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Episode 7 of MBC’s When the Phone Rings, aired on December 20 and brought a mix of tenderness and emotional intensity that left fans captivated. The episode focused on a series of heartfelt hospital moments between Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin).
These scenes highlighted Sa-eon’s unwavering devotion as he cared for an injured and vulnerable Hee-joo, offering her comfort and security. From Sa-eon wiping away Hee-joo's tears to his gentle reassurance when she woke up, fans couldn't stop swooning over these moments.
Viewers were thrilled by Sa-eon's heartfelt gestures, like carefully washing her hair, gifting her a phone, and lying beside her to ease her fears. These scenes showcased his deep affection and sensitivity. One fan described Sa-eon as:
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"A man of the year 🥰"
"The way Saeon kissed Heejoo's hand 🥹😭 he's so down bad for his wife since 20 years ago until now ," commented this fan of When the Phone Rings on X.
"The dude was trying his best to wash her hair but messed it up a little🥹 they are so married for this... This scene has my heart ," wrote another X user.
"He just love hearing her voice 😭😭😭 I'm crying because Hee Joo is receiving all the love she deserves from Sa Eon," mentioned a netizen.
The emotions of their dialogue also struck a chord with the audience of When the Phone Rings. Many took to social media, gushing about the tender moments between the protagonists.
"ppl be hating on how a wattpad-like plot became so popular, can’t u guys still not get it? it’s the chemistry and the way how YYS and CSB satisfies the viewers with their portrayals y’all," read a comment on X from a viewer of When the Phone Rings.
"Also why criticize Sa-eon so harshly when he clearly reflects the widespread inability to communicate spontaneously, a trait shared by half of modern humanity? His clear attempt at redemption deserves appreciation," explained a fan of the drama.
"Baek Sa Eon is Ryu Sunjae in another universe, aka, at first he didn't want to but when his darling looked at him he automatically did it & allowed it lol 😭 "Are you ordering me?" After being given an innocent look by Hee Ju, the grapes were automatically washed and moved to a plate lol 😭😭 #WhenThePhoneRingsEp7," added this viewer.
Hee-joo and Sa-eon’s heartfelt moments unfold in When the Phone Rings rings episode 7
In episode 7 of When the Phone Rings after falling from a cliff, Hee-joo lies unconscious in a hospital bed. Painful memories of her childhood that involve an accident and her stepbrother’s death haunt her dreams. Amid the turmoil, Sa-eon’s voice breaks through.
She recalls his kindness—rescuing her, protecting her, and even confessing his love. Tears fall as she reflects, on how he has always been there for her. She thinks about her liking him but not being able to tell him that.
Sa-eon notices her tears and wipes them away. When she opens her eyes and asks him not to go, he promises:
"Okay! I won’t go anywhere."
Holding her hand, he reassures her, "You’re okay now," and kisses her hand gently. Later, as Hee-joo returns from tests, Sa-eon is waiting. She seems guilty, fearing he now knows about 406. However, instead, he asks why she isn’t speaking like before.
He then picks her up and places her in bed, tucking her in carefully. Sa-eon tells her:
“I like it. I like feeling your heartbeat.”
He reveals he already knew she could talk and mentions 406. Before Hee-joo can answer to that, he assures her that he won’t ask her for anything until she recovers, even though he has a lot of questions for her. Sa-eon gifts her a phone, asking her to call him the moment anything comes up.
Sa-eon brings fruit to satisfy her sweet cravings. He washes and feeds them to her. Afterward, he washes her hair as she sits in a wheelchair. Gently, he shampoos her hair, ensuring the water temperature is comfortable. He wipes away foam near her eyes and later dries her hair with a dryer.
When Hee-joo asks why he’s being so kind, he replies:
"Am I being good to you? Don't most husbands do this for their wives?" And then noticing her wincing at a scar, he adds, "I felt regretful. I don't think I've done enough for you."
Later, Sa-eon is at work when Hee-joo suffers a scare from the kidnapper and tears her cannula which opens a wound. Sa-eon arrives just in time and she loses her senses. After the doctor treats her, he tucks her into bed. She tells him he looks tired and asks if he’s scared as the news is broadcasting a description of the kidnapper based on 406’s information and everyone is talking about Sa-eon.
When Sa-eon asks her in return, she admits she’s scared. Sa-eon then surprises her by slipping into the blanket beside her. He holds her and comforts her till she is asleep and says:
"I am not scared and I don't regret it either. So you can just have good dreams."
Premiering on MBC on November 22, 2024, When the Phone Rings airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 pm (KST) and streams on Netflix in select regions. It is based on the web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul Nyeo. The drama follows a seemingly perfect couple whose marriage unravels after an unexpected event.
Written by Kim Ji-woon and directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, When the Phone Rings star Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-joon, and Jang Gyu-ri.
Episode 8 of When the Phone Rings will air on MBC on December 21 at 9:50 pm KST, followed by its Netflix release.
