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Chae Soo-bin, the lead actress of MBC and Netflix’s hit drama When the Phone Rings, recently shared insights into her personal and professional life in an interview with South Korean media outlet STARNEWS.
In the candid interview conducted on January 6, 2025, and later published on January 8, she discussed her thoughts on marriage, her ideal partner, and her bond with co-star Yoo Yeon-seok. Chae said that although marriage would bring her happiness, she wants to remain focused on solidifying her career as an actress.
"I have three close friends in my neighborhood, and they got married as soon as they turned 30, and one of them even had a child. I think I'd be that happy if I got married, but my dream of establishing myself as an actor is still bigger," she said.
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Regarding her ideal partner, Chae shared,
"I want to meet someone I can communicate well with and get along well with."
Chae also addressed her on-screen chemistry with When the Phone Rings co-star Yoo Yeon-seok, which sparked dating rumors among fans.
"I think we became closer because we're in the same company. Our drama is not about many people talking, but rather Hee-joo and Sa-yeon, so there were many scenes where the two of them met, so we couldn't help but get close. Yeon-seok oppa took good care of me, and I was able to overcome the difficult times," The When the Phone Rings actress shared.
Chae Soo-bin reflects on family reactions, career growth, and turning 30 after When the Phone Rings
In the January 6, 2025 interview, Chae Soo-bin also shared details about her family’s reaction to When the Phone Rings. She said her mother enjoyed every episode, while her father, unable to watch it live, caught up on Netflix. She recounted a humorous incident where her father would visit a neighbor’s house to ask them to turn on the TV so he could watch.
The actress also talked about her father’s discomfort with romantic scenes, including a notable kissing scene, which led to amusing family anecdotes.
"My mom watched every episode and said, "It's fun," and my dad was never home when it first aired. He would watch it on Netflix later and go to sleep. [...] My dad couldn't watch the kissing scene and turned it off. You can imagine how hard it was for him to watch this production. He'd had a hard time watching scenes like that before, too," she shared.
When asked about the feedback that stayed with her, Chae said it was the phrase "Eight-Foot Rabbit." She said viewers complimented her appearance in suits in When the Phone Rings, which boosted her confidence.
She also discussed her character Hee-joo's future with Sa-eon, saying,
"Since it ended happily, I think she will live well without any problems with Sa-eon."
She also opened up about her career. Now, in her 30s, she feels more responsible and needs to improve her craft.
"Since your job as an actor isn't guaranteed, I feel anxious. If I was just happy and joyful in my 20s, my mindset has changed now. I think I need to study and act more intensely. I want to become a good actor. I get advice on acting from actors I've worked with, and I think I'm lucky," she noted.
Chae avoids making plans, identifying as 100% P in MBTI, but she seeks advice from experienced actors she has worked with. She remains grateful for her collaborations with teams from Love in the Moonlight, Strongest Deliveryman, and The Fabulous and her theater projects.
Interestingly, her nephew made a special appearance in When the Phone Rings as a baby. She showed his photo to the director, who agreed to cast him. Her family was thrilled about the opportunity. She shared how the experience brought joy to everyone involved.
In her free time, Chae Soo-bin enjoys relaxing at home, practicing yoga, and indulging in small comforts. Known for her emotional nature, she found one scene in When the Phone Rings particularly moving, where her character received heartfelt words from Sa-eon.
"I cry a lot. I cried the most when Sa-eon said, 'I have a reason to live because of you,'" shared Chae.
Looking ahead, Chae hopes to embrace life’s changes and continue growing personally and professionally. She also hopes to live peacefully without issues.
Reflecting on turning 30, she noticed significant changes in her life, including friends and older siblings getting married. Feeling nostalgic, she shared that she had decided to start writing a diary to process these changes.
Following When the Phone Rings, the actress is set to appear in the highly anticipated film The Prophet: Omniscient Reader, scheduled for release in July 2025. She will star alongside Lee Min-ho, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, and Ahn Hyo-seop.
