SPOILER ALERT!
Some viewers have criticized the popular K-drama When The Phone Rings, which stars Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae So Bin, for its finale’s depiction of a fictional war-torn nation. Even though the names were made up, many viewers thought the plot aligned to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This sparked criticism from some who thought the representation was inaccurate or inconsiderate to the situation’s nuanced realities.
A kidnapper whispers something to Sa Eon in the climax, then turns to face Hong Hee Joo and leaves her life. A few months later, Hong Hee Joo, who is desperate to learn the truth, decides to take matters into her own hands and visits the imaginary, war-torn nation of Argan, where Sa Eon used to negotiate with his journalist buddy Jang Hyuk Jin (Ko Sang-ho). Sa Eon, who has since turned into a vigilante, finally saves Hong Hee Joo when she is taken prisoner by “rebels.”
During a broadcast in which Na Yu Ri (played by Jang Gyu Ri) reports on a situation in which the fictional nation of “Paltima” is accused of airstrikes against another fictional nation, “Izmael,” while taking Korean nationals hostage, Hong Hee Joo serves as a sign language interpreter.
Some viewers immediately recognized them as references to Israel and Palestine, even though the names were made up. The sequence sparked a flurry of criticism, with viewers accusing the network and show’s makers of spreading “zionist” propaganda or misrepresenting the facts.
Some believe the sequence should be removed right away because it was totally needless and out of context, while others are calling for director Park Sang Woo and author Kim Ji Woon to take responsibility and apologize.
