When the Phone Rings: When is the finale and what to expect?

After a series of unexpected twists, When the Phone Rings has captured the attention of its viewers. Consisting of 12 episodes, the finale is scheduled to be aired on January 4, 2025, on Netflix. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, the drama is directed by Park Sang-woo, with Kim Ji-woon as the screenwriter.

Baek Sa-eon, Korea's youngest presidential spokesman, is in a marriage of convenience with Hong Hee-joo, a mute sign language interpreter. Despite three years of marriage, they live separately, maintaining a facade of happiness. Their distant relationship is tested when Hong Hee-joo is kidnapped, forcing them to face the cracks in their bond and confront the deeper truths about their lives and marriage.

The secret about Sa-eon's past starts to unfold as he gets closer to catching the one giving him death threats. While it is almost evident who is behind Hee-joo's kidnapping and the death threats, what is left to be revealed is what the kidnapper is after and whether Sa-eon and Hee-joo will succeed in protecting each other in the face of grave danger.

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When the Phone Rings: The show so far

When the Phone Rings begins with Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, a married couple maintaining a facade of happiness while avoiding meaningful interactions. Their strained relationship changes dramatically when Hee-joo is kidnapped. Finding an opportunity to leave the marriage, Hee-joo pretends to be the kidnapper and demands a ransom and a divorce from Sa-eon.

The shocking twist reveals that Hee-joo was never mute, it was a deception stemming from her mother’s request after a traumatic accident left her cousin, In-ah, deaf. As the truth unravels, Hee-joo’s plan backfires. Sa-eon discovers her secret through a video of her screaming but hesitates to confront her, understanding her silence is rooted in pain.

The dynamic of the lead couple of When the Phone Rings shifts as Hee-joo becomes Sa-eon’s sign language tutor, and their romantic tension grows. However, their fragile bond is tested when Sa-eon learns of her deception. A heartfelt conversation leads Sa-eon to offer her a choice: divorce or a genuine marriage. Their relationship deepens after Hee-joo survives being pushed off a cliff and calls Sa-eon for help.

Sa-eon becomes her devoted caretaker, rekindling their romance with tender gestures. He eventually reveals he knew she orchestrated the ransom calls, confessing his love with a heartfelt kiss. As they grow closer, danger looms. The kidnapper targets Sa-eon with cryptic threats and accusations of murder. Sa-eon enlists public help to decode clues, while Hee-joo investigates, leading them to a sinister mansion.

Amid the chaos, they share vulnerable moments, with Sa-eon hinting at a dark past and his non-biological ties to the Baek family. As the kidnapper is revealed to be the original Baek Sa-eon biologically related to the Baek family, the two navigate mistrust, hidden secrets, and external threats to protect each other and uncover the truth. After Hee-joo gets kidnapped a second time, she decides to end it for the kidnapper and crashes the car they are in.

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When the Phone Rings finale: What to expect?

With the last two episodes of When the Phone Rings left, fans can expect to find out whether the couple ends up having a happy ending or a painful separation. The tenth episode did have a preview of the eleventh, leaving the fans in suspense.

A happy ending would mean Hee-joo coming back safe and the two living happily after cutting off ties with the Baek family. An alternative ending, though less likely, could have Hee-joo die in the car crash, leaving Sa-eon devastated. The fate of the kidnapper is also yet to be revealed. Fans shall find out whether he dies in the car crash or is arrested.

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The couple fighting misunderstandings and life-threatening dangers to relying on and protecting each other appeals to the viewer's emotions. When the Phone Rings is available to stream on Netflix.