“It's not something I can do as I please"— Yoo Yeon-seok addresses dating speculations with When the Phone Rings co-star Chae Soo-bin

Yoo Yeon-seok, the male lead of When the Phone Rings, has recently addressed fans' hopes for a real-life romance between him and Chae Soo-bin, saying he is "grateful." He explained that while he appreciates the support, such decisions are not entirely up to him and emphasized the importance of their professional dynamic.

"I'm grateful because they said our chemistry was good. I'm grateful that people seemed to be immersed in our romance and Sajoo couple," he said, adding, "Marriage (possibility)? It's not something I can do as I please, and I think they're really rooting for me.

Yeon-seok made the statement in an interview with Sports Chosun published on January 6, 2025.

Netflix's hit series, When the Phone Rings, aired its final episode on January 4, 2024. Its gripping narrative and the undeniable chemistry between its leads, Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, have captured audiences worldwide.

Fans of the series have affectionately dubbed their onscreen pairing as the "Sajoo couple," combining the names of their characters, Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo. During the interview, Yeon-seok said the strong response validated their hard work, portraying the nuanced relationship.

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"I was awkward with Soo-bin at first" — Yoo Yeon-seok talks about his onscreen chemistry with Chae Soo-bin

Reflecting on their working relationship, Yoo Yeon-seok shared that it took time to overcome their initial shyness and establish the rapport necessary to deliver the high emotional intensity the story demanded.

He credited Chae Soo-bin's bright personality and collaborative spirit for helping him navigate the more challenging scenes, ultimately contributing to their onscreen bond.

"I was awkward with Soo-bin at first. It took time for us to become close because we were shy. In the beginning, I would just say my lines like a monologue, but as we took our time, we were in the same company, and Soo-bin surprisingly had a bright side, so I think she supported me. I'm grateful that she followed me even when we had a difficult scene," Yoo Yeon-seok said.

Yoo Yeon-seok addressed the buzz surrounding their chemistry, expressing gratitude for the audience's deep emotional investment in the romance between Sa-eon and Hee-joo.

Yoo Yeon-seok also discussed a pivotal romantic scene from the finale, where their characters reconnect in a deeply emotional moment after years of estrangement. Yoo revealed that he and Chae Soo-bin worked closely to ensure the scene was portrayed with sincerity, from planning the tone to discussing the storyboard.

When the Phone Rings has been lauded for its captivating story and ability to blend genres, transitioning between thriller, romance, and even moments of humor. The drama’s success was evident as it achieved impressive viewership ratings and secured a spot in Netflix's global rankings for non-English shows.

As Yoo Yeon-seok reflected on the show's journey and the "Sajoo couple" craze, he expressed gratitude for the love and support the series received. He also highlighted how fans' connection to the characters and their story further motivates him as an actor.

The drama's storyline revolves around a couple in their third year of a strained arranged marriage who unexpectedly reconnect after a harrowing hostage crisis. The intense mix of romance, suspense, and drama left fans hooked, and the heartfelt performances of the lead actors elevated the show to another level.

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When the Phone Rings, a 12-episode series, is available to stream on Netflix