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MBC's When the Phone Rings is nearing its finale, with just two episodes left. Based on the web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul Nyeo, the drama has captivated viewers with its blend of romance, suspense, and thrilling twists.
In an interview published on January 2, 2025, the author spoke to Hankyung.com about the show's popularity, particularly its reception abroad. Reflecting on what makes the drama so compelling, the author attributed much of the show's success to lead actor Yoo Yeon-seok's portrayal of Baek Sa-eon.
"Isn't it because of Yoo Yeon-seok's divine sexy eye acting?" the author said.
Geon Eomul Nyeo praised Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin for their embodiment of Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo. She singled out Yoo's acting as a highlight that mesmerized audiences. She also acknowledged the chemistry between the two leads, which added more attraction to the drama.
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"I'm not really sure why overseas viewers are responding more enthusiastically. I'm sure it's because of Yoo Yeon-seok's sexy acting between the eyebrows. I've seen many opinions that Yoo Yeon-seok's acting skills are leading this drama. And I think the chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin is making viewers impatient," the author remarked.
When the Phone Rings author reflects on the journey from novel to drama and global success
Geon Eomul Nyeo, in her interview with Hankyung.com, opened up about how she felt watching her work adapted for television. She described the experience of seeing her work transformed into the drama When the Phone Rings as deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming.
Despite initial nervousness about how the story would translate to television, she praised the team behind the adaptation for their exceptional work. The directing, script adaptation, and performances by the cast, particularly Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, exceeded her expectations, allowing her to enjoy the series as a viewer.
The original story of When the Phone Rings was inspired by Geon Eomul Nyeo's real-life experience with voice phishing. This traumatic incident left a lasting impact, inspiring the plot of a politically married couple entangled in a mysterious and threatening phone call.
"One phone call really changed my life. A few years ago, I was actually a victim of voice phishing. At that time, I was lured by the phone calls and dragged to various banks, and I still vividly remember feeling hopeless. I wonder if that experience had a big impact on me, because one day, the idea of 'What if the Show Window Couple made a threatening phone call?' suddenly came to mind. " the author of When the Phone Rings shared.
Though initially conceived as a romantic comedy, the novel evolved into a thriller as the narrative unfolded, with suspenseful elements complementing its core themes. Despite this shift in tone for the drama, the essence of the story remained intact.
First serialized on the Kakao Page in November 2022, the web novel version of When the Phone Rings quickly gained a loyal following. However, Geon Eomul Nyeo admitted she never anticipated it becoming a drama.
Originally written as a 2-hour movie, she questioned whether the material could sustain a 12-episode series. The addition of new characters to fit the format enriched the storyline, allowing it to appeal to a broader audience.
As the author shared in the interview, the international acclaim of When the Phone Rings came as a pleasant surprise. While domestic audiences responded warmly, the enthusiasm from global viewers was particularly striking for her.
This marked the first time Geon Eomul Nyeo received feedback from overseas audiences, which she found both humbling and motivating. The success of the drama reinforced her commitment to creating engaging stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
"I feel that the overseas response is much hotter than domestically. I'm secretly looking at this phenomenon with a curious mind," she said.
Geon Eomul Nyeo explained that her creative process often drew inspiration from real life, whether it was her mother's love for volleyball or the sight of a tree doctor at work. This led to the development of unique character professions in her novels. Such observations fueled her storytelling and helped her craft fresh and distinctive narratives.
Geon Eomul Nyeo also reflected on her pen name, which she adopted at the age of eighteen when she began writing online. The name, meaning someone who appears composed in public but relaxes in a messy state at home, mirrors her personality. While she had some regrets about not choosing a more sophisticated pen name, it had become an integral part of her identity as a writer.
Plot overview of When the Phone Rings
When the Phone Rings, starring Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon and Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo, follows a politically married couple whose relationship is shaken by a threatening phone call.
Baek Sa-eon is a trailblazing presidential spokesperson, the youngest in Korea's history, and a member of a distinguished political dynasty. His career spans roles as a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchorman, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
Three years ago, he entered into a strategic marriage with Hong Hee-joo, the daughter of a renowned newspaper mogul. Hee-joo, a skilled court and TV sign language interpreter, struggles with selective mutism, a condition rooted in a traumatic childhood accident.
Despite their flawless public facade, their relationship remains distant and devoid of genuine connection. After the phone call, the drama unfolds as the two navigate personal secrets, uncover hidden truths, and track down the mystery caller.
Streaming globally on Netflix, When the Phone Rings has climbed to second place in the December TV-OTT drama rankings, as reported by FUNdex. Lead actors Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin also ranked first and fourth in actor popularity, underscoring their global appeal.
The final two episodes (11 and 12) of When the Phone Rings will air on MBC on January 3 and 4 at 9:50 PM KST. These episodes will also be available on Netflix in select regions an hour after the TV broadcast.
