When the Phone Rings (2024)

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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oh that phone calls went into a different direction than i expected...

it started strong. compelling premise, intense and the fast-paced style made it more exciting. they always end an episode with a cliff-hanger that would make you want to watch the next episode immediately. but also with this pacing, i think other parts of the show lacked in depth and development. it got really over-the-top in the end there which feels fanfiction-y too in a way which is silly but fun. again, i had a fun time but overall, not as satisfying as i wanted it to be.

the whole phone call thing part between saeon and heejoo was probably the most exciting part of the whole drama. even though, we've seen some stupid moments during that, that was the sequences that made it engaging. i was really rooting for heejoo to play that mind games with saeon but it did not really went there. when that whole thing was over, the romance got intensified. and that intensity threw me off in the end. it just didn't feel right when those two barely know each other. if anything, he treated her so badly that heejoo should've made it worse for him during those phone calls lol except for a couple of flashbacks of them when they were kids, we did not really see much of the development of their relationship. next thing you know, they would literally die for each other. i'm not mad lol but that gave me a whiplash. that whole possesive/over protective thing thing too? oh the girlies are gonna eat that up. i just wish there was more development before all that.

if it's just romance, yuri and sangwoo are the ones that made me kick my feet in the air, you know? that hyper gf and calm bf dynamic who also investigates a case together. plus they are adorable and hot? hello, i want more!

acting-wise, no complaints here. yoo yeonseok? that man can act and has range. very happy for chae soobin getting this project too. i gotta say, the scenes between chae woojin who played dojae and saeon were the ones that really moved me emotionally and probably, one of my favorite moments too.

the villains are over-the-top. it got really wild and dramatic there in the end with the plot. it did bother me at times when they did those "what if" or "dreaming" sequences. oh he actually wasn't shot? oh. lol that's just for shock value. also, i think they could've done more with the selective mutism storyline but oh well.

anyway, it's not a favorite but a good time overall. now i wish there was a version where there's no romance or more like, the two only started falling in love while they're trying to catch the real killer and also, more push back from the female lead and phone calls where they play more mind games with each other lmao writers in fanfic community, do your thing.

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really enjoyed When the Phone Rings—it’s exactly the type of show I love. It has such a good vibe, with a perfect balance of mystery and drama. The couple in the series is amazing, and their chemistry feels so natural! 🍻😍

The storyline is engaging, with plenty of twists that keep you on your toes. If you're looking for a show that's not only entertaining but also gives off a positive, feel-good vibe, I definitely recommend giving it a watch.

Also, if you're into the music, the OST album is really beautiful. You can listen to it here:

https://memo.ostfly.com/album/PVGhhUNL/when-the-phone-rings-ost

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! ❤️"

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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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OH MY GWAD!!! HEAR ME OUT!

GUYS I'm just so behind bcz of my exams but i can't stop myself from yapping about this anymore, i have watched only 5 episodes and the spoilers, acting, story, ost and EVERYTHING IS PERFECT and i have probably never got excited about a kdrama THIS MUCH before, every minute of this kdrama is amazing till now and I'm not dropping it. If a kdrama is getting me into only first few episodes like this... it's really A HIT. ALSO, I GOT AN UNHEALTHY OBSESSION. This is the best kdrama of this year for me!!! If you still haven't watched it or think it's not worth it, what are you doing with your life man?? JUST GO AHEAD AND WATCH IT BRUH 🎀😭😭✋🏻

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HANDS DOWN RN FOR THE BEST OF 2024

I mean, for me it's a big surprise to still exists a well written and well made K-drama in 2024, since most of them were boring and I couldn't even finish the 1 episode, now I come across this one and I found a new top 10 favorite forever.
It's an absolute 10/10 for me.
ost is perfect.
actores were perfect
story was perfect.
ending was perfect.
I have nothing bad to say about this show, the only thing sad about it is that I came to a ending 😭
hahaha
anyway, I liked the story a lot, it wasn't full of light romance with nothing interesting at all, beside seeing the couple falling for each other, the story was good alone! The past of the family and the past of the characters all of them, it was so interesting to watch, I kept wanting to know more. I also liked the way the main "villain" was created, it wasn't a lazy excuse for me, like some drama out there that they put a random serial killer that doesn't have meaning at all, in this show the "bad guy" actually did have a reason besides being crazy. Also, I like how the show suddenly show us random enemies all of sudden, like, anyone in this show can be a potential threat. I love it!
Now let's talk about the FL. I loved her! She was so cool, not the kind of "damsel in distress" even in dangerous situations she nailed it! If you like cool and strong FL you'll surely like this one, she isn't a hero or the strongest, but she def won my heart here

Anyway! I love stories with mystery, action, secrets, romance, enemies to Lovers, and stuff like that, so this drama def got my heart. Totally recommend it to anyone!

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Interesting Story Line

At first I wasn’t sure about this drama but I have it a chance. It has an unusual story line. The main leads worked well together. Kudos to FL for her sign language skills. that must have taken work to learn everything. the ML/FL worked well together. They played their characters well. I also enjoyed the second leads. They worked well together and I think they would be good in another drama. As far as the last episode goes…I think it could have flowed better. They could have taken the jungle story line out of it. It ruined it and the flow of the drama. I wanted to give this a 10 but the ending wasn’t right and was a bit disappointing.

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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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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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