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