MBC’s drama When the Phone Rings, starring Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-Seok, is facing significant criticism for its inaccurate depiction of sign language in its first episode. Despite an apology issued by MBC, the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) has rejected it, raising serious concerns about the show’s portrayal.
Sign Language Error Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from a scene featuring Chae Soo-bin’s character, a sign language interpreter reporting on a landslide. The sign used for “mountain” was incorrect, leading to a moment where anchor Jang Gyu-ri made a joke, suggesting it resembled an offensive gesture. This scene has drawn strong criticism from advocacy groups and the deaf community, who feel it trivializes sign language and its importance. They view it as disrespectful and insensitive.
KCSC Rejects MBC’s Apology
The KCSC has expressed its own concerns, stating that the scene not only misled viewers but also diminished the significance of sign language as a vital form of communication. In response to the backlash, MBC issued an apology, stating that they did not intend to cause any harm and that sign language plays an important role in the drama’s narrative. However, this apology was rejected by the KCSC, which is demanding a more substantial response to the issue. This rejection highlights the seriousness of the misrepresentation and the need for greater sensitivity and accuracy in depicting sign language in media.
More Concerns
The controversy surrounding the sign language depiction isn’t the only issue the drama has faced. The show’s portrayal of a “war-torn” country, which some viewers felt referenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, also drew criticism. This adds another layer of complexity to the challenges facing When the Phone Rings, raising questions about responsible representation and the potential impact of on-screen depictions.
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