When the Phone Rings

One of the best of 2024!

This drama went straight to my list of favorites for 2024! I absolutely loved everything about it—the story, the actors' chemistry, the incredible OST, the cinematography, and those plot twists. Everything felt so well done. Waiting each week for a new episode was pure torture, but it was totally worth it. (´･ᴗ･`)

I couldn’t resist and ended up reading the novel, and while I don’t like to compare, I have to say there were things I loved more in the drama and others I preferred in the novel. But I won’t go into too much detail since I’m not planning to write a super long review.

I can’t skip over the chemistry between Yoo Yeonseok and Chae Soobin. Oh my God, those two were phenomenal! All their mukbang scenes had me kicking my feet and giggling like crazy. I swear, I’ll never get over them! (〃ﾉωﾉ) ❤️ Their connection went beyond the screen—you could even feel it behind the scenes. They’re both so professional, and it really showed in every scene they shared.

That said, while I loved the drama overall, I’m a little unsure about the ending. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed it, but I guess I was hoping for more romantic moments between the characters. After all, they spent years being indifferent to each other, and when things finally worked out, it’s natural to expect a bit more payoff after all that drama. Also, the whole Argan storyline felt a bit over the top to me. Even though it’s true to the novel, I think it might have worked better if they had tweaked or toned it down a bit for the drama. But honestly, I’m so in love with this that I’ll let that slide, lol. I really liked this Kdrama, and I’m really going to miss it and the characters. It’s definitely one that’ll stay with me for a long time! ❤️

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Bollywood final

Sorry but like most of the plot are quite interesting(especially thirst episodes are solid) that the last 2 episodes of the show ruined everything.
The Argan thing was actually hilarious like in some Indian movie.
Main protagonist goes to military territory and of course he find her and rescue. In reality she was captured, tortured and many worse things. Of course he gave up all his property and gave up being a spokesman but he still had a luxurious house.
Suddenly he became a commando in another country and when he came back to country with the heroine everything fell into place.

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There's a couple here now...

«There's a couple here now... The two have lived without being able to open up to each other. Would things have been different if they had been more honest and shown their true feelings? If they try to make an effort now, could they live like any other ordinary couple?»

I'm beginning in all honesty.

The opening of the show, with the almost antagonizing of our Baek (incorrectly written as Paik) Saeon, surely built up to some archetypes, or at least a certain develop of our main characters.
We were never promised a rom-com or anything similar, however, the accurate portrayal of a badass man whose past is as dark as the suits he wears, anticipated to me an undeniable progress or evolutions of the events: I was expecting way more intimate scenes, considering also the brightening chemistry between the actors. And when I talk about intimate scenes, I'm not referring to steamy or R-rated ones, but to the illustration of their mutual understanding, harmony and attraction.
On the other hand, what we got was miscommunication, secrets, unfair decisions taken solo, and a strange will from both of them (Hong Heejoo I'm talking about you) to die with the possibility of the other being alive. My woman, you're great, but shouldn't you want to live with him?

The systematic unfolding of the mystery and its repercussions on the characters, although seemingly unimportant at first (well, at least not how the last details revealed), created a perfect keenness and high expectancy for the final confession, which unfortunately wasn't that much unexpected.
I still can't understand if it was wanted or not, if the drama left voluntarily clues for us watchers; if that's the case, then they did a great job.

Although the last detail and the way they broadcasted it (the grandfather deciding to kill Heejoo's brother because the latter had seen his son's face) seemed a little useless. I mean, it was used to be added to the list of excuses for Saeon and his disappearance, but it all gave the impression of a rushed and not carefully analyzed decision of a grand finale. But I also understand this was the cinematic adaptation of a novel, if I remember correctly, so I won't be obstinate on such particulars.

As for the romances... Well, as said before, I was expecting more intimate scenes from the main couple, and honestly I was expecting anything at all from the second couple. The writers decided to give us their marriage announcement at the end, but it was completely unexpected, genuinely more than the mystery. They dropped the bomb on us without even depicting their love, not even in a single scene. I would've way more preferred if they'd remained friends. Also because, right after Heejoo and Saeon announced their new marriage, Ji Sangwoo looked kind of distressed, as if he was still into her after all those years.
I wholeheartedly decided to ignore these details.

I appreciated how Park Dojae returned as Saeon's secretary (or whatever function he had before), and frankly I hoped they would've shown us more about his redemption, but I guessed I'm asking for too much now from a miniseries.

What I found completely useless to the plot was the whole Argan thing. I mean, I can understand its insertion since we've come from 406 to 604, and Saeon's past and whatsoever, but it truly didn't make any sense for the rest. Saeon's friend (the journalist) explained how much he loved sunsets and that he really liked a spot in Argan to take pictures, but... Could've chosen, I don't know, Canada just for that? Why entering a war zone? Especially knowing your wife's going to look for you.
And let's not talk about how she tried to hide from the rebels while wearing white and a bright scarf over her head? Are you stupid? Heejoo totally called that upon herself. I'm sure if she looked around there would've been troupes of resistance somewhere.

I also appreciated Heejoo's mother redemption, although we couldn't see much about her journey, we've assisted to her breakdown and realization and then their reunion. Ina was also a key character for the show, and she was just amazing. All the other side characters, from colleagues to friends, were just perfect. The real Baek Saeon was also a mesmerizing character, and the actor portrayed perfectly his sociopathy.
About the latter, I must say I can't really put my mind around the fact that he chose to actuate his revenge on the new Baek Yuyeon instead of his family, which obviously were the real villains. On the other hand, I understand his mother: the fear of having a son with such difficulties and so much dangerous to society must've been stressing, but then I don't excuse any of her consequent actions.

Now, music? Majestic. Actors? Perfect. Rewatch value? Meh. The thing with this kind of dramas (like My Name, The Glory...) is that they're quite difficult to rewatch once you know the secrets. Although, it is true that enjoying the show once more could uncover so many details about the depiction of the series.

Overall, this has been an amazing kdrama, with lots of holes but also lots of details. I won't say it's my favorite one, I won't say it's particularly remarkable, but I'll say it's enjoyable. I also really loved the final scenes, romantic and normal, like they'd dreamt to live.

«There's a couple here now... They don't hide their true feelings and are honest with each other. They have promised to make an effort to be happy together»

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When the Phone Rings: A Perfect Blend of Romance and Thriller

When the Phone Rings isn’t just a drama—it’s a journey through love, heartbreak, and moments that make your heart race. From the very first episode, it pulls you into its world with an irresistible mix of romance and suspense. The chemistry between the leads feels electric, the emotions raw, and every twist leaves you holding your breath.
This isn’t just about love—trust, sacrifice, and the delicate ties that bind people together. The story balances heartwarming relationships with edge-of-your-seat thrills, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of drama that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving you smiling, teary-eyed, and craving more.
If you’re a fan of romantic thrillers with a touch of Wattpad magic, When the Phone Rings will capture your heart and keep you hooked. This one’s not just a recommendation; it’s a must-watch. There are lot of tropes mentioned here like:
1. He fell first and harder
2. Marriage of convenience
3. Childhood friends
Loved the chemistry, YYS's acting, Mr. Kang, 2nd leads were also good, the friendhip between ML and his bestfriend and how he supported him in the worst moments, bonding between the 2 sisters <333

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Final Thoughts

When The Phone Rings is a mesmerizing romantic thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense with emotional depth. It tells the story of Baek Sa Eon, a stoic yet enigmatic figure, and Hong Hee Ju, a resilient woman battling selective mutism and a haunting past. Their relationship evolves amidst a backdrop of mystery, love, and healing, as Hee Ju’s veiled threats and Sa Eon’s protective instincts unravel secrets that bind them together. The show balances a slow-burn romance with gripping tension, delivering powerful themes of trust, growth, and vulnerability. With its poignant storytelling, dynamic character arcs, and atmospheric visuals, it leaves a lasting impression as both a love story and a captivating thriller.

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The last episode...

Even though there were a few illogical parts at the beginning, I absolutely loved the series. Unfortunately, she became much weaker at the very end. The last episode in particular took all my enjoyment out of the series. It was completely taken out of thin air and illogical just to briefly build up "tension".
I will definitely watch the series again, but only until about the middle, when everything is clear between the main characters.
Still a very emotional and beautiful show. I just wish the makers would rewrite the ending. 💔 It would be a straight 10 out of 10 without the ending.

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L'ho seguito on air e mi è piaciuto molto 🩶
Traspare la chimica tra i protagonisti e ci sono diversi plot twist che rendono la narrazione avvincente. Sarebbe stato un 9/10, ma l'episodio 12 non mi ha convinta del tutto:
-il motivo per il quale lui decide di sparire per 6 mesi senza dire nulla ed andare dall'altra parte del mondo
-Lui che che dice di averlo fatto per punire se stesso, quando invece è Hee joo ad essere stata punita: non sapeva dove lui fosse e ha sofferto la sua assenza (dopo tutto quello che ha sopportato)
-Lui che sceglie di andarsene dopo che lei ha rischiato la vita per lui
-Lei che deliberatamente sceglie di andare in una zona militare alla ricerca di lui
Mi sarebbe piaciuta una maggior considerazione della loro nuova vita, del matrimonio e approfondire il rapporto tra Hee joo/madre-la sorellastra
Capisco che doveva attenersi alla novel, ma l'episodio 12 l'avrei strutturato diversamente
Detto questo merita comunque ❤️ tanto da metterlo nella mia top 3 dei kdrama dell'anno assieme a Lovely Runner e Judge frome hell.

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WHEN YOUR HEART RINGS

Delivered everything it promises. Mystery, thriller, drama & romance 💯 EVERYTHING was delivered with a dash of TOP TIER acting & smashing hot chemistry between the leads.

Started off as a surprise pull of audience tagging it as wattpad coded (I did that too) soon to be turned into a melo drama and absolute madness of chemistry between the lead pair. Production had flaws which became a disaster in the last episode tbh and there's no 2 ways about it that it wasn't needed at all...


One of the rare 12 episodes drama that needed a 4 more episodes to satisfy the ending plot line but I have no complaints.

I enjoyed Yoo Yeon Seok as Sa Eon & Chae Soo Bin as Hong Heeju and will forever cherish them as Saju couple. Thank you for your services.

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Disappointing

This drama had the potential to be a thrilling romance story but it totally failed. I really enjoy the arranged marriage and secret identity tropes but I can't get past how boring and full of cliches this drama is. I don't like how the FL seems so incompetent too. I don't want to sound too mean and I did enjoy the casting of this drama but there's many things that could have been better.

What I'm truly disappointed about is the disability representation. I can see how they wanted to be all progressive by using sign language, deafness and mutism as part of the plot but it didn't work out how they intended.

Some spoilers ahead:

It's so boring how the ML is supposedly in love with a woman that uses sign language but doesn't even bother to learn it during the first years of their marriage. (I hope the upcoming episodes prove me wrong) And when he does show the smallest effort to learn it they try to make it seem like something great when in reality it's normal to learn your partner's language. The couple does not really even communicate until the FL starts talking which makes it seem like sign language is not a proper and functional language like any others. Their relationship sparks off after they can talk by using words..

Then the selective mutism. These characters do not understand what selective mutism is. While that is the reality for the people who really have it, this drama does not point it out at all or try to explain what selective mutism is to the viewers. The ML does not understand this condition and tries to coax the FL into speaking which pisses me off.

The bad guy's evilness is of course shown with his tic disorder and heterochromia. Really? In a drama that's supposed to be progressive about these things you use them to make someone seem off putting and weird.. How original. These different disabilies are constantly shown as something negative and I'm done with it.

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Red flags were there all along but the viewers still chose to hype the drama

The low ratings from viewers wasn’t isolated to the poor choice of mentioning the war but the whole finale ep was just difficult to watch—- went all over the place, YYS overacted, CSB wasn’t so convincing (and so with the prior episodes), etc. Several of us hoped that it would end well as it started nicely. Some even went as much as adding it to their top 2024 k-drama list despite still on-going, but admit it, the red flags were there all along. We just chose to ignore them. The production tried, and for that I’m grateful. However, it definitely does not deserve to be a top drama— quality wise. Something hurts in my head whenever I’m reminded of eps 11 and 12. Uggh that was painful to watch.

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