"How are we going to wait!" — Internet in a frenzy seeing Sa-eon and Hee-joo's romantic arc in 'When The Phone Rings' Ep.8 preview

Netflix K-drama When the Phone Rings released episode 7 on December 20, 2024. Fans of the show had an online meltdown after the preview for episode 8 was released at the end of episode 7, teasing an emotional and romantic progression between lead characters Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo.

The preview for episode 8 reveals pivotal moments that promise to deepen further the dynamic between Baek Sa-eon, a stoic politician portrayed by Yoo Yeon-seok, and his wife Hee-joo, played by Chae Soo-bin. This dramatic shift in Sa-eon’s behavior comes after tension and estrangement in their marriage, which began as a loveless arrangement.

Fans quickly praise Sa-eon and Hee-joo for living their romantic arc after he confesses his feelings for her at the end of episode 7. This led to episode 8's preview, where the two could be seen spending quality time with each other. One fan wrote on X:

"THE PREVIEW!!! How are we going to wait!!!"

Fans have taken to social media to express excitement over the episode 8 preview.

"I think my heart leaped for sec when she was jumping to hug him as if she found her safest place, then his voice shaking & going soft for her, while she fainting in his arms,he pulled her closer. We got all the intimate moments even in the shocking situation," one fan wrote.

"THIS IS WHAT I WANT WHEN I CRIED MY HEART OUT. JUST HUG ME DONT BE ANGRY TO ME," another fan said.

"They just have started living a normal life but no misfortune is waiting for them. Saeon will die in a blast, I can't see her alone. Trauma is coming" another fan added.

Many are thrilled by the evolving romantic arc between Sa-eon and Hee-joo, praising the series for balancing heart-pounding suspense with tender moments.

"They’re practically begging to be caught with those grins. And I bet Secretary Kang will be the first to figure out they’re married," one fan noted.

"They'd been breathless, unable to handle a feeling that was always there. But now it's no longer the case, and they conveyed perfectly the sense of finally feeling free after giving "voice" to their mutual love." another fan wrote.

"Their dating era is finally here! I used to pray for times like this. And it looks like Hee-joo will soon learn about Sa-eon’s secret! (ps: someone needs to tell Sang-woo to focus on Yu-ri)," one other fan remarked.

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When the Phone Rings: Plot overview and a brief recap of episodes 1 to 7

When the Phone Rings follows the story of Baek Sa-eon, an ambitious politician, and Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter. The couple’s marriage, arranged after a tragic twist involving Hee-joo’s sister, is marked by emotional distance and unresolved tensions. However, the narrative takes a turn when Hee-joo is kidnapped in episode 1, forcing Sa-eon to confront his feelings for her.

Throughout episodes 1 to 6 in When the Phone Rings, the series delves into themes of trauma, sacrifice, and healing. Sa-eon’s initially cold demeanor softens as he starts to care for Hee-joo, who remains guarded after years of emotional neglect.

When the Phone Rings episode 6 left fans reeling as the couple shared a drunk, accidental kiss—a moment that marked a turning point in their relationship. While Hee-joo struggles with lingering doubts, Sa-eon begins to show genuine efforts to mend their bond.

Adding to the suspense, a mysterious kidnapper continues to loom over their lives, complicating their attempts at reconciliation. Each episode reveals new twists, keeping viewers on edge while rooting for the pair’s emotional healing and eventual happiness. The episode ended with Hee-joo falling down from a cliff and Sa-eon frantically looks for her in the forest.

When the Phone Rings, based on the Kakao Page web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul Nyeo, is a 12-episode series airing on Fridays and Saturdays at 21:50 KST. It is co-directed by Park Sang-woo (The Forbidden Marriage) and Wi Deuk-gyu and written by Kim Ji-woon (Melancholia).

The star-studded cast includes:

• Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, a rising politician with a guarded heart.
• Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter trapped in an unhappy marriage.
• Jang Gyu-ri as Na Yu-ri, a famous news anchor.
• Heo Nam-joon as Ji Sang-woo, Hee-joo's college senior and a trusted aide.

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In other news, When the Phone Rings also climbed in popularity, achieving its highest viewership rating of 9.2% in Episode 6 and securing the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s Top Show category.

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When the Phone Rings is available for streaming on Netflix. Episode 9 will be aired on December 27, 2024.