When the Phone Rings is set to debut on MBC TV on November 22, 2024, with episodes airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 pm KST. Written by Kim Ji-woon and co-directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, the series stars Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Gyu-ri. It will also be available for streaming on Netflix in select regions.
Based on a popular web novel, When the Phone Rings follows Baek Sa-eon, a political figure and South Korea's youngest presidential spokesman, whose impressive career spans roles as a war correspondent, negotiator, and anchor. Despite his public achievements, Sa-eon's personal life is strained.
Three years prior, he married Hong Hui-ju, a sign language interpreter and daughter of a newspaper owner, in a marriage of convenience. Hui-ju, who lost her voice in a childhood accident, and Sa-eon maintain a facade of a happy marriage while living disconnected lives. Their fragile arrangement collapses when Hui-ju is kidnapped, forcing them to confront hidden truths and redefine their relationship.
In the small behind-the-scenes video that MBC released before the release of When the Phone Rings, Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin can be seen playfully smiling at each other as they are directed to pose. Fans are expressing excitement after having a peek into their off-screen chemistry. A fan posted on X:
"Just Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin's strong husband and wife energy."
"I can't get enough of them. please come faster 22 Nov! We wanna watch asap! Yys in his sheepish mode every single time is super duper cute! Can I pinch his cheeks?" Commented another.
"Imma go and rewatch this," said another fan.
Fans were satisfied with the couple even before the drama's release, and many fans also praised their visuals.
"why are they soooo playfulllll," responded another.
"HAWT PEOPLE THINGZ," said another.
"she has no business being this hot while monitoring," said another fan.
Yoo Yeon-seok shares his experience playing Baek Sa-eon in When the Phone Rings
As anticipation builds around Yoo Yeon-seok's portrayal of Baek Sa-eon in When the Phone Rings, the actor shared insights into his role and reasons for joining the project, as reported by Naver on November 1. Yoo Yeon-seok explained that he was captivated by the series' blend of romance and thriller elements, especially Baek Sa-eon's complex character.
"I felt a great attraction to the character of 'Baek Sa-eon,' who is a presidential spokesperson and a show window couple struggling between romance and conflict."
Describing his character in When the Phone Rings through three key images - onion, angry bird, and suit, Yoo Yeon-seok highlighted Baek Sa-eon's evolving layers. He noted that, like an onion, Sa-eon's character reveals multiple layers as the episodes progress, uncovering new facets beneath a seemingly cold exterior. As a polished spokesperson, Sa-eon's wardrobe includes diverse suits showcasing different styles.
Although Yoo Yeon-seok and Sa-eon differ in personality, the actor finds it exciting to grow more in sync with his character as he delves deeper into the role. He hinted that viewers will see this sync grow as more of Sa-eon's unexpected qualities emerge throughout the show.
Expressing enthusiasm for his on-screen chemistry with co-star Chae Soo-bin, Yoo Yeon-seok mentioned that they have been learning sign language together, enhancing their dynamic. He encouraged viewers to tune into the broadcast, promising an engaging blend of romance, suspense, and layered storytelling in When the Phone Rings.