“Why are they teasing us like this”— When the Phone Rings fans react as Yoo Yeon-seok & Chae Soo-bin name Argan scenes as their most memorable

The South Korean drama When the Phone Rings, starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, premiered on November 22, 2024, on MBC TV and is available for streaming on Netflix. It follows the complex relationship between Baek Sa-eon, a former presidential spokesman, and Hong Hee-joo, a mute newspaper heiress, who enter into an arranged marriage.

In a recent behind-the-scenes video, both Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin highlighted the "Argan" scenes as particularly memorable. These scenes, set in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Argan, showcase the couple's evolving relationship amidst external challenges.

The intimate bed scene between the lead actors was especially applauded by viewers for its emotional depth and the palpable chemistry between the characters. Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with many praising the actors' performances and the scene's tasteful execution. One fan wrote on X:

"Why are they teasing us like this.."

Fans of When the Phone Rings flooded social media, reacting to the intimate scenes of the two lead actors in the finale episode.

"This is "Argan" in every #SajuNation mind, btw, every time anyone mentions, "Argan." It's never about conflict zone or hostages," one fan said.

"This “argan’' part did something to them LoL!" another fan wrote.

"#WhenThePhoneRings and bed scene were two things I'd have never have put in the same sentence but I LOVE THAT WE CAN USE THEM TOGETHER NOW CAUSE WE GOT IT," one other fan said.

However, several viewers were displeased to see the show's alleged reference to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Fans argued that the portrayal oversimplified and mischaracterized the ongoing conflict, leading to calls for a boycott of the drama.

"When The Phone Rings is a perfect example of how a final episode can ruin an entire drama. Not only does the last episode feel like a different drama, with the male lead missing for six months and the story straying far from the main storyline (the Argan plot), but it also attempts to twist the narrative surrounding the ongoing genocide in Gaza," one fan wrote.

"The novel has the Argan plot and frankly I didn't like that part when I read. It was not necessary. Although they made improvements in the drama they did ruin it by involving the on-going war," another fan wrote.

"The Argan plot felt out of place, apart from that, everything else was fine," one other fan added.

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When the Phone Rings wraps up with its finale episode leaving fans with a bittersweet aftertaste

Baek Sa-eon, portrayed by Yoo Yeon-seok, comes from a prestigious political family and has a background as a war correspondent. His character is known for his ambition and dedication to his career. Chae Soo-bin's character, Hong Hee-joo, is a selectively mute sign-language interpreter and the heiress of a newspaper empire.

Their marriage, devoid of genuine affection, is tested when Hee-joo is kidnapped by an unidentified person, leading to a series of events that challenge their relationship and personal beliefs.

Despite the show's success, the final episode (episode 12) sparked controversy due to its portrayal of a fictional conflict reminiscent of the Israel-Palestine situation.

In When the Phone Rings episode 12, the series references a conflict between the fictional nations of "Paltima" and "Izmael," which some viewers interpreted as a parallel to the real-world Israel-Palestine conflict. This depiction led to backlash from international audiences, who felt that the series misrepresented the complexities of the actual geopolitical situation.

Throughout its run, When the Phone Rings has been praised for its intricate storytelling and strong performances. The series delved into themes of love, trust, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of power. The supporting cast, including Heo Nam-jun and Jang Gyu-ri, contributed significantly to the narrative's depth, portraying characters that add complexity to the main storyline.

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When the Phone Rings has 12 episodes and is available on Netflix for global streaming.