K-Drama ” When the Phone Rings ” Finale Faces Boycott Calls for Controversial ‘ War – Torn ‘ State Portrayal

The highly anticipated series finale of ” When the Phone Rings ” has sparked a heated debate over its depiction of a fictional war-torn country. While the series has received praise for its piquant storyline and strong performances, the controversy surrounding the finale has overshadowed its ending. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is essential for creators and networks to prioritize sensitivity and accuracy in their storytelling.

The South Korean television series ” When the Phone Rings ” has wrapped up its run, but its conclusion has sparked a firestorm of criticism over its portrayal of a fabricated war-torn state. The series, starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, follows the story of a politician and his mute wife whose strained marriage begins to unravel after a call from a kidnapper turns their lives upside down.

Background

” When the Phone Rings ” premiered on MBC TV on November 22, 2024, and consists of 12 episodes. The series is based on the popular Kakao Page web novel ” The Number You Have Dialed ” by Geon Eomul Nyeo and was produced by Bon Factory and Baram Pictures (1)(2).

Controversy

The controversy surrounding the finale centers on a scene where the protagonist, Hong Hee-joo, acts as a sign language interpreter during a broadcast where a fictional country, ” Paltima, ” is accused of airstrikes against another fictitious country, ” Izmael, ” while holding Korean nationals hostage. Despite the fictional names, many viewers quickly identified them as references to Palestine and Israel, leading to accusations of misrepresentation and pushing ” zionist ” propaganda (3).

Criticism and Backlash

Fans and critics alike have taken to social media to express their outrage and disappointment over the scene, with many demanding accountability from the show ‘s creators and network. Some have called for an apology, while others believe the scene should be removed immediately (3).

Implications

The controversy surrounding ” When the Phone Rings ” highlights the importance of sensitivity and authenticity in portraying complex and sensitive topics, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The repercussions also raise questions about the responsibility of creators and networks in ensuring that their content is respectful and accurate.

Conclusion

The finale of ” When the Phone Rings ” has ignited a heated debate over its depiction of a fictional war-torn country. While the series has been praised for its gripping storyline and strong performances, the controversy surrounding the coda has overshadowed its finale. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is paramount for creators and networks to prioritize sensitivity and accuracy in their storytelling.

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Sources:

(1) Wikipedia – When the Phone Rings(2) IMDb – When the Phone Rings(3) Hindustan Times – When the Phone Rings finale faces boycott calls for controversial ‘ war – torn ‘ body politic portrayal(4) Netflix – When the Phone Rings(5) AsianWiki – When The Phone Rings

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Keywords: When the Phone Rings, K-drama, controversy, war-torn country, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sensitivity, authenticity, creators, networks, responsibility.