When the Phone Rings

MY HEART CALLS YOUR NAME

***DISCLAIMER: This is just my opinion. We don’t have to agree and I’m not here to argue with anyone.***

TLDR: My review is long so if you don’t have time, just skip to the final thoughts section.

OVERVIEW:

The drama begins with Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo, a couple married for three years but trapped in silence due to mutual animosity and Hee Joo’s selective mutism. Their fragile relationship worsens when Hee Joo is kidnapped by a masked assailant who threatens her life to get Sa Eon’s attention. After escaping, Hee Joo’s resentment towards Sa Eon intensifies. She uses the kidnapper's phone to communicate her demands of getting a divorce. As the story unfolds, the couple must face their unresolved feelings and decide if they can move past their grievances to navigate the crisis together. The drama delves into their emotional struggles, tackling themes of trust, love, and redemption amid various external challenges.

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IN MORE DETAIL (SPOILERS AHEAD):

Fist off, I liked how When The Phone Rings (WTPR) was able to captivate me in 2 episodes, usually dramas take 4-6 episodes to draw me in but this one did not. It felt like a breath of fresh air and after the first episode I went immediately to the next, without a break or hesitation.

The vibe of this drama is right up my alley; it’s a romantic suspense drama with mystery / thriller aspects, arranged marriages and a bit of tension between the leads. The transition from childhood friends to lovers adds a charming twist. I enjoyed it! It was the perfect antidote for those times when you’re in a drama slump, looking for something quick, bingeable, and effortlessly captivating. I found it especially revitalizing, as I was starting to feel that K-dramas were losing their spark.

The storyline was quite engaging, even if it leaned heavily on makjang tropes and required a hefty dose of disbelief. Flaws are a given in any show, and this one is no different. However, each character and far fetched plot line served a purpose, and in the context of this drama, it all somehow worked.

Honestly, sometimes, you just crave a cheesy, cliché drama that feels like a warm hug. Watching their slow-burn romance blossom into heartfelt confessions and breakthroughs was simply enchanting. Their unconventional love story touched my heart in ways I didn’t expect.


MIXED EMOTIONS:

Initially, In A appeared menacing but ultimately reveals a non-threatening nature. It seems unreasonable for her to expect Hee Joo to resume speaking just because her surgery was successful, allowing her to hear and talk again. That part annoyed me because it seemed selfish, especially after relying on her as a substitute for so many years.

It was disheartening to find out that Do Jae was scheming against Sa Eon, even though I had a hunch about it. While I might be able to brush off his treachery, the memory of him starting a fire and pushing Hee Joo off a cliff, leading to her serious injuries, is hard to shake. Moreover, the fact that Do Jae managed to survive after being beaten, stabbed, and nearly drowned stretches believability to its limits. In reality, both of those events should’ve left them severely injured or dead.

The second couple didn't resonate with me much; they seemed to lack the spark I was looking for. Their love was more subdued and comforting, unlike the fiery connection of Sa Eon and Hee Joo. Despite this, I was pleased that they revealed plans for marriage at the end.

While I recognize that Sa Eon should have learned sign language sooner to communicate with Hee Joo, it's important to consider his peculiar upbringing. To the Baek’s, he was only a spare, which positioned their marriage as a business arrangement. He maintained distance, feeling unworthy of genuine affection. Nonetheless, I commend his later efforts to learn, which showed his desire to connect with her on a deeper level.


DISLIKES:

The 5th episode was likely the weakest link in the series; it felt like a filler and earned a modest 7/10 from me. I was hoping for more excitement, but it just didn’t deliver.

I believe this drama could have reached greater heights if it had targeted a more mature audience. The 13+ rating restricted the depth of the romance earlier on. Still, I admire Sa Eon’s gentle approach; patience really is a virtue.

Sa Eon’s so-called family treats him like a mere pawn in their game, completely disregarding his humanity and identity. It’s heartbreaking to see him, an orphan, uprooted from his life simply because the grandfather chose him for his own agenda. His existence has never truly belonged to him. The flashbacks of his childhood, especially when he was forced to eat fish broke my heart. On the other hand, it was endearing to see how back then he offered his plate to Hee Joo when she was forced to restrict herself. These little parallels between past and present add to the story and highlight Sa Eon’s unwavering care and protectiveness towards her.

I really wish we had seen more of the mother taking responsibility for forcing her daughter into silence. Honestly, she came off as way too nonchalant, and it’s hard not to see her as a deeply troubled and insensitive individual. Everything seems to revolve around her, with her excuse being that she wanted a better life for Hee Joo than the one she experienced. Sure, but in doing so, you subjected her to a different kind of suffering! The mental and emotional scars are not something that just fade away. That’s my main issue, along with the overused trope of parents trying to make amends and seek forgiveness.

I also felt like the news report at the end particularly with the use of fictional country names mirroring real-life ones was unnecessary.


LIKES:

This series featured a stellar cast, the actors played characters with a sense of authenticity and realism. Yoo Yeon Seok delivered as usual, I don’t think I could ever imagine anyone else playing Sa Eon now. Chae Soo Bin brought her own unsuspecting charm and innocence to the role, while also being super flirty and daring when she was 406. I liked seeing her range. She deserves accolades for her impressive sign language performance.

Conversely, the kidnapper exhibited a commendable performance. Finally, there is a villain with a compelling backstory, clear motives, and justifications for his actions. While I did not feel sympathy for him, I appreciated the depth of his character. His troubled relationship with his parents nearly elicited pity. However, I found his demise somewhat too quick and simplistic but then again, you can’t always have it your way.

In my opinion, the finale was a total treat for fanfic enthusiasts. Given that this story started on Wattpad, everything that unfolded was spot on, and I’m not even a little bit sorry for enjoying every second of it. I swear, watching the last episode I was giggling and smiling so much. The people who get it get it and the ones who don’t, don’t. In my opinion they’re just out of the loop or above cliches altogether, but then again, everyone has their own preferences.

I’m glad there was no love triangle or 3rd person attempting to sabotage the couple. Additionally, the absence of a trivial breakup is refreshing. Sa Eon’s departure was indeed heartbreaking, primarily due to his difficulty in confronting Hee Joo after realizing he was the son of the person who inadvertently forced her to be mute following the accident which killed her brother. I think these events laid the foundation for their eventual reconciliation in Argan, similar to dramas with military themes.

I liked how Hee Joo engaged in conversations with those who had a deep connection to Sa Eon, as it allowed her to feel closer to him. It’s such a relatable portrayal of loneliness and confusion; those small interactions were her lifeline during those tough days.

That kidnapping scene where she was blindfolded, it felt like it was lifted straight from a romance novel. It had the essence of multiple shows and movies blended together, but honestly, I didn’t care because Sa Eon looked incredibly handsome while rescuing her.

The cinematography is impressive. While some may dislike the imaginative scenes, I find them endearing as they offer a glimpse into the characters' thoughts and showcase more charming moments between the couple. I also value the subtle hidden details they added that help’s to convey the emotions of the leads.

The OST is also amazing. The first time I heard the captivating opening track, "Hear Me Out," and saw the theme, I thought it was quite intriguing. The first experience hearing “See The Light” was thrilling, and Lim Hyunsik’s vocals are powerful. "Numb", for "May I Love You," and "I Feel It Now," are my top 3 song, as it expresses the emotions of our leads so well. Honorable mention for "Say My Name" which is beautifully sang by Yoo Yeon Seok and shows off his amazing voice.


LOVES:

The leads chemistry is off the charts! I was breathless by the end of episode 2 and again in episode 7. The way they match each other's energy was electrifying. Their intimate scene following the kidnapping was truly something. The filming was excellent; the directors captured the perfect angles and flow. While some viewers criticized the earlier kiss in episode 10's epilogue, I believe the final scene redeemed everything. As a romance enthusiast, their love story resonated with me, and their unwavering connection was evident. The last 15 minutes of the finale were everything, showcasing them as newlyweds finally experiencing happiness after 11 episodes of struggle. It was a satisfying happy ending.

I also appreciate how, in the jungle scene in Argan, Hee Joo initiated the kiss. It was refreshing shift in dynamic showing her taking control. After all of Sa Eon’s encouragement throughout the drama to pursue her desires without hesitation, she finally embraced his advice. Talk about a well crafted arc! And let’s not forget the scene that followed was absolutely sizzling!

What I truly admire is how they handle their issues with such gravity. The years of pain they endured were no joke. The moment between In A and Hee Joo, where she realizes that clinging to the past will only bring sadness, was particularly poignant. I loved how they both showed mutual respect, with Hee Joo letting go of her resentment towards In A. That was a genuine breakthrough that really tugged at my heartstrings.

I loved the character development of Hee Joo. She transforms from a timid and naive person into a confident, determined woman who pursues her desires. Her newfound courage to confront those who have wronged her is inspiring. Similarly, Sa Eon undergoes significant growth, enduring numerous challenges before ultimately finding his happiness.

Sa Eon's affection for Hee Joo stands out, especially considering he was brought up devoid of love. He was raised to be perfect, to make up for the faults of his fake parents and to preserve their legacy. Although he developed a reserved and distant demeanor, his tenderness towards Hee Joo is heartwarming and his sweetness shines through. While he may appear rough around the edges, his love for her is unmistakeable. From the start, their hearts have called each other's names; it was merely a matter of time.

The beauty of that final scene lies in the fact that there were no pretenses this time around. Hee Joo was honest about her feelings, simply wanting him to return home. The progress they have both made in these 12 episodes has been truly remarkable.


FAVORITE QUOTES:

“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘚𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘤𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘊𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”

“𝘚𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘚𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘩 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥.”

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺.”

“𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵. 𝘐’𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘶𝘱. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬. 𝘚𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵.”

“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘦𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘰.”

“𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦. 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦.”

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘪𝘯. 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦.”

“𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘉𝘢𝘦𝘬 𝘚𝘢 𝘌𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”


FINAL THOUGHTS:

This drama was an absolute delight! As a fan of heavier and more emotional stories, it was a nice change of pace to watch something lighter that didn't leave me feeling drained. Some persons would beg to differ but for me, this drama was not that deep. It was simply a joy to watch.

All in all, I simply loved how they blended almost every genre together, the mystery, thriller, romance and romantic suspense which kept you on your toes and had you eager to watch the next episode.

This drama was made for yearners and slow burn lovers. Yu Yeon (formerly Sa Eon) and Hee Joo perfectly encapsulate that dynamic. I love the name he chose and their cozy little married life. The ending was so heartwarming, especially the scene where he tells her if she wants their home to be more lively they need to add to their family and then lifts her bridal style to the bedroom.

Is it a masterpiece? Absolutely not. Is it binge worthy and enjoyable? Definitely. WTPR may not be perfect, but it had me hooked! Although the last 2 episodes faltered a tiny bit, the show's overall excellence still prevailed. It provided a much-needed escape, lifting my spirits and making for a gratifying watch.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially to persons who are beginners or just watching for a good time. I even roped in 4 friends to watch, including two who had never even watched a K-drama before. So far, they’re loving it, and it’s fun to have people to discuss the episodes with.

The romantic suspense and chemistry was brilliant. The leads were so captivating that they definitely earned some extra points in my book. I genuinely loved them, and I can confidently say there was rarely a dull moment in this drama for me.

I need to see YYS and CSB in another project together. Also, what is Yu Yeon up to at the end? He looks like he’s giving some secret agent vibes fr. I just can’t get enough! This drama definitely deserved more than 12 episodes. 14 or 16 would have been perfect. Fingers crossed for the possibility of a 2nd season!

My averaged episode scores put When The Phone Rings at an 8.5/10. While the characters and storyline definitely could've been more fleshed out, I enjoyed the performances by the cast and suspenseful elements. Everything combined made this drama such a fun watch.

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SIDENOTE:

While some claim WTPR is overhyped, I believe its popularity is well-deserved. It captivates and entertains throughout. Everyone has different preferences, WTPR met mine. If you are still unsure, by eps 2 to 4, you'll know if it suits your taste; if not, it's best to move on. Manage your expectations to avoid disappointment, and remember it’s literally based on a Webtoon / Wattpad novel.

I tried to keep my review neutral, concentrating on the main points of the plot and my viewing experience. It is important that we maintain a respectful and focused conversation without any political biases or jumping to any premature conclusions.

Anyway, that’s my two cents lovelies.

As always,
Thanks for reading & happy watching!

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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Not what I expected but in a good way

Review

9/10 is my rating. The plot was very engaging until about the last episode. Then it took sort of a weird turn in my opinion but then got back on track. If you want something a little different this definitely has that uniqueness to it. The leads have good chemistry, and the romance is paced well. I recommend it for those that like their romance with a bit of intrigue. That is the rarer form of romance.

Spoilers

The only part I really did not like is when he randomly decided to become some mercenary like person in another county. After all they had gone through he was just going to be like "see ya" and take off on some weird trip. Then she goes there, in a known dangerous area, gets kidnapped as was predicted and he just happens to be the one to rescue her. The whole thing was just a weird insert. Totally unnecessary to the story.

Her mom was horrible early on, and they never fully explained why she was like that to her and then later was just like "never mind." I mean I think it was because she didn't want her outshining her new stepsister but still, weird. Then, toward the end she is like okay she can hear now so we are good right? Right? I was glad main girl was like we are going to have to take it slow and I am not telling you where I live.

They sure created a good psycho. But I am like seriously dude you are going to fall for the same thing twice. You already know main girl will just wreck you both, yet you are going to try the exact same thing again?

Scroll Down for a Unique Synopsis

Synopsis

This is a 2024/2025 South Korean Romance Mystery Suspense Drama with 12, that run 64-70 minutes.

The couple in this thriller are in a marriage arranged for political and family gain and have barely spoken to each other in their three-year marriage. Paik Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) is the youngest spokesman for the Blue House a role which he gained as a former war correspondent and counter terrorist resource. He seems very cold and harsh to his wife, Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo-bin) who is selectively mute as a result of a traumatic traffic accident. To the outside world Yoo Yeon-seok is a lovingly devoted husband who keeps his wife out of the public eye due to threats to her safety. Their life is upended when Hee joo is kidnapped but Sa-eon doesn't believe it and proclaims they are frauds and that he will believe them when they show him her corpse. This is a final straw for Hee joo, and she turns the tables on the very real kidnapper and claims the phone he had been using in the process.

Having the phone provides what Hee joo perceives is a way out of her cold, loveless marriage. Hee joo uses the voice modulator to sound like her captor and negotiate herself a divorce.

This sets off a whole chain of intrigue as the two discover secrets hidden in the past, conspiracies and deception. As the conversations intensify, the love that was lying under surface emerges and the couple must pull together to uncover the true enemies that threaten not only their well-being but their very existence.

#WhenThePhoneRings #YooYeonSeok #ChaeSooBin

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Intriguing cliche ft. ridiculous plot at the end ?

This show came out of nowhere and took majority of us down the memory lane of swooning over wattpad romances.

I only want to talk about the MLs because honestly they are only whom I was fully invested in.... The main leads are typical: Seemingly cold, rich, and no-nonsense ML and a simple, softie FL. This is so wattpad-coded: Saeon showing redflag signs (thankfully he changed) and Heejo being a damsel in distress. I've seen a lot of this dynamic yet this one just hits different. Why? I believe that the actors played their roles so well and the show really tried to flesh out their characters, their personality.

Again, the usual trope of rich family, orphan, revenge, childhood connection... Nonetheless, the way the story unfolded was definitely gripping. The pacing of every episode was perfect - enough to feed my curiosity and enough to keep me wanting for more.

With all that, I really wanted to rate this higher but fell short all because of the last episode. The plot all throughout was pretty well-explained and the turn of events are fairly sensible except the last episode.
* Their relationship was already established. They expressed their feelings which made them stronger together. So, how can Saeon suddenly went MIA? They were opening up and trusting each other. A heartfelt conversation would've helped them.
* And out of all the places he could've gone to.....A warzone.....that Heejo went to....Argan.....also with the stereotypical color filter as soon as she stepped to that country...and they made love.....in a warzone...(will just pretend that that happened at their home, on Heejo's bed)
Yes, they followed the web novel but I wish they did not with that one. Yes, this is fictional but I wish a teeny bit of logic was still considered. I'm sorry but no matter how much someone will defend this plot, I will never change my mind that this is just straight up ridiculous, the worst.

I also want to list my nitpicks here.
1. When we first heard Heejo speak, when she was with the kidnapper, I wish she stuttered first. She was on a life-threatening situation + with someone who is dangerous + has selective mutism. I would've felt more if she struggled a bit with finding her voice and words then after few tries, had the courage to speak up. Also when she was on the police car. Similar case. I'd just imagine Saeon feeling and looking even more conflicted if he heard her struggle speaking first and then she screamed...
2. I honestly did not like how Saeon made Heejo go to the amusement park. (Lol just overthinking this) I mean Saeon was so protective and concerned with Heejo's rest after the cliff fall, and then he suddenly asked her to come out of the hospital alone on a cold night to go to the park??
3. Did the selective mutism trope just vanish? How did others take that she can actually speak? I wish they also included how Heejo able to overcome it, how she was gradually able to communicate with others and build confidence to voice out herself....


Overall, I greatly enjoyed this mainly because of their chemistry. I will never forget how intense the first few episodes were as much as I will never forget the crappy Argan plot.

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When the Phone Rings (2024) – My Honest Review

So, I just finished *When the Phone Rings*, and honestly, I have so many thoughts. This drama started off *so strong*—it had mystery, romance, and just the right amount of political drama to keep things interesting. The main story follows Baek Sa Eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), a politician from a prestigious family, and his wife, Hong Hui Ju (Chae Soo-bin), a sign language interpreter who lost her voice as a child. At first, their marriage seems like one of convenience, but when Hui Ju gets kidnapped, things take a serious turn, and we start to see their relationship unfold in a really emotional way.

First off, the chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin was **everything**. Chae Soo-bin, in particular, *carried* this drama. Even without speaking, her expressions and emotions were so powerful. The way their relationship evolved from distant to deeply connected was probably my favorite part of the show. I also really liked the supporting characters, especially Heo Nam-jun and Jang Gyu-ri, who added some depth and even a little bit of humor when things got heavy.

Now, let’s talk about the issues. The first half? *Amazing.* But as the show went on, the plot started to get a little messy. Some of the twists felt unnecessary, and by the last few episodes, I felt like the drama lost some of the emotional depth it had in the beginning. And then there was the controversy about how the drama portrayed certain fictional countries, which sparked debates online. I personally wasn’t too bothered, but I can see why it caused discussions.

That said, *When the Phone Rings* still had a solid impact. It pulled me in with its suspense and romance, and even though the ending wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped, I don’t regret watching it. If you love dramas with intense emotions, deep character relationships, and a bit of political intrigue, I’d still recommend giving it a shot. Just be prepared for some pacing issues later on!

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Unnecessary ending

I have mixed feelings. I really enjoyed the start of this drama. In the halfway I was a bit lost but still it was entertaining. BUT these two last episodes were so messy and the Argan plot was so unnecessary. Who even made that plot? It didn't make any sense and I felt like watching a completely different drama. Why did they have to ruin a good drama with a floppy ending???

Instead of the bad Argan plot, they should have given us the crumbs of Sang U and Yu Ri!!! They build up a great relationship between them just to randomly announce their marriage in the last episode... like c'mon that was so badly written. The actors had great chemistry together and they were very cute but the writers still wasted their potential. How sad :((

One thing I did really like was Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin's chemistry. They acted so well together and looked so cute together. Great chemistry!! Even the intimate scenes were good and didn't seem awkward. They're good kissers xD I'm glad they got the happy ending they deserved.

This drama would have gotten a better rating from me if they had focused on Sa Eon and Hui Ju and the phone. I really loved the conversations between Sa Eon and 406 (Hui ju). Instead they made it messy and added that ridiculous Argan plot, therefore I have to lower my rating. But because I still enjoyed the drama, I will give it an 8.

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a cracktastically fun show that loses its way and lands in disbelief

this show had one of the BEST opening episodes i have ever seen. it was an overdramatic soapy ride, carried by simmering intensity and masterful acting, backed by fine direction and beautiful camerawork, then driven home by the unapologetically dramatic music score. the buildup that ended in that big twist? i was hooked and screaming and scrambling for more.

the first four episodes were in a similar manner, very soapy and intense, flattered by the chemistry between the actors, and without a doubt greatly elevated by the spectacular performance from yoo yeon sook. the only complaint i would raise would be that of the fml's character - the first episode promised more bite but she was ultimately very overmatched. however, the show still delivered its fair share of twists and emotional punches and high voltage spicy moments. every episode had at least one highlight scene (i have written episode reviews for every single episode 1-4, which i have not done for any other show):
- ep2: 'will you take it off, or should i?' / the epilogue phone call reveal of how the ml & fl's marriage came about.
- ep3: the motorcade scene
- ep4: the rooftop scene / (which is amplified by) the epilogue reveal of what happened in the police car
every single scene with the score 'breakthrough pt. 2 (oh hee joon)' was so emotional and intense and iconic. i've replayed those scenes for more times than i'd care to admit, especially during the wait for new episodes (no thanks to yoon suk yeol).

but.. the show loses that spark. for 5 through 8, the show was still reasonably good, though increasingly cliche, and threatens to snap the suspense of disbelief with totally unconvincing scenarios that cannot be excused with dramatic dressing. then the show just loses its footing and ends with, well, shitting the bed. it's a shame that the show went out with a whimper, especially with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the last episode. however, the first 4 episodes were so good, i'll allow nothing less than a 8.5.

to summarize:
- breakthrough pt.2 is now one of my ringtones.
- yoo yeon suk, you have earned yourself a fan in this one!

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Very intriguing

I always wait until a drama has all the episodes available, but when reading all the comments about how good this show was, I was almost certain to be disappointed. But it was just as good as all the comments I read. Yoo Yeon Seok as Sa Eon and Chae Soo Bin as Hui Ju were excellent. I hated him at the beginning, as I was meant to, but once a couple of layers of the mystery were revealed, I loved the character. Chae Soo Bin doesn't have much facial expression (perfect for I Am Not a Robot), and that also gave me pause, but they were both perfect in their roles.

ML and FL had amazing chemistry. One thing that really stood out to me was the way they always highlighted his wedding ring. That was my first clue about how he felt about her.

This is the first drama I've watched in a while that I did not fast forward through any of it. I was able to just enjoy it for what it was and not pick apart any logic or lack thereof. I looked forward to each episode, anxious to see what was going to happen next.

I have to say, I didn't care for the casting (or maybe it was the acting) of the SML. He had an odd look about him and I couldn't get past the feeling that he was a bad guy. Also, I felt that the role of In A, Hui Ju's sister, was miscast. She seemed entirely too old, more like her mother.

I don't give out a bunch of 10 ratings, but this probably would have been one of them, if it weren't for Episode 12. What the heck?!?! I couldn't suspend disbelief that far. Did they give a third string writer a chance to write the last episode? It had nothing to do with the rest of the show, was sloppy, and irritated me. If the main couple had managed to get together in episode 11, I'd just tell people to skip episode 12!

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A Hodgepodge of craziness but it's Entertaining

I wonder if I would like “When the Phone Rings” more if I had watched while it was airing and joined in the hype and obsession on the Feeds. I vaguely remember the hype of a hot red flag ML in the beginning, the sizzling chemistry, screenshots of hands and veins, and how everyone was quite obsessed with the drama.

Unfortunately, since I binged this, what goes in my head might have been the exact opposite of the hype. I do still think the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is pretty good, though the majority of the time that happened on the phone. But I don’t get the craze about the hot red flag ML nor the slow-motion supposedly romantic shots, or the hands. I felt that these elements gave the drama a very fake rom-com feel, especially when this is not a romantic comedy. But yet, does this drama know what it really wants to be?

It started out as a serious drama with a thriller/mysterious plot. The background of the Presidential Office, Presidential spokesperson, interpreter and Presidential candidate give this drama a more ‘serious’ vibe. But once you add on the ridiculousness of the phone calls, it becomes a makjang. Add on those slow-mo romantic shots, it became a romantic comedy with accidental trips and kisses.

Let’s talk about the phone calls. The first one or two, I could understand the frustration and the daringness of it. As time goes by, these daily phones happen so frequently that there is not way a smart ML couldn't decipher someone’s wrong and the tone has changed. From a threatening voice of a murderer and kidnapper, to a lonely housewife who wanted a divorce and then a lovesick girl who just wanted to be loved by her first love. The change is so drastic that it’s ridiculous it can go on for so long. Unfortunately, that’s why the drama is called “When the Phone Rings”.

But viewers and Feeds users are correct that the second half just went down the hill into pure makjang territory. I don’t even know what that ending was. It took 2.5 long episodes to wrap up the thriller part, when we already knew who the culprit was. I could also understand wanting to leave the world behind after all that happened, but to disappear like that and to a place so ridiculous? The sunset reason is just weak. The whole last episode is just a filler. What is up with the sudden wedding announcement? We skipped the whole relationship and I was waiting for it to happen.

Despite all my complaints, I am still giving “When the Phone Rings” a rounded up 8.0. You can’t deny it was entertaining with great acting by Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Big applause to Chae Soo Bin for all the sign language she needs to learn, and there’s quite a few. I am a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope and despite the whole phone calling unreasonable plot, I do like the transition of the leads relationship. Kisses are great, as well, and that is to be expected from Yoo Yeon Seok. Everyone looks good (nice clothes and suits) and sounds good.

If you go in knowing what to expect - that is - not a serious thriller/mystery drama, and enjoy a hodgepodge of craziness, “When the Phone Rings” can be very entertaining.



Completed: 2/2/2025 - Review #539

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Had Me Screaming: Rich People Are Wild ?

Rich people are wild—and When the Phone Rings makes that clearer than ever. This K-drama had me absolutely screaming with its rollercoaster of jaw-dropping twists, shocking secrets, and emotionally loaded relationships. I went in expecting a slow burn, but what I got was a whirlwind of arranged marriage tension, unexpected kidnappings, and a messy unraveling of deep, dark lies.

The story centers around a mute wife and her emotionally distant husband, whose already fragile relationship gets pushed to the edge as the truth begins to surface. And trust me—the truth is a beast. From emotional manipulation to power plays and silent suffering, this drama isn’t afraid to go deep.

What really pulled me in was the electric chemistry between the leads. Even with minimal dialogue at times, the emotional weight and longing was palpable. Add in some genuinely unpredictable mystery elements, and I was hooked. I was constantly guessing who to trust, who knew what, and how far some characters would go to protect their secrets.

Now, full transparency: the finale left me with mixed feelings. Not bad, just... complicated. But the journey there—especially the first 11 episodes—was pure gold. High-stakes romance, healing arcs, betrayal, and just enough hope to keep you invested.

If you're into romantic thrillers with emotional depth, strong performances, and a splash of chaos, When the Phone Rings is a must-watch. It’s messy in all the best ways, and honestly, I’d rewatch it just to catch everything I missed the first time.

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When Your Wife Calls

I thought this series would lead me back to Kdrama. Unfortunately, it failed me again. This is your another clichéd Kdrama full of murder, crimes, political and family rivalry. I'm here supposedly for the romance. But, the romance I am hoping for took a back seat in the story. Oh yes, it started again with that aloof, domineering, snob character of the ML. Which expectedly would make a turn towards the end of the drama. Yes, everything is predictable, from the crime itself, the childhood flashbacks, the orphanage and the romance itself. Very poor storyplot. Lots of unnecessary characters like the sister of the FL who didn't play a significant role at all, FL's colleagues in the court or judiciary.

The idea of the burner phone is too lame for me just to express ones feelings. Even poor execution of crime solving. Like, a car that can be easily hacked and operated by a culprit but a simple burner phone cannot be easily located or even decoded by the Office of the President. Like, how inefficient such office can be?

Anyways, this is a wasted potential. If only the writers focused on the romance, instead of the too overly used crime trope, it would have been much more interesting. Yes, this is a total slowburn. Why let the audience wait for the finale for a married couple to get intimate? Can't it be at least halfway thru? or better yet, after the wedding ceremony itself since the feeling is mutual anyway. Would have been much better if they have kids in the finale.

Mysterious Love or My Lethal Man Cdrama is way better than this.

I was suppose to give this a 7.0 for the minimal romantic interaction between the leads. The actors were all awesome. My first time to watch Yoo Yeon Seok in a drama. Second time for Chae Soo Bin as first seen her in I'm Not A Robot. Still, gave an overall rating of 8.0 for the intimate finale scene. Definitely, chemistry was there. Another overrated drama.

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A Tale of Passion and Familiar Tropes

When the Phone Rings is a captivating drama that caters splendidly to aficionados of the romance genre. The sizzling chemistry between the protagonists, portrayed by Yoo Yeon-seok (YYS) and Chae Soo-bin (CSB), is palpable and undeniably a major contributor to the show's widespread acclaim. Their intense emotional connection and palpable yearning for one another follow a well-trodden path that audiences often find irresistible, which has undoubtedly propelled this drama to its considerable success.

Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin deliver stellar performances, breathing life into their characters with an authenticity that makes their romance both relatable and compelling. Their on-screen rapport is nothing short of mesmerizing, a testament to their undeniable talent and synergy.

However, while the romance is undoubtedly the highlight, one cannot overlook the narrative's reliance on clichéd tropes. The storyline, though competently executed, lacks a certain depth and originality, often falling back on familiar romantic conventions. The plot twist involving the mysterious "Argan" subplot towards the conclusion felt overly contrived and, frankly, a tad exhausting to endure.

A recurring motif in romantic dramas—the protagonists' decision to distance themselves for the supposed betterment of their partner—resurfaces here. This well-worn trope, while intended to evoke pathos, often feels counterproductive. It raises the question: is it not more compelling to witness characters confronting and overcoming challenges together, rather than resorting to separation as a panacea?

Despite these narrative shortcomings, the production values of When the Phone Rings are commendable. The casting is impeccable, with each actor delivering performances that enhance the drama's overall appeal. The direction, cinematography, and soundtrack further elevate the viewing experience, adding layers of emotional resonance.

In summary, while the overarching plot may leave some viewers yearning for more innovation, the undeniable romantic tension and chemistry between the leads provide a "feel-good" quality that is difficult to resist. My rating of 8 reflects the enjoyment derived from these elements, even if the story itself falls short of expectations.

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