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On December 18, MBC released a 12-minute behind-the-scenes video of their ongoing drama When the Phone Rings, featuring moments from episodes 5 and 6. The clip highlighted the playful and endearing chemistry between lead actors Yeon Yoo-seok and Chae Soo-bin, leaving fans delighted.
The BTS video captured several key moments, including a scene where Yeon Yoo-seok, playing Baek Sa-eon, guided Chae Soo-bin, playing Hong Hee-joo, by holding her waist. In this sequence, the two practice falling to the ground as Baek Sa-eon was meant to save Hee-joo from falling off a bench.
Their coordination during the scene gained attention online, with viewers commenting on their chemistry and playful moments. One fan noted,
"It’s always them legs & waist grab 🫠"
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"When the chemistry, talent, and story are all on point — a masterpiece in every sense. 🏆👏" commented one fan.
"The entire HeeJoo saving Saeon sequence is so funny🤣#ChaeSooBin thoroughly enjoyed running part🤣Also kudos to entire crew for time & again appreciating her sign language acting.This BTS shared is totally entertaining. Super excited for " pointed out an X user.
The behind-the-scenes footage highlighted a skip-jumping scene where Baek Sa-eon struggled to time his jump correctly. However, with Hee-joo’s guidance, he succeeded in the next attempt. The playful atmosphere on set, filled with laughter from the cast and crew, mirrored the joy experienced by viewers.
In a highlighted moment while laughing, the actor Yoo Yeon-seok came running after shooting and partially hugged Chae Soo-bin. Fans were quick to share their reactions, praising the wholesome interaction.
"Was the hug really necessary? 🤔🤭" joked this netizen.
"From crab walking behind the scenes to running perfectly together on screen, they worked hard to be in sync." shared one individual on X.
More fans reacted excitedly, flooding social media at the actors' interactions. The video also fueled the appreciation for Yeon Yoo-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s off-screen partnership.
"I can't help myself from smiling watching the latest BTS. It's just chemistry overloaded." said this fan.
"The BTS is more entertaining then the episodes 😆" posted this netizen.
"They make the best pair with each other! Top-notch chemistry. I didn't want to say this out loud but I would love to see them date! <3" said another viewer.
"Tbh maybe most of us are not vocal but we all are shiping them from inside😭😭😭✨✨✨" shared this viewer.
When the Phone Rings episodes 5 and 6 bounce back with strong ratings, key story developments, and behind-the-scenes
Fans praised the off-camera footage of When the Phone Rings' episode 5 and 6, highlighting the strong rapport between the lead duo. The behind-the-scenes clips also showcased the entire cast and crew's lighthearted banter and laughter.
Chae Soo-bin’s spontaneous reactions to Yeon Yoo-seok’s improvisations added a layer of charm for the fans, further earning admiration for their effortless camaraderie. Chae Soo-bin was seen receiving praise from her sign language teacher for her flawless execution of the dialogue. A translator on X shared the teacher’s admiration, noting,
“There's a thing called 'spacing' in sign language, and sign language also has 'commas'. You did all that perfectly!”
The behind-the-scenes footage highlighted the dynamic between the second lead couple, played by Heo Nam-joon and Jang Gyu-ri. In one moment, Nam-joon used a fan to cool Gyu-ri. After she put her purse above his head to shield him from the sun, crew members hurried over with umbrellas.
Another scene showed Yoo-seok teaching Nam-joon how to uncork a wine bottle. Nam-joon later pulled off the task on camera. The behind-the-scenes of the four dining together were also filled with laughter.
When the Phone Rings experienced significant scheduling disruptions during the airing of episodes 5 and 6. The episodes were initially set to air on December 6 and 7. However, they were canceled due to emergency coverage of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law situation. This caused a major interruption to the show’s schedule, leaving fans worldwide both frustrated and eager for its return.
However, the show bounced back when it resumed on December 13. When the Phone Rings Episode 5 achieved a solid 5.9% viewership rating, followed by episode 6, which saw a rise to 6.9% on December 14 according to Nielsen Korea. These strong ratings suggested that the audience had returned and the show had regained its traction.
Episodes 5 and 6 also marked a pivotal moment in the story. Sa-eon began acknowledging his shortcomings as a husband, vowing to be more emotionally open with Hee-joo. In turn, Hee-joo discovers Sa-eon’s deeper feelings, and the couple accidentally shares their first kiss.
At the end of episode 6, the cliffhanger with Hee-joo surviving a fall from a cliff and Sa-eon desperately searching for her left fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next episodes. Fans’ anticipation for the next episodes remained high, marking a successful When the Phone Rings recovery despite the earlier disruption.
The plot of When the Phone Rings in brief
When the Phone Rings (Korean: 지금 거신 전화는) is based on the web novel The Number You Have Dialed, premiered on MBC on November 22, 2024, airing Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 pm KST. The series explores the unraveling of a seemingly perfect marriage between Baek Sa-eon, played by Yoo Yeon-seok, and his wife, Hong Hee-joo, played by Chae Soo-bin.
Baek Sa-eon is a successful presidential spokesman from a prestigious family and is seemingly emotionally unavailable with a secret. Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter who has selective mutism after facing a childhood accident and familial trauma, yearns for love and affection and also holds secrets.
However, their marriage is convenience-based. The relationship is upended when Hee-joo is kidnapped, forcing them to confront their true feelings. When the Phone Rings is written by Kim Ji-woon, directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, and features Heo Nam-joon and Jang Gyu-ri as the second leads.
The highly anticipated episodes 7 and 8 of When the Phone Rings are scheduled to air on December 20 and 21 on MBC. For international viewers, the episodes will be available to stream on Netflix just an hour after their television broadcast.
