When the Phone Rings (2024)

Never been let down hard enough to write a review

As an ardent k-drama fan for the last 10 years when I saw the trailers of When the Phone Rings i expected it to have everything I have come to expect from k-drama Mystery/Thriller Romances.
The first 4 eps were one of the most promising starts i have seen to a show, which, convinced me to watch it while it was on air (when i'm the type to binge watch).

Where it went wrong:

=> The calls: in the first few calls there was tension, there was anger, there was suspense but after ep 4 they just turn into banter, and somehow Paik Sae On just keeps spilling things about his personal life and just turns dumb???

=> Paik Sae On: Yoo Yeon Seok is wonderful in the role, like most of his other works his acting is incredible, but the character was written in a very amateur manner, isn't his character a master negotiator who has certification from like the FBI, and isn't a negotiator's first task is to not show any emotion to the threats but somehow to 406 he keeps losing control, like I get it, you are worried about your wife but bro you are smarter than that.

=> Hong Hee Joo's talking: Hong Hee Joo's selective mutism was just utter bullshit, after one point she just started talking to anyone and everyone???!!!! like isn't that the first point in her character sketch. Her entire deal was to not talk to anyone and only talk to him on the burner phone. Honestly it would have been better to stretch that bit out a little more.

=> The emotional abuse: Paik Sae On literally abuses Hong Hee Joo for 3 years only to be forgiven in one dialogue. Like sis where is your self respect?? and she justifies it by saying that its okay as she also lied about not being able to talk. Did he give her the safety of talking about it... no... so did she have to tell him also... no.

=> The entire last ep: not required... the arden arc... the 2 billion won... the name change.... just no.

In my opinion the only smart and sane person here was Hong In-A cause she left when she realized what was going on, got herself fixed, came back to save her sister, asked her father to take action, and supported her sister when she was alone.

Never been this disappointed with a show that started this well.

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It was close

I really enjoyed this series and waited each week for new episodes to release. The actors did their job well, the story was engaging and had some unexpected plot twists. The last episode was a bit of a letdown for me. It felt very cheesy and forgettable. It felt like 2014 daytime TV. I honestly preferred their relationship earlier in the series. Overall, I don’t think the show was a waste of time, but I do wish it had more of a serious undertone.

To add more to the review, I thought not only the main actors did well, but I thought the actors playing the parents did a great job. Maybe better than the main pair. I thought Chae Soo-bin could have done better; or maybe it was just the writing or directing of her character Hong Hee-joo; it felt very one-dimensional, even with the very clearly two-dimensional portrayal according to the storyline.

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TBH I wasn't sure how I would feel about Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin being paired together. They are both some of my favorite K-actors, but she looks like a child next to him in more than one scene of the show. Their chemistry, though, was off the charts. And those kisses🔥🔥🔥. NGL I almost died. But Chae Soo Bin always has 🔥🔥🔥🔥kisses. That being said even though Chae Soo Bin is one of my favorite actresses, it felt weird seeing her portraying such a meek character. She had inner strength, but there was so much of a damsel in distress vibe to Hui Ju. And the blank, doe-eyed expression, seemed so wrong but knowing the character it also made a lot of sense.

Sure, the whole plot was a bit predictable and OTT - especially with the whole victim blaming and the villain holding innocent people responsible for their actions. Even the whole stand-in thing was so predictable.

Things that shocked me but also left me feeling so good - Hui Ju's relationship with Yu Ri and In A. With Yu Ri's fangirling I totally thought she would be someone who torments Hui Ju for having Sa eon's attention. And when In A came back, it had a similar menacing feeling to it - especially given that Hui Ju was forced to be mute to comfort In A. It was so nice to see how both of them had deep affection for Hui Ju, wanted to see her happy, and were willing to fight for her.

I was even shipping the Sang Woo and Sa Eon bromance even if it was laced with rivalry, they were united in their need to protect Hui Ju which shows how genuine and pure their affection for her was. There was no doubt in my mind that Sang Woo wasn't the bad guy although I have a feeling that was hinted at (heavily) in the show. He genuinely seemed to want the best for Hui Ju, I know its surprising given how many shows have this "if not me, then nobody can have you" motive for villains. But maybe it is a testament to Heo Nam Jun and his ability to show love and care... I haven't seen any of his other work so IDK.

I wish we knew what happened to the secret bad guy (although that too was quite predictable). He was fueled by revenge, but he genuinely seemed like he was repentant that he hurt innocent people. It would have been nice to know that he lived a good life in his brothers memory, rather in pain and full of hatred and anger.

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A Masterpiece of Suspense and Emotion – "When the Phone Rings"

"When the Phone Rings" is a beautiful and emotional love story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. What makes it special is that the main couple, Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), have a strong and healthy relationship—they face challenges together without unnecessary breakups or misunderstandings. Their love feels real, filled with deep trust and support. The drama blends romance and mystery in a way that keeps you engaged, with stunning visuals and heartfelt moments. It’s the perfect watch if you want a touching, well-written love story that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied.
The lead actors deliver powerhouse performances, bringing raw emotion and depth to their roles. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, crying with them, and even questioning their decisions as they navigate the moral dilemmas presented by the mysterious phone.
Visually, this drama is stunning. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the tension and emotion of each scene. The use of lighting and color palettes enhances the storytelling, creating a sense of unease and wonder. And let’s not forget the soundtrack – a hauntingly beautiful score that lingers in your mind long after the episode ends.
At its core, When the Phone Rings is a story about redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
In short, When the Phone Rings is a must-watch. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, a puzzle of mysteries, and a testament to the power of storytelling. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey – answer the call and dive into this unforgettable drama!

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Highly underrated and thrilling kdrama that makes you feel all the feels

Overall: I haven’t watched such a complete and perfect kdrama in a while. I feel like WTPR had, like everyone else said, all the elements people love in a kdrama. What I really felt made WTPR stand out from other kdramas I’ve watched recently was its dark storyline. The insane chemistry of the actors also surprised me, because I was not expecting their love to be that raw and real. I think overall this drama was actually very satisfying and enjoyable to watch.

Story: The story really surprised me. I initially watched WTPR because I saw edits of it on my feed and I thought it looked cute. Boy was I not expecting the many plot twists in the kdrama. I feel like so much was packed into 12 episodes but the director did a really good job of making it clear for the most part. I think there were some plot holes regarding Baek Sa Eon’s father, but it’s not that big of a deal. I was really pleasantly surprised by the depth and darkness of the story. Aside from that, I know there was also controversy around the last few episodes, but I didn’t see much of an issue with it. Also, I wanted to note that this kdrama was the first in a long time where I felt the ending was literally perfect. I didn't really want more because I was happy with how it ended. It was a good place to cutoff.

Acting/cast: I only have two words to describe Yoo Yeok Seok and Chae Soo Bin: HOLY CHEMISTRY. I was not expecting their acting to be this good. The way they convey their love for each other in the story tugged at my heartstrings SO MUCH. Their feelings are just so intense in WTPR I was literally obsessed. I was literally screaming in the last episode. I think initially the actors’ kind of turned me away from WTPR because I didn’t know either of them, but I’m glad I decided to watch because my life has been changed by their story. I will never forget Sa Eon and Hee Joo.

Other comments: I think the music wasn’t too notable, just your average kdrama music you get you in the feels. For rewatch, I definitely wouldn’t watch it again because there’s so many plot twists. I might watch some cute scenes again just to feel fluffy inside because boy were there a lot. Also, I really liked the story of the second couple. I wish they got more screen time and more for their story.

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A Romantic Thriller? An Honest Review

★★This is my personal opinion, and we can obviously have different preferences★★
This is going to be a long review.



"When the Phone Rings" is a Kdrama that leaves a lasting impression with its blend of suspense and heartfelt moments.I adore dramas that deliver what they promise. It was promoted as a romantic thriller and it delivered that, of course, leaning more towards the romance tag.A number of people may find the synopsis "cringe" even before watching the drama. This review, however, isn’t intended for them.


The way I see it, the story is about a loving husband who has cherished his wife for a long time but couldn't express it because both of them had secrets from their pasts. While it may sound like any other drama, the performances, the background music, the screenplay—everything—elevated it and made it stand out from the rest.


Actors:

Both leads, as well as the other recurring actors, excelled in their roles. The lead actress, Choi Soobin, went to great lengths to learn sign language, and the way she delivered it felt as though it was second nature to her, seamlessly integrated into her character's world. Her expressions and body language differed significantly between her home and workplace, showcasing her impressive acting range. The contrast between her portrayal of the innocent, timid wife in the first half and the more comfortable, free character in the second half was especially notable. The makeup artists and costume department also did an excellent job.


YYS, who played the male lead, needs no introduction. However, I’d like to highlight his exceptional acting in one particular episode where he portrayed a husband whose wife was missing. His performance in that scene was truly top-notch.


The actor playing the kidnapper truly nailed his character, capturing the nuances of his role through subtle micro-expressions. Overall, everyone did an outstanding job, contributing to the drama’s success.




Story:

I believe that if someone is drawn to the synopsis, they will likely enjoy the drama. The thrill in the first four episodes was impressive, and kudos to the makers for creating such an engaging start. Even though the level of thrill tapered off after that, it remained captivating and enjoyable to watch.



What I personally liked most:

Even though I enjoyed the drama as a whole, there are a few things I'd like to mention.

★Many people claim to dislike childhood/past connection tropes, but I personally love them—especially when done right, like in this drama. The childhood scenes had a significant impact on the story. It wasn’t just about following a trend; they were well-integrated and meaningful. The child actors were fantastic, especially the young actress who portrayed Heejoo. She nailed her role, conveying the silent suffering of her childhood through micro-expressions.

★The decision to avoid a third-party love angle was the best choice the makers could have made for this drama. Dramas about married couples don’t necessarily need a third angle, and I’m grateful the creators understood this. The potential third-party character, instead of being an antagonist, turned out to be a kind-hearted person with her own past struggles.

★As for the OST and its placement, I’m in the minority when it comes to not being fond of most K-drama OSTs and their placement. I’m usually happy if even one OST stands out. In this case, the drama had excellent BGM placements, and the song "See the Light" definitely deserves special mention.


What I'm not fond of:

As I mentioned, this is going to be an honest, personal review, and I’ll add this as well.

★The tone shift from episode 8 felt too sudden to handle. I wish they had balanced it out more carefully. After the leads got together, their screen time suddenly decreased, which was definitely a letdown for people like me, who lose interest in dramas once the leads are together.


★The second couple, who were not part of the original novel, were added by the makers, and they should have been utilized better. In the first half, they had several boring scenes that felt disconnected from the main story, and by the end, their arc had a half-baked conclusion, which was disappointing.


★The "redeeming parents" trope—K-dramas often have this arc where parents, who have been awful throughout the story, suddenly have a change of heart in the final episode. Sadly, this drama couldn’t escape that trope either.


★Lastly, the "last episode curse." Few dramas these days can escape the common trope of one of the main leads disappearing for a while, only to return briefly for a happy ending. While this drama wasn’t as rushed as many others, they could have executed it in a better way.



Now, do I recommend it? Obviously, as I mentioned before, if you liked the synopsis, you would likely enjoy the drama.

Will I rewatch this? This is another personal opinion. I tend to rewatch dramas that have a lot of comedy, and this is not one of them, so I might not rewatch it. However, I did revisit many scenes while it was still airing.

Overall, I would suggest giving this drama a try. It might not be a masterpiece as a whole, but it is definitely a masterpiece in its genre and a treat for fans of this trope.

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For me: best K Drama at the moment

Extraordinary, I watched first 6 Episoden, this K Drama did captivate me right from the beginning until now. The music, the atmosphere, the Plot, the scenes and the great chemistry between the leads. Worth watchable, absolutely. So, do yourself a favor and watch it 😉
It is about the marriage between a politican and his wife, she doesn‘t speak only with sing language. They live in a cold marriage and both hide their true ferlings. This marriage gets shaken up in the moment, when his wife gets kidnapped. The hidden emotions and secrets arise bit by bit. The Kidnapping Story also contains a lot of secrets, the childhood of both mainleads hold a lot of pain. We get to know them better and better, why both mainleads choosed to burry their feelings and I am stunned, when they begin to show them in captivating scenes.

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Watch the episodes before reading this review it's sooooo good!!!

Mahn oh mahn this drama has got me hooked literally hooked!! Infact I am writing this review out of my frustration for waiting for the next episodes. The drama is sooo good it is a perfect mix of romance, suspense,thriller, action and what not...so stop doubting and give it a chance. It's been soo long since I have waited eagerly for each episode of a drama. Each episode ends in a insanely epic cliffhanger which keeps you on your toes for an entire week. The story is finger lickin good it is I think a romance thriller. The chemistry between the leads is literally chemistrifying ;) Yoo Yeon-seoks performance in this drama is soo gooood that I would watch this drama again just for him. The cinematography, the OST, the supporting actors, direction is all upto the mark. So When the phone rings is definitely a very good watch.
I thank the korean universe for gifting me this wonderful drama to end the year 2024...

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Best drama of 2024 hands down ?

I recommend this drama 1000 times. I Never leave writing reviews but this drama actually deserves one. I watch it because I love soo- bin acting since I’m not a robot, watch plenty of her drama, As for yeon seok I started the interest of love because I like Moon ga-young but that drama I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. When the phone rings is a truly masterpiece, I did not know the potential of the drama or the plot very well but I dived in and what a surprise the show hooked me since episode 1. The acting and chemistry of both of the leads got me watching behind the scenes something I usually don’t do as well. The OST is amazing as well. The director, the staff and the rest of the cast did an outstanding work.


Pd: Want to add to my review that i didn’t read the manwha but I do think the last six or five minutes of the ending episode were unnecessary except from their call at the very end and park do-jae comeback but this doesn’t mean I’m going to disregard the actors hard work, when they probably didn’t even know about it, blame the director and the writers. The Argan plot I do understand because he needed to change his name plus in the early episode they mentioned as well. The drama still enjoyable and you can feel how much effort every actor put into it specially the leads.

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Addicting first half that manages to flounder in the middle just to drown right at the finish line

When the Phone Rings hooked us with its trailer and the expectation of a suspenseful thriller that appeared to boast of intense chemistry and exciting action. And those first 6 episodes? The did deliver a good portion of that. The chemistry between the main cast, the riveting characters and their secrets, the well paced and engaging movement of the plot. It was all there and kept me as a viewer addicted to the screen waiting for the next episodes to appear. But then the show pivots from the thriller we were enjoying into a romance that morphed the characters, slowed the plot, and threw logic out the window. Ultimately leaving a bad taste in your mouth by the end of the finale.

We begin with Baek Sa Eon, a high profile political figure from a prestigious family, marrying the youngest daughter of another prestigious family. For the selectively mute youngest daughter, Hong Hui Ju, the marriage is but a cage where she is the replacement for her sister and used to connect the families for political reasons. She is told never to reveal that she is married to him and he treats her with a cold indifference while living in the same home for 3 years. But someone becomes aware of her existence and attempts to use her to threaten Baek Sa Eon by kidnapping her. This is where the plot really begins. While Hui Ju manages to get away from the kidnapper she also takes with her the phone that he used to call Sa Eon and ends up using it to try to escape her marriage thus unknowingly beginning to unravel Sa Eon's true nature and intentions. Now caught between learning more about her husband and being used by the kidnapper threatening him Hui Ju and Sa Eon race to find answers and undo misunderstandings.

Beautifully shot, well styled, well acted, and with a great OST this drama had the beginnings to become a really great drama. Then the second half began and this is where you see both characters fall in love and we lose the interesting, intelligent, and cold Baek Sa Eon to the fool for love version of himself and the strong, independent, snarky, and determined Hui Ju to the stereotypical damsel in distress. The reveals are predictable at this point and the plot dissolves into a bit of nonsense. The antagonists aren't given enough development to make their movements and motivations completely believable and the last two episodes fail to bring any excitement and instead deliver more annoyance than anything. The final episode was the last straw as the first 40minutes offer only ridiculous choices made through motivations that make no sense and could have been completely removed to only see the last 20minutes.

While I did really enjoy the first half of this show the second half managed to remove all the original good things about the show and ultimately delivered a disappointing, nonsensical mess.

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