When the Phone Rings

Go for it

From the first episode to the last, I was completely captivated by the storyline and the incredible performances of the actors and actresses. The drama kept me engaged throughout, and I truly enjoyed every moment.

However, the last part of the story left me a bit unsatisfied. The male lead, consumed by regret, distanced himself from her because he couldn’t forgive himself. While this added emotional depth, it seemed unrealistic that someone would travel to another country based on just a few vague hints. I won’t reveal what those clues were to avoid spoilers, but the fact that she took such a huge risk and he managed to save her felt a bit beyond logic. I understand that it’s a fictional story where anything is possible, but I couldn’t help but overthink it and get emotionally involved.

One of the highlights for me was their first kiss—it gave me goosebumps! The emotions, the intensity—it was truly unforgettable.

Overall, an incredible drama with powerful storytelling, brilliant performances, and moments that left a lasting impact. Highly recommended!

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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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WTPR is an exceptional drama of personal growth,

second chances, love, drama and thriller all mixed into one.

When the Phone Rings delivers on everything it promises and keeps you glued to your seat every episode. The OST fits the story perfectly in every scene. The characters are magnifically acted by the cast, and you can't help and root for them. They go thru so much. In the end, the journey is worth it to get the characters the ending they deserve. I like how all of them are so complicated and make you feel for them. I even ended up sympathizing with the villain one of twice. Weird, yes! But that's the token of good writing that gets you to feel even for the evilest of characters.
I also enjoyed the growth of the characters esp HHJ who goes from a meek, comforting character to a strong, feisty woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. She's not afraid to stand up against those who hurt her anymore and I loved that! Her journey is definitely something to watch. Just like PSE who comes into his own while basically going thru hell on earth before leading him to his happy ending.
In the end WTPR did have a couple of cliche moments but in the end they were necessary for the overall journey and message of the drama.
9/10

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This review is just my personal opinion, don't take it personally.

Warning the review will have many spoilers and will be extensive. Now let's continue.

I really don't understand people who didn't like the drama, who were too harsh and there really wasn't a compelling reason for it. You may not like it for a lot of reasons but the reviews were very harsh and had no real basis for the drama to be criticized in this way.

In my personal opinion it is a DRAMA that everyone should give the opportunity to see, I loved it, it made me return to the world of dramas, I firmly believe that it was a drama that brought something new, fresh, with top-level performances, a chemistry that is rarely seen today and is a very special drama I would say that of the 1000 dramas that I have seen in my life, this drama will always remain in the top 1 and I will always see it again, because it is a drama that penetrates very deeply.

The plot begins with a marriage of convenience, who in three years of marriage have never spoken or done things together in front of the public because the protagonist, Hee Joo, had to remain hidden due to her selective silence.

Although their marriage lacked all affection, it was peaceful. As long as neither of them interfered in the other's lives, everything was fine, apparently. I say apparently because the drama is like an onion, it has many layers that you will discover that what you thought was not true and each peel you took out gave you a different background.

Baek is not an easy character to analyze, he does not even fall into the category of a typical cold man who becomes sweet when he falls in love, nor does he become a tsundere. His past is too tragic, one day he witnessed something he never wanted to witness and suddenly his life changed forever, but for the worse. He was taken to a family with secrets that were too dark and totally lacking in affection. He had to be someone else's replacement, live a life that was not his nor did he want it to be his, where he could not express himself or have the same tastes. It was just a tool, which forced him not to know how to express his feelings correctly.

Here comes her dealings with Hee Joo initially, since even though he was in love with her since childhood and her silence gave him calm when he couldn't stand being in noisy places and with hypocritical and false people, he couldn't prove that he loved her because his initial plan was to save her (her family) from her prison, and then gain ground and power to destroy him family and then commit suicide. That's why he couldn't express what he felt and he held back too much.

Hee Joo, on the other hand, was between a rock and a hard place, she had to stay silent and pretend that she was mute because she had to protect her real father from her own mother and she didn't trust anyone either. Their hopes of being happy were. But everything changes when she is kidnapped by 406.

At first he said cruel things about her because he really thought it was someone else trying to blackmail him like it had always happened to him since he started his political career. But she took it very badly, because she still held out hope that her marriage would change, the fact that he would say that the kidnapper would notify her when she was dead. So all her anger towards him explodes and she takes 406's place to extort him and get him to divorce her, because she really thought Baek wanted to kill her. So she tries everything to get him to agree to give her a divorce and yes, she is clumsy during calls because she had never extorted anyone before, she didn't have a structured plan in her head so as not to be emotional. She would get angry and show her more emotional side when he refused to give her a divorce because she didn't understand why a man who apparently didn't love her, who she thought was a hindrance to her life, would find it so difficult for him to agree to a divorce.

This changes when he really finds out that yes, she had indeed been kidnapped and got hurt. From there the entire plot and secrets are resolved little by little, with an exact rhythm.

Nothing seemed out of place nor was any character put in as filler. Each character had a key role in the story and they fulfilled it perfectly.

Actually I am happy that most of the negative reviews were not because there were no +18 scenes like in the novel because I think we all understood that it was for a general audience and with a single look you could already see that desire among them. And that was a great job by both Chae Solo and Yoo Yeon, since their chemistry came naturally, it didn't feel forced. Even behind the scenes they still maintained that chemistry.

Although I know many are disappointed about the ending, some say it must have had 16 chapters and others say the last chapter was unnecessary. I don't agree with any party. Although in chapter 11 we were given a lot of information, if you were attentive to the drama the information provided did not feel confusing or too much, because they had already given us clues and even more so with the appearance of his stepsister. The last chapter was full of pain, drama, crying (honestly it's the first time he cried when a male actor cries, but Yoo Seok gave such a top-notch performance, you really felt his pain like his).
The fact that he disappeared and went to a war zone, which is actually how he started and it was his vocation, being a soldier fit. Because? Because even if he hadn't done anything, he was the son of a monster who took away his childhood, a brother and his dreams from the person he made who would change his mind and want to live again. Could you live happily, pretending that nothing happened when you know that your own father ruined the life of the person you love so much? I think in real life, if this happened, the guilt would simply be so great that you couldn't even continue or consider continuing with that person.

That is why leaving a war zone where his life was chaotic and he could die was a self-imposed punishment. Even for him, not being by Hee Joo's side was a real hell. But Hee Joo, who was a more coherent and understanding person, did not blame him for anything because she understood that both were always tools of the others. They were the same in many ways.

I liked seeing a protagonist who will not wait, but at a certain crucial point, she realized that she had to make her own decisions and actions. And she was also launched, she expressed her love for him without limitations. It was gratifying to see how the family paid for all the damage she did and it was a moment of commomevor when her stepfather finally accepted her as if she were a daughter, and her mother caressed her, telling her to happy always live. Also the last conversation with her sister, telling her that they will stop torment yourself about a past that they couldn't fix and be happy, because she was worthy of being happy just like her.

That she baptized him and gave him such a beautiful name with such a special meaning was simply beautiful.

Here she shows us two things, you don't need to be a damsel who needed to be saved by a prince. They both saved each other and could continue to work to make their relationship okay. You know it may sound cliché but it is beautiful to have a person who does not judge you, nor point you out and is with you through thick and thin. That type of healthy relationship is the one I like to see the most. And second, monsters are not made, they are born. And his 'mother' was also a monster incurring another monster because she never felt regret for the children her son had killed.

Overall the plot twists were surprising because you didn't really know what was going to come out next, so it kept that suspense until the end. The performances were first class, the characters had a very interesting psychological background and the music, although it was little, was good enough.

A review made me laugh where it said that if she fell off a cliff, she should have broken several bones and I agree but how many male characters have we seen who have been hit hard and look like Terminator because they are still standing as if nothing had happened? Too many times.

For me this drama is a 10/10 and I will continue watching it until I get hooked on another drama, although it left me with a very high bar when the phone rings. Furthermore, it is a drama that I will always carry in my soul.

Additional: I do not consider this drama one of those dramas where there are illnesses and loss of consciousness like the queen of tears. While they have their clichéd points, they balanced suspense, politics, and romance all too well. It is not unusual to actually see politicians make agreements and hide things that are too serious. In reality.
For me, drama is an invitation that gives us the opportunity to see how things work and the resilience on the part of some actors. Love does not save you from regrets, that is something that has been shown very well, but from looking for a person who will help you grow as a person. Also that revenge, no matter how justified it may be, never ends in something good. The most hopeful message it gives us is that no matter what happens, you are the master of changing your life and leaving the past behind. That although a father or mother (I mean the mother of the protagonist) can make mistakes when trying to choose the best for you, but that does not mean that they do not love you. To be honest with ourselves and act according to what we feel and think. And even if you think that no one in this world loves you, there will always be people who love you even if you are not able to see it.

I make another clarification about this drama. Chae Soo and Yoo Yeon Seok have won the award par excellence for actor and actress and the award for best couple. They deserves it well for his great effort, and if you don't like it, perhaps he will reconsider watching this drama Chae Soo in his speech she use sign language to thank the public, that shows the effort she has put into learning sign language and she also invited other people watching the drama to study sign language because she said it was an important language to learn. That not only shows what a great actress she is but the quality of person she is. No actor or actress made a speech with sign language. Made history. You may not like it but you can't give a low rating regarding the performances. They gave the best job of all their careers.

when you say this drama is overrated, think carefully about why they won this award. The rating has dropped a lot and understanding that perhaps this drama is not for you, but you cannot deny that they implemented a main character who most of the time had to use sign language, which is rare to see. I honestly don't think this drama is overrated, it offered many things not seen before and the performances were and will be first class, you can put a 1 in the story, but you can't put a 4 in acting because they acted very well. Although I didn't like the Queen of Tears at all, because I was a true Makjang in a time when these dramas are no longer fashionable, I never lowered my rating in terms of performances, because although I didn't like the story, the Performances were also very good and there was no way to deny it.

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A Captivating K-Drama with Stellar Performances and Minor Flaws

This is one of the best K-dramas I’ve watched in a while. While it has its flaws, the overall production was outstanding. The plot was intriguing and, for the most part, well-executed. Watching it weekly as it aired kept me thoroughly engaged, eagerly anticipating each new episode.

Pros:
Outstanding Acting:
The performances, especially from the two leads, were phenomenal. Yoo Yeon Seok delivered a masterclass in subtlety—his ability to convey deep emotions through slight facial movements and the way his voice cracked was truly remarkable. Chae Soo Bin was equally impressive, and their chemistry was absolutely perfect.

Compelling Story:
Although the script had a few issues, I loved the story. After skimming through the novel (English translation), I truly appreciated the changes the screenwriters made. I loved the drama-version of Baek Sa Eon a lot better than the novel-version. My favorite alteration was having Hong Heejoo discover earlier on that Baek Sa Eon already knew her identity as the mystery caller. This allowed for more open communication and heartwarming interactions between the couple, which I adored. The ending tied up all loose ends effectively, although it did feel slightly rushed after spending too much time on Baek Sa Eon’s disappearance.

Brilliant Storytelling:
The narrative was beautifully presented, with thoughtful parallels and shots. For example, the line “Call me when you have a corpse” was repeated three times throughout the series, each time in a different context and evoking distinct emotions from the characters. These subtle touches added depth and richness to the storytelling.

Cons: The only con I found was with inconsistencies with the script:
Aside from the usual K-drama tropes—like characters surviving falling off a cliff with no broken bones or any visible injuries or scars magically disappearing overnight—my biggest disappointment lay in the final episode. Baek Sa Eon’s six-month disappearance felt so out of character and inconsistent with the story’s progression. For someone as considerate (especially towards the FL’s feelings and well-being) and steadfast as Baek Sa Eon, it seemed implausible for him to leave the female lead in such a manner, especially over something that was not his fault and beyond his control. This was particularly jarring given how explicitly she had shared her fears of abandonment in a previous episode. While this plot point might have worked in the novel—where the two leads did not openly communicate much—it felt forced and misplaced in the drama, where their relationship was built on mutual understanding.

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Almost the best show of 2024

I can now say with clarity that 2024 was an abysmal Kdrama year. It was one disappointment after underwhelming show after trash fire show after another! All the shows that started with great hype and massive potential *cough* lovelymarrymyrunnerhusband *cough* ended up with weird third acts or just bad plotting or shoehorned actors...everything was BAD! Everyone's favorite 2024 drama worked like the strongest sleeping pill for me! I fell over my computer on 4 different occasions before I gave up on it! It was basically impossible to find a good show! The late entries of the year that I ended up giving 10 stars to, were on par with previous years' 8-stars show but given the depressing landscape of 2024, I was desperate to give them some good ratings and they ended up over-complimented in the process.
And then, When The Phone Rings started airing.
I had no intention to watch this, like most shows I watched that year. It just sort of happened. I tried the first episode and it was so tense, addictive and mysterious that I immediately went for episode 2 and then I was craving for episode three! Sure, you need to lowkey turn off your feminist brain for the show to be enjoyable and there's still a lot that is questionable/unexplained in the plot but overall, it was good at keeping the tension high and building momentum for the upcoming episode. Add to that the steamy but subtle chemistry between the leading actors, their complex personalities and the ambiguous dynamics they had which bordered on unhealthy but never quite tipped into toxic territory and that kept the show fun to watch and also added a little spice to boot. This show was fun! Was it high quality? No...no, the production is really actually bad! The set designs are so basic, you can tell they had a low budget but they kept it classy. The acting wasn't good across the board either. For the most of the run, I thought this one guy was a secret villain but it turned out that the actor just...has an intense gaze, he he (awkward...). The mother characters looked really fake and just uncomfortable when they did their crying scenes. So it wasn't perfect in technical aspects and the plot was cheesy and slightly off at parts but the overall storytelling was so enjoyable and entertaining.
There was also sweet separations from the norm, the SFL isn't vengeful or jealous. The SML while still a SML (So like, how good can he be?!) was still less pushy and didn't overstep. The characters set up to be jealous and cruel were just supportive and neutral. The villains were not omniscient gods. They were sh*t at being villains like you would expect normal humans to be sh*t at stuff. The FL, though mainly a damsel in distress, showed unexpected spunk and fire and managed to save herself a number of times. The ML, is the main reason everyone watched this, was SO HOT! And though he was gloomy and broody when he was grinding on that miscommunication train, he was at his sexiest when he started to learn communication. Love to see it! This was the kind of show that was so fun and good to watch in small doses!
And then, around episode 8 it started to get a bit slow and I found episode 9 and 10 to be less enjoyable than previous ones though they still wrapped it up nicely. But then...episodes 11 and 12 were awful! I have never seen a show ruin itself so magnificently! My god! I can't believe I'm saying this...this show did not need 12 episodes!!!! They could've wrapped this up in 10 episodes! 11 at most! The pacing was slow in 11 but in 12, the pacing was high on drugs and tripping on freaking clouds! It was confusing, it made no sense. WHY???? Why would you do this to your show?! omg...you almost had the perfect show, goddamit!
So yeah. If this was to prove anything, it proved that nothing about 2024 was good and redeemable! This was the last chance to have a perfect 2024 show but they fumbled the bag.
It's not even a mini-problem! They spent 10 episodes setting up a character who learns communication, only for him to just forget all about that character growth and just regress to "I know what's best for her" nonsense. How can you undo everything you so meticulously set up for 11 episodes, in just 67 minutes?!
And it dragged. The most boring episode of the show. Made no sense, was all over the place, suddenly we get a voiceover explaining random conclusions to plot points, the filming technique looked like daytime sitcom shows, the acting was stilted, the plot was out of the left field. And then they give you the cute resolution in the final moments but it came after the most bizarre and random episode that I didn't even enjoy it well.
Almost. It was almost the best show of 2024. What a pity.
I don't regret watching it but it ended on a really sour note and I redacted 2 points, at first but then, for the sake of all that I had enjoyed in this show, I returned one point.
Could've been a ten...but it's not. What a waste! What a pity.

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A perfect 1000/10!! literally one of the best of 2024!

At first, I honestly thought I wouldn’t enjoy this show much because of its cliché story and theme, especially bc I had just finished Mr. Plankton and couldn’t bring myself to start any other show and felt too emotionally drained to dive into another.

But I decided to give it a try, and boy, I was wrong. Just two episodes in, I was hooked to the point where I found myself impatiently waiting each week for the next two episodes. I can’t even describe the thrill and excitement I felt an hour before each episode aired—lol 😭 what a great time.

This show is epitome of the perfect K-drama. It can't get any better than this: so well-made and balanced. It’s neither too much nor too little—just perfectly balanced with no unnecessary drama or scenes. Everything is on point: the story, acting, cinematography. And THE DIALOGUES—chef’s kiss!! Each episode leaves you on the edge of your seat, making your brain race with so many thoughts. It’s the perfect blend of action, thriller, romance, twists, suspense, and mystery. I loved how they twisted the plot, with each episode revealing something new—absolutely amazing! had an incredible time watching this. It’s like eating your favorite ramyeon: not too spicy, not too bland—just the perfect taste.

Now, today is the last episode, and I just can’t fking wait to watch it. The cliffhanger they left us on!! Sooo excited, but lowkey sad since it’s ending, and there will be no more episodes to look forward to. 😩

To anyone planning to watch this—just go for it! Definitely worth the watch!!

Ps: I’ve seen some people recommending The Perfect Marriage Revenge based on this. Bro, it ain't it. I have watched TPMR but didn’t quite enjoy it. I couldn’t get past episode 8, so I skipped to the last episode just to see the ending. Maybe it just wasn’t my cup of tea. No offense to those who enjoyed it—just my opinion.

I’d personally recommend Branding in Seongsu. It’s so underrated! It’s totally different from WTPR, but somehow, it gives a similar thrill and feel. It’s not perfect, but it’s so freaking good! Just ignore the little flaws, and it’s definitely worth giving a try!

Update: completed! All good, the actors nailed! Just don't think too deep into the last episode and you're good to go!

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Would have been a good thriller…

I love Yoo Yeon Seok, but this drama was just not it. It started really promising with this great thriller/suspense vibe and at first I quite enjoyed it. Unfortunately after only an episode and a half, the whole drama suddenly turned to a Wattpad cheesy awkward romance with zero logic. The story was so random, so crazy and so unbelievably stupid that I felt second hand embarrassment watching. And mind you, I didn’t even know about the whole drama surrounding this show, because I am not really on the internet all the time (And honestly, I guess I missed the controversial part, because I skipped through lots of boring dialogues and scenes lol).
On the other hand, the acting was great. Both leads are amazingly talented and have been in the industry for a long time. They did their best giving life to these boring, stupid and one dimensional characters. I would love to see them working together again, because their chemistry was on fire in this drama. Honestly, this was the only good thing about this show.

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Came to see Tsundere Yoo Yeon Seok ended in a total Makjang style

It is a drama that fills in almost all wattpad / manhwa plots that is Everyone's guilty pleasure. Don't deny it!! I'm as equally charged kkk. So, those of you contemplating whether to watch or not, I think you got your answer from the first line so stop looking for whole reviews and just start watching the drama. PS. They had really passionate kisses and warm hugs in this drama. Made me feel single af : (
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Now, I really liked this drama in the beginning, plot was intense and it was just all guilty pleasure so no need bring out logic here. Anyways logic and the characters' judgement flies out of the window in the second half of the drama.
Though the repetition of the flashbacks did make it annoying that I kinda did skip 10 secs ahead. But it wasn't as bad as how we ended up in the made up Argan xD. It was soooo unnecessary, I get it, you wanna keep it as close as to the webtoon but still, We didn't need the Argan place for them to make out!!! Honestly, They could've just skipped those parts and given us some more role playing, lovey- dovey stuff but we ended up getting some bland, BS out of the world minisub- plot. Tsktsktsk.
Their acting was top notch, I loved the MLs chemistry, the supporting roles were also great with right amount of comedy, care and love. I loved Baek Sa Eon, just my type of tsundere who melted into a puppy.
But I knew the drama won't move ahead if they didn't bring in the makjang so only that would explain Baek saeon . Overall I really enjoyed it and I will rewatch some clips from this drama and I don't think I'll forget the phrases Unnie~aa~ or 406.

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