When the Phone Rings

A Drama That Stole My Heart

“When the Phone Rings” is a drama that will stay with me for a long time. I truly enjoyed watching it and waiting every week for new episodes to be released.

When I first started watching the drama, I honestly didn’t have any high expectations. But by the end of the first episode, I was already completely hooked on the story. The acting, the emotions, and the chemistry between the main actors—it all captivated me so much.

One of the biggest highlights of this drama is definitely the actors themselves. They brought the characters to life in such a powerful and emotional way that it felt impossible not to be invested in their journey.

I’ve seen Yoo Yeon Seok Oppa’s previous works before, but this was the first time I got to see him in a lead role—and he completely blew me away. I feel like he showed a whole new side of himself as an actor in this drama. His performance was absolutely top-tier, and I was so impressed with how deeply he portrayed his character’s emotions.

I also really loved Chae Soo Bin. She was so sweet, so feminine, and her portrayal of Hee Joo was incredibly heartfelt. She captured every emotion perfectly, making her character feel so real and relatable.

The second thing that stood out to me was the storyline. In my opinion, the adaptation was even better than the original source material. I also loved how each episode ended in such an unexpected way, keeping me curious and excited for what would happen next. The epilogues at the end of the episodes hold a special place in my heart—they added so much depth and meaning to the story.

The OSTs were another strong point of this drama. They were so emotional and perfectly matched the tone of each scene. I especially loved that Yoo Yeon Seok sang one of the OSTs in the later episodes—it made those moments even more touching.

This drama had everything I love about K-dramas—the chemistry, the slow-burn romance, the plot twists, and so many emotional ups and downs. Watching it was truly an unforgettable experience for me.

I also hope to see the actors work together again in future projects, and I wish the entire cast and crew much success in their careers. Thank you so much to everyone involved in creating this amazing drama!

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basically everything but the kitchen sink

I tried to put the least amount of spoilers (there are still some) for the people who are looking to read the reviews before watching.

Probably one of the best dramas to come out 2024. It was consistent with cliff-hangers and constantly had you at the edge imo. It was also one of the more spicier dramas to come out this year.
In terms of acting YYS and CSB both did really well and had the craziest chemistry, and I'll be honest when I first saw this came out on Netflix I wasn't even planning on watching it but I got bored and saw the first two episodes and was immediately hooked because of the "dark romance" which isn't usual of kdrama and because of their chemistry which I really was NOT expecting at all. I will say though YYS stood out a lot more in this drama, he portrayed real range and nuance, to where I forgot I was watching him act which is truly a high compliment. He showcased raw emotion and you can just see how much work and thought he put into his character even from the BTS. As for CSB, she learned a whole language for this role and that's real dedication. I do think at times she was a little too expressionless, but to be fair that was most likely a character choice given her trauma and her backstory.

YYS and CSB's chemistry was crazy. I do act in theater so I know how close we get as a cast especially with your specific scene partner and so I can say that their chemistry is genuinely one of a kind on and off screen which is what I think made this drama so good. They both clearly put a lot of work into creating a good rapport off screen to where it translated so well on screen. I would say in terms of intimacy even though it was 13+ or 15+ it was pretty heavy for kdrama; I do wish they would've milked the mole on her leg bit, but I guess that could've become 18+ real fast so perhaps they couldn't go too far with that.

Now onto the plot. Was it ridiculous at times? Yes, but overall I'd say it was solid. It was definitely something new and fresh tied in with old cliches but it was done well. Even if there were a good amount of cliches--like that first kiss haha--it was balanced with a lot of newer lines and ideas so it never felt too chummy. I think the pacing was probably the best by far until ep 12 which was rushed but I'll forgive it given how consistent they were with having us on cliff hangers every week. I think the wait was probably what added to the fun of this drama, but this is definitely a rewatchable/bingeable drama as well. I do wish HJ wasn't constantly getting kidnapped! But if you're looking for basically every kdrama trope in one drama, this is it. I mean we had everything except amnesia (THANK GOD).

A lot of people didn't like the finale...I too felt like it was so different than the rest of the drama it almost felt like a whole new drama, but it came back around 20 min till the end so don't let all the chaos about 12 deter you from watching. This is pretty typical though for dramas, they'll be super good and then the ending will kind of knock it down a notch, I suppose that's how you know the writers and everyone are human though.

ALSO I will address it, the last episode does have a mistranslation where they inserted a reference to real life events, do your own research is what I will say, but in English it's not translated properly which Netflix is notorious for. I truly wish they didn't even insert this scene in the drama, I don't think it was necessary and kdrama is fictional and real life is real life, I don't know why they felt the need to write it in.

All in all I'm giving it a 9.5/10 overall. It was fun waiting every week and now I'm sad...lol

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Ring of Deception, Heart of Truth

I feel compelled to write a review even though I have never written one before.

When the Phone Rings is a brilliant K-thriller with romantic suspense at its core. The show masterfully weaves a complex web of chaebol intrigue, kidnapping, blackmail, and murder. Fans of the genre won't be disappointed.

The cinematography is top-notch, capturing the contrast between the empty, luxurious apartments and the bustling workplaces. The autumn and winter scenery adds to the show's visual appeal.

The chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is undeniable. Their interactions are unforgettable, and their performances have won hearts globally. They deserve widespread recognition and awards for bringing to life characters that resonate with fans worldwide.

Episodes 11 and 12 were controversial for some, but I found them satisfying. They explored the characters' emotions and motivations, tying up key storylines in a way that felt true to the story (especially the novel) While some viewers were unhappy, I appreciated the complexity and closure these episodes provided.

Some of the criticisms surrounding these episodes often feel unnecessary and misplaced. Good storytelling should surprise and challenge us, and "When the Phone Rings" does just that. We should appreciate the depth and effort that went into creating such a complex storyline.

The only aspects of the show I didn't really like were how unrealistic some scenes were. For example, Sa Eon surviving the first fire, Hee Joo falling off a cliff without getting hurt, and Do Jae recovering from being beaten, stabbed, and nearly drowned. Those moments required a lot of suspended disbelief.

Additionally, I felt that the execution could have been better. The opening of episode 10, for example, was confusing and felt like a trick. There were too many imaginary scenes that left me wondering what was happening.

I also found the plot twists to be somewhat predictable. Maybe it's because I was actively reading comments and theories, but I was able to guess some of the surprises. However, there were other moments where I had to rewind and rewatch to fully understand what was happening.

All in all, this drama's phenomenal success owes much to the combination of a compelling storyline, brilliant cast, and top-notch execution at every turn. Its global adoption speaks volumes about its unprecedented quality and wide-ranging appeal.

I highly recommend "When the Phone Rings" to anyone who enjoys fun storytelling and K-dramas. However, if you're not a fan of K-dramas or clichéd storylines, this might not be for you.

I'd give When the Phone Rings at least an 8.5/10. However, I'm adding extra points because I was totally immersed and fell in love with the lead couple. Even now I think about them and I miss them so much.

Warning: This drama is addictive. Proceed with caution!

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A Series Nearly Ruined By the Final Episode!

If I was to compare this series to a 400m track race, I’d say that it got off to an explosive start. It then showed a bit of a loss in pace, got back on track, and then with only 50 meters left, it crashed to the ground and had to crawl across the finish line.

I have been watching TV shows and movies for over 50 years. Perhaps there is nothing so frustrating than investing in a series that drops the ball just before the goal line. As a novelist, I know how challenging it can be to come up with a viable ending to a story. It’s absolutely criminal to come with an ending so silly and contrived that it virtually destroys the entire story.

Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hui Ju are married. Nothing is at it seems as the marriage is only for show. Baek Sa Eon treats her as though she were an intruder in his house rather than as a wife. He’s short and temperamental with her. And it’s obvious that Hong Hui Ju would rather be anywhere else than with Baek Sa Eon. However, due to the family’s past and arrangement, Hong Hui Ju is like a piece of luggage that is passed on from one person to another. She has virtually no say in her life, which is pretty much literal as she’s unable to speak, or so we think.

Baek Sa Eon gets a strange phone call from someone threatening to kill Hong Hui Ju unless he complies with the kidnapper’s demands. He instantly refuses and even bates the kidnapper by telling him to “go ahead and kill her.” We quickly find out that Hong Hui Ju has set everything up herself with the hopes of forcing Baek Sa Eon to divorce her due to the unhappy state of their marriage.

As more of the story unfolds, we discover that Baek Sa Eon isn’t the real son of his family but a stand-in. His “family” has deep, dark secrets that he becomes unwittingly a part of. Hong Hui Ju’s family is no less corrupt as Baek Sa Eon’s father is running for president and needs the support and power of Hong Hui Ju’s family. Instead, Baek Sa Eon was put in place of the real Baek Sa Eon, who was a sadistic murderer even as a child. Baek Sa Eon’s grandfather chose to get rid of the boy rather than attempt to help or rehabilitate him.

Throughout most of the middle part of the series, Baek Sa Eon finds himself falling in love with Hong Hui Ju, or so we’re made to believe until we find out that he’s actually always liked her, despite his contradictory behavior in the first few episodes. Almost laughingly, we also find out that Hong Hui Ju also had feelings for Baek Sa Eon going back to their childhood.

Despite the story being put together a bit piecemeal, it’s the chemistry and obvious feelings between Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hui Ju that keeps the story afloat, thanks mostly to Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin, two exceptional actors. I’ve seen Yoo Yeon Seok in several series, and the man’s a truly gifted performer. From “Mr. Sunshine” to “Hospital Playlist,” he showcases his diversity and his ability to get inside any character he plays. This is my first time watching Chae Soo Bin, and she is simply mesmerizing in how she brings true vulnerability to her character, making you wonder how and why Baek Sa Eon can treat Hong Hui Ju so badly.

As Baek Sa Eon learns more about his family’s history and what they’re plotting, the more determined he becomes to protect Hong Hui Ju as well as trying to rectify what’s happened to her. All of this is done as the real Baek Sa Eon attempts to destroy the imposter, typically by going through Hong Hui Ju, knowing that is where his true vulnerability lies. Never mind that Hong Hui Ju isn’t kidnapped once in this series, but twice! Going to the same “well” twice doesn’t quite work.

The series all but collapses in the final ten minutes of the 11th episode and into the final one as the writing becomes incredibly sloppy and asks the viewer for a lot of suspension of disbelief.

It appears that Baek Sa Eon is killed, although we quickly learn that it isn’t the case as Hong Hui Ju, recovering from her kidnapping, insists that he’s been at her bedside. However, Baek Sa Eon disappears for over six months, leaving poor Hong Hui Ju wondering where he is, what’s happened to him, and also wondering why he won’t contact her. Hong Hui Ju is going through a deep depression waiting for any information that will give her a clue as to where he is.

Finally, a clue comes through, and she finds herself traveling to some country halfway around the world in search of Baek Sa Eon. After nearly being killed by country rebels, Baek Sa Eon saves her and begins admonishing her for showing up. Really?! What did he expect her to do? I was a little surprised that Hong Hui Ju didn’t get angry with him, given his pathetic reasoning. Baek Sa Eon insists that he needed to punish himself for what his family had done to Hong Hui Ju. His logic is so backwards and ludicrous that it invites the obvious question: how does punishing Hong Hui Ju fit into his plans? Because that is exactly what he is doing by disappearing and going off the grid. Did he truly think that she wouldn’t do everything possible to try and find him? Did he never fully understand or realize how much Hong Hui Ju loves him?

Frankly, it made no sense, and it also makes Baek Sa Eon come off as a truly pathetic coward. I didn't feel sorry for him even when he was sniveling like a child. You want to make it up to Hong Hui Ju? Then love her and do your best to make her happy. Instead, he’s actually responsible for bringing her further pain and suffering. His actions are completely counterproductive. I can see Baek Sa Eon being upset and perhaps even overwhelmed by his family’s actions toward Hong Hui Ju, but I couldn’t see him taking it out on her. This is what happens when a writer makes the mistake of going against character for the sake of the plot.

This series would have benefited greatly had it only been ten episodes and avoid the absurd ending that we ultimately got. Even in the last scene, Baek Sa Eon is still terrible at letting Hong Hui Ju know where’s going, forcing her to worry and wonder why she can’t get ahold of him.

Too many inconsistencies and a terrible ending nearly ruined this series. Only the performances of the two leads kept me vested enough to wade through the last episode. A series with such promise and great performances deserved a competent writer who obviously didn’t know the characters as well as we do.

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Gripping romance thriller with sublime acting

I was on kdrama slump after disappointment of Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale & Cinderella at 2 AM. On 26 November 2024, I was about to watch cdrama on Netflix during lunch when the trailer of 'When the Phone Rings' automatically played.
Mature looking male lead ✅
Arranged marriage ✅
Thriller ✅
Intriguing...I immediately clicked 'Play'. I was excited for the series!

What I liked:
1. Acting - Sublime acting by Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin followed by supporting cast such as Heo Nam Jun, Han Jae Yi, Yoo Sung Joo, Im Chul Soo, Park Yae Jun. Yoo Yeon Seok was great at microexpressions - just watch episode 6.
2. Romance - I wasn't fond of Baek Sa Eon's frosty attitude towards Hong Hee Jo at first but that facade was lost once he realised he could lose his wife.
3. Voice theme - Both Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo lost their voice and autonomy at the start of the series. I like that the show their growth and resilience in reclaiming their voice and position within their family.
4. Baek Sa Eon characterisation - He was cold and distant at the start of the series, which turned out to be his defense mechanism against potential threats. I love watching his character growth. One thing is consistent throughout the series: his commitment towards his marriage. There were plenty of shots featuring his wedding ring. Would love to see more of his negotiation skills, which was hinted in the last episode.
5. Hong Hee Joo characterisation - She's soft spoken and dainty but grew stronger once she found convinction. She in a nightgown and being cheeky with Baek Sa Eon was my favourite part of her character.
6. Sign language - It's wonderful to see significant sign language scenes being featured in a tv series. My favourites were 1) when Hee Joo did live sign language interpretation during her interview and when she and Baek Sa Eon used sign language in the lift.
7. Music - 'See the Light' is wonderful song - it's been added to my playlist. I love the score especially the one featured during the rescue.
8. Thriller - I love the thriller suspense elements of the series especially regarding the kidnapper. The shots were gripping!

What I disliked:
1. Argan arc - Hee Joo going to foreign land alone was silly because she didn't have an exit plan.
2. Crime connection - I think the scenes that connect kidnapper to his mastermind and the orphanage were too simplified.

Favourite scene:
Baek Sa Eon-406 caller scene at the end of episode 6

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BEST DRAMA OF 2024-25

This drama had me HOOKED from beginning to end. The acting? PHENOMENAL. The story? AMAZING. The chemistry?? HELLO DO I EVEN NEED TO SAY ANSWER THIS, THE CHEM B/W YYS AND CSB WAS SERIOUSLY OFF THE CHARTS.

I will say, for a romance/thriller, the thriller part was definitely mid - but since I'm not a thriller fan! It didn't matter so much to me. To be honest, that doesn't even take much away from the drama though (unless you're a thriller fan watching the drama for that bit of thriller and you expected more). The drama was a bit cringey at some points, but it really shows how in depth the actors' acting was. They all portrayed their characters SO well. YYS's acting was PHENOMENAL, but that's NOT to say CSB's acting wasn't!!! This was the very first drama I've watched of his so his acting really stood out to me.

To be honest, I wish this drama had more episodes. I don't know how I'm going to say goodbye to this drama. WILL DEFINITELY REWATCH LATER.

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Unrevealing the mystery

"When The Phone Rings" is a captivating Kdrama that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and intricate character dynamics. The story begins with the main character receiving a mysterious phone call that disrupts their ordinary life. This call leads them on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover secrets that not only challenge their understanding of the situation but also test their relationships.

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, particularly between the protagonist and their closest allies. As they navigate the complexities of the unfolding events, their bonds strengthen, showcasing how trust and loyalty are tested in times of crisis. The interactions are rich with emotion, allowing viewers to feel the weight of their struggles and triumphs.

What sets this Kdrama apart are the numerous plot twists that keep the audience guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new revelation changes everything. Characters who seem trustworthy may have hidden agendas, and the true motives behind the phone call unravel in surprising ways. Each episode leaves you eager for more, as the tension builds and the stakes rise. Overall, "When The Phone Rings" is a thrilling ride that expertly weaves together a compelling storyline, strong character chemistry, and shocking twists that will keep you hooked until the very end.

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Love – Only One Phone Call Away

When The Phone Rings is a captivating drama that drew me in from the very first episode. This intricately crafted series opens with a series of thought-provoking questions that gradually unfold as the story progresses. By the time the final episode arrives, everything aligns perfectly, leading to a beautifully executed conclusion. I particularly appreciated how the drama maintained a tense atmosphere while skillfully integrating the romantic elements between the ML and FL

Having previously encountered the talents of the male lead and female lead in their earlier projects, I was particularly struck by Yoo Yeon Seok's interpretation of Paik Sa Eon. His ability to convey a broad spectrum of emotions made the character both relatable and captivating. Chae Soo Bin also delivered a noteworthy performance as Hong Hee Joo. I found her portrayal especially demanding in the initial episodes, yet she navigated it with remarkable finesse. The undeniable chemistry between Yeon Seok and Soo Bin further enhanced the appeal of their characters, making Paik Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo so loved by me.

The OST is also worthy of praise. My personal favorite is "I Feel it Now," sung by Whee In from Mamamoo, which profoundly enriches the emotional landscape of the interactions between the male and female leads. Additionally, Yoo Yeon Seok's contribution with "Say My Name" highlights his artistic versatility.

In conclusion, this drama is a must-see, expertly blending suspense and romance while delivering exceptional performances that make it truly remarkable.

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the plot is a big no

I don't mind wattpad plots and tsundre ml but not this, on the day of their wedding, he told her that she's a replacement of her sister and she basically a hostage until her sister comes back, he gave her a contract full of degrading rules, like what do you mean by saying "you can't get divorce"? isn't this against human right?
he hide her for years and mock her visibly and now, on ep10 after she found out that he was in love with her since they were child she told him that I finally found out why you make those rules, you were the one who told my sister that you're not the real baek saon so she ran away and then you get to marry me, so romantic OPPA I want to marry you again and again
????? he literally forced her to a marriage, hide her, mock her, make her life more miserable and now he's like "i do all of this bc I love you and I wanted to protect you" and surprisingly she said "thank you" 😐 girl????
also the 🇵🇸 comment? hell nah, as a country that was colonised and the people that were enslaved and massacre etc there are so many zi0 in Korea, it's kinda terrifying.
if it wasn't for the propaganda I would give it at least 6, I liked the first 6 eps, she was a Badass but after that it was annoying.
some wattpad plots are even beyond incredible, love to hate you is another wattpad plot but it was so good and so funny and so refreshing, all those cringe and cliche parts were actually funny and cute but this one is just 🤢
the acting is good, all of the cast are so good but I don't like yys, he's misogynist and disgusting, seeing his face is annoying for me, i used to like him but after knowing how disgusting he is I can't get away with him also the age gap was to obvious, he was like her father, there were so many good actors younger that yys for this role but yeah, a wasted potential, the plot could be better, they were trying to k-word each other in the first 6 eps then suddenly they act like a REAL married couple😐 you guys used to live like strangers how do you get so close suddenly?

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