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Fans of the hit drama When the Phone Rings were left in fits of laughter and awe following the evolution of Baek Sa-eon’s character, played by Yoo Yeon-seok in episode 6. The episode, which aired on December 14, 2024, showcased a softer, more romantic side of Sa-eon.
Initially portrayed as distant and emotionally cold toward his wife, Hong Hee-joo (played by Chae Soo-bin), Sa-eon’s behavior was justified by their contractual marriage, which he entered to help Hee-joo gain freedom. However, the recent episodes revealed Sa-eon’s deeper motives.
He had kept his distance to avoid becoming emotionally attached but eventually realized he had unwittingly created another prison for Hee-joo.
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One of the most talked-about moments of episode 6 of When the Phone Rings occurred during the office retreat. Sa-eon’s growing affection for Hee-joo was fully displayed as he tried to monopolize her attention. He even switched seats on the bus and replaced a colleague’s coffee offering with a juice bottle labeled “We deliver love.”
His possessive yet endearing antics, including arranging heart-themed lunches and ensuring they partnered for team games, had fans dubbing him a “loser in love” on social media. An X user, @17tourin wrote,
"Contractual marriage they said. BUT, WE LISTEN WE DON'T JUDGE... Saeon:'tell me if something happened' and the looks Heejoo is having."
Others also took to social media to humorously comment on the stark change in Sa-eon’s character in the latest episodes of When the Phone Rings.
"Please take him to the doctor, i need to know what has happened to him or where he hit his head that changed his personality in just one night . HE'S NOT THE SAME SAEON WHICH WE SAW IN 1st EPISODE," an X user wrote.
"Such loser in love behaviour Saeon," another fan added.
"Welcome to the loserisim club Baek SaEon," a user commented.
Another fan mentioned:
"pleaseeee someone save sa eon he's about to enter the loser gp or maybe he already did? i can't hahahhaha."
Their victory in the game led to a heartwarming moment when Sa-eon picked Hee-joo up and twirled her around, much to the astonishment of their colleagues. To cap off the day, he even requested a photo with Hee-joo as their prize, forming a hand heart together.
"I hate when people say cliche romance is dead when i always seey favorite having the most domestic cliche scenes makes me screaming crying throwing up," a user wrote on X.
"Extramarital affair with his own wife," a fan commented.
"you know what gets me???? he LAUGHED. like GENUINELY LAUGH AND GIGGLY AND WAS SOOOO HAPPY I CAN’TTTTT HE’S SO IN LOVE," a person remarked.
More about When the Phone Rings and its popularity among netizens
When the Phone Rings has captivated audiences worldwide with its mix of romance, suspense, and emotional depth. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok as the charismatic yet emotionally conflicted Baek Sa-eon and Chae Soo-bin as the resilient and endearing Hong Hee-joo, the series explores the complexities of a contractual marriage
Since its premiere on November 22, 2024, the drama has gained traction, becoming a hot topic on social media platforms. The show’s blend of suspenseful plotlines and emotionally charged moments has made it a standout hit, earning a spot in Netflix's global top five rankings.
The turning point came when Hee-joo admitted she had grown tired of waiting for change and felt pushed away during their three-year relationship. Sa-eon promised to prove his sincerity, sparking a shift in their dynamic.
The retreat ended with a dramatic twist when Hee-joo fell during a group hike. Sa-eon’s frantic search for her demonstrated his desperation and evolving feelings. Fans now await the next episodes, being moved by his calm guidance over the mysterious phone that connected them, ensuring Hee-joo’s safety despite the tense circumstances.
Written by Kim Ji-woon and directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, When the Phone Rings delves deep into human emotions, layered relationships, and the struggles of unspoken love.
When the Phone Rings airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on MBC and streams on Netflix. Episode 7 of When the Phone Rings is set to air on December 20.
