When the Phone Rings: Did Netflix get it wrong? Mistranslation claims surface over finale
Social media users have pointed out discrepancies in translations that could change the narrative entirely.
SHAH ALAM - The popular K-drama When the Phone Rings has found itself at the centre of controversy and a growing boycott campaign following its finale, which appeared to reference the Israel-Palestine conflict.
While many viewers criticised the show for injecting a divisive narrative, allegations of mistranslations have surfaced, raising questions about whether inaccuracies may have amplified the backlash.
In the finale, Jang Gyu Ri's character, Na Yu Ri, reports on airstrikes by the fictional nation of Paltima against Izmael, with Korean nationals taken hostage.
Social media users, however, have pointed out discrepancies in translations that could change the narrative entirely.
A user on MyDramaList comments section criticised the drama’s subtitles, claiming the translation was inaccurate and misrepresented the narrative. According to the user, the original dialogue and graphic maps in the show present a different story.
“Breaking news: In Ismail, where airstrikes are taking place against Paltima, South Koreans have been kidnapped by militants,” the user stated.
The user clarified that Izmael was the aggressor, while Paltima was the victim. The maps in the drama, the user added, clearly depict Izmael attacking Paltima.
“People in Korea are baffled why these mistranslations are on social media and why the drama should be unfairly criticised and hope the right information spreads,” the user said.
Similarly, Instagram user @choitimjangnim echoed the concern, pointing out inconsistencies in the subtitles.
"Even when translated using Google Translate, just the direction of the arrow alone tells the story, guys. There's no way the attacker’s arrow points toward their own territory. The translation below also shows the same thing.
“If Netflix mistranslated this, they should take responsibility,” read the caption posted on Monday.
While some fans appreciated the drama's happy ending, others felt the final moments undermined the entire series. Social media platforms are abuzz with criticism, accusing the show of exploiting real-world tragedies.
One commenter on social media platform X suggested, “For anyone who hasn't watched it, it's better to just boycott it, we all know which country they mean, they don't even bother to cover it up, and they reveal the opposite of the facts that happened.”
@Nawelreads expressed disappointment, writing, “Very disappointing. Free Palestine always.”
@SpOtLiGhT22 added, “Not just boycott, but give it a thumbs down rating.”
Meanwhile, @iconickdramas “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.
Despite its initial success and record-breaking ratings, When the Phone Rings now faces a significant backlash. Social media campaigns urging viewers to rate the drama poorly have caused it's IMDb score to plummet from 9.8 to 6.2 in less than 48 hours.
Critics argue that the production team's decision to include a controversial subplot in the final 20 seconds was a deliberate move to provoke discussions—a strategy that seems to have backfired. Calls for a boycott of the production company have also gained momentum, with many questioning its credibility moving forward.
As the outrage continues, industry insiders speculate about the long-term impact this controversy could have on the K-drama’s legacy and the production team's future projects.
Meanwhile, fans are left wondering whether the controversy could have been avoided entirely if the translation had been accurate. The creators of When the Phone Rings have yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations or the uproar.
