Controversial Finale of “When The Phone Rings” Draws Backlash
On January 4, viewers tuned in for the highly anticipated finale of the K-drama “When The Phone Rings” , which has gained significant popularity throughout its run. However, the conclusion of the series has ignited considerable controversy due to a specific scene that has not gone unnoticed by fans and commentators alike.
this is the scene op is referring to btw for added context 🥴 they added this scene near the very end of the last ep with these slightly changed names https://t.co/eBNNfMh8SW pic.twitter.com/EAeBTWTYOi
— ⋆ (@selsmarss) January 4, 2025
Scene Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Political Allegory
A particularly contentious moment in the final episode featured the character Na Yu-ri (portrayed by Jang Gyu-ri) reporting an incident involving the fictional nation “Paltima” , which allegedly conducted an airstrike on “Izmael” and took several Koreans hostage. While both nations are fictional creations, viewers quickly pointed out the striking parallels to real-life conflicts involving Palestine and Israel, leading to mounting ire across social media platforms.
This backlash is set against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, particularly Israel’s military actions in Palestine over the past year. Reports of significant civilian casualties and graphic evidence of violence have permeated news outlets, provoking strong emotional responses globally.
Accusations of Misinformation and Bias
The portrayal of these fictional nations has led many to accuse “When The Phone Rings” of manipulating the narrative, suggesting a “Zionist” perspective that misrepresents the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Critics assert that the show appears to position Palestine as the aggressor, thus distorting the reality of the situation.
How weird was it to show Paltima bombing Izmail and taking Korean hostages? The production team clearly had to insert a Zionist viewpoint when Israel is committing mass murder, leaving hundreds of thousands of children deaf #WhenThePhoneRings @withMBC pic.twitter.com/HBtLSv5Bzx
Social media reactions have exploded, with various posts decrying the episode garnering millions of views and heated remarks from internet users. Comments such as “Paltima and Izmael? This is definitely not a coincidence” underline the perceived implications of the scene. Another commenter stated, “The production team clearly had to insert a Zionist viewpoint when Israel is committing mass murder, leaving hundreds of thousands of children deaf.”
In the past week, at the refugee camps in Gaza, at least 5 infants have died from hypothermia. Among them is the 3-week-old baby, ‘Ali (in the picture).With the arrival of winter, Israel has left millions of people in Gaza without proper shelter and heating.Infants and… pic.twitter.com/ykYhwhmJZy
— B’Tselem B’Tselem (@btselem) January 3, 2025
“Israeli”soldiers set fire to Mahdia Al-Shawa School in Beit Hanoun just right after the aid trucks arrived there, following more than forty days without food. They burned down the school and all the aid supplies, forcing the displaced people to evacuate by force. pic.twitter.com/HJxqDqdCq3
— Ania Lewandovska 🍉 (@Anna_AnninaEl) November 15, 2024
Previous Controversies in Pop Culture
This incident is not isolated; Korean celebrities have faced scrutiny regarding their perceived political affiliations and statements in the past. For instance, BLACKPINK’s Lisa received backlash amid accusations concerning her family’s alleged ties to Zionism, alongside murmurs regarding her rumored relationship with someone from a pro-Israel background, although these claims are largely unsubstantiated.
Additionally, other public figures, including Jeon Somi and LE SSERFIM, have been criticized for being spotted at Starbucks, a brand associated with a boycott due to alleged support for Zionist policies. These recurring issues reflect the complexities of cultural expressions amidst sensitive geopolitical discussions.
In summary, the fallout from “When The Phone Rings” serves as a reminder of the fine line that creative works must navigate when addressing real-world events. As discussions continue online, it remains to be seen how the creators will respond to the backlash.
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