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The production team of When the Phone Rings has issued an apology for a controversial scene.
The controversy arose due to a scene from episode 1, which aired on November 22, where Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo Bin), a sign language interpreter, was shown interpreting a news report. During the live broadcast, an error causes the program to freeze on Hong Hee Joo signing the word "mountain." This is misinterpreted as an obscene hand gesture.
Following this, posts criticizing the drama were made on the viewer opinion board accusing it of mocking sign language. In response, the production team issued an apology and vowed to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.
On November 29, the K-drama's production team issued an apology, which is as follows:
We sincerely apologize for causing concern with a certain scene involving sign language.
The production team takes seriously the criticism that When the Phone Rings inappropriately dealt with sign language, which resulted in the mockery of the deaf and Korean Sign Language.
When the Phone Rings centers around the theme of communication between people, and we had no intention of mocking or belittling sign language, which is a precious tool of communication for the deaf.
However, we humbly acknowledge that, during the production process, the production team fell short in their efforts to carefully study and portray the challenges faced by the deaf and those who use Korean Sign Language.
Sign language plays a crucial role in When the Phone Rings, as it helps the two protagonists open their long-closed hearts and communicate with each other. Through the journey of the two characters who struggle to understand one another’s language before finally arriving at communication, we will work hard to ensure that [When the Phone Rings] is remembered as a drama that fully conveys the value of sign language as an important tool that connects one person to another. We ask that you continue to watch our drama with interest and criticize us if something is lacking.
Once again, we bow our heads in apology.
