When the Phone Rings

Amazing show

This show was immensly enjoyable and had me on the edge of my seat.
I love a thriller that plays with your emotions and keeps you guessing. I love a romance that makes you laugh and cry and makes your heart clench. The show delivered that in spades.

The acting was wonderful. All of the cast members outdid themselves.

The soundtrack was one of the best ever. Instant download to my music library.

The plot: Wonderful

The ML is the stereotypical "cold CEO" as well as a somewhat morally-grey, handsome, rich and influencal person. He is completey in love with the FL but is unable to show it. We, the viewers, pick up on it much before the FL does.

The FL is strong, smart, kind, and very beautiful. It's beautiful to see her journey. While she is strong from the start, she holds herself back and only begins testing her boundries as the show goes on. The progression is beautiful.

The story combines elements of thriller, mystery, politics, secrets, family intrigue, and childhood trauma.
The main couple's chemistry is on fire. (The second couple is also a joy to watch.)
The evolution of the main couple from cold and adversarial with charged chemistry, to warm and open with blazing chemistry is portrayed to perfection.

Some of the plot twists are predictable while others are not. But all of the elemets of the story come together seemlesly. There are no filler scenes. The action, romance, and adventure are cobmined into a wonderful whole. I sat back and watched without blinking, entranced throughout the entire show.

What a wonderful journey.

My one complaint and the reason why I rated 9.5 is the final episode.
The happy ending was wonderful. But the leadup seemed out of place to the reaminder of the show. While the story line did follow the original novel in the majority of its aspects, somehow it was not incorporated into the show to my satisfaction.

Altogether, a terrific show and an immensly enjoyable watch.

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THIS AP DRAMA

WHAT THE TITLE SAYS, APE. You don't know how disappointed I was to see it, I literally expected to be impressed like everyone loved this drama. The series literally appeared in my head, and I can understand them, The first three or five chapters were really gripping. They were entertaining with all the mystery and aha, but after chapter five it ended up being a bit disappointing. It was very disappointing to watch. The only good thing about the kdrama is the actor, very handsome, and the truth is this proves to me that people return to a trending series because of a handsome actor, not because the series was really

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Pretty solid drama

It was full of dramatic twists and turns, a well-acted and compelling set of characters, and it was just a bunch of fun. It's not a show where you turn your brain on to think about how "logical" things are; it's a drama, intended to have dramatic moments, regardless of how much sense they make. While some plot elements were repeated (plenty of hurt/comfort for those who are fans), they made them slightly different each time which made it not feel repetitive. I think the two main leads really made the show. Both actors did a great job, and I think they had good chemistry. Some of my favorite scenes were when Hong Hee-joo was speaking on the phone to Paik Sa-eon, as they had great banter during those scenes. I think the length of the show was appropriate, as it didn't drag on and overstay its welcome. Nor did it feel like they cut the show short or rushed the ending. Overall, it's a pretty solid show.

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amazing kdrama not so amazing final episode

we dont talk about that last episode😶
other than that a 10/10
the suspense was great. it kept you at the top of your seat the whole time and the ending of every episode left you wanting more. but i think what really stands out and makes this a great kdrama is the leads. they had phenomenal chemistry and just amazing acting overall. honestly they had some of the best kissing scenes in kdrama. loved yoo yeon seok since dr. romantic so i was already aware of his game but chae soo bin impressed me very much. BUT the last episode (and more importantly the whole argan thing) were really unnecessary and distasteful for me. following the source material so closely really was not it. i think that kdramas can really make a great show out of a not so amazing source material and honestly it was like that until episode 12. but atleast they were happy. 🤷‍♀️overall the other 11 were so good i can forget it. will definitely rewatch it (maybe skip a certain 10 minutes in ep12😗). but yeah really great kdrama exited to see whats next for both yoo yeon seok and chae soo bin🫰🎀

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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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