“TRUE CINEMA”- Fans praise Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s acting in 'When the Phone Rings' episode 6 burner phone confession scenes

Netflix's When the Phone Rings continues to grip audiences as the ending of episode 6 left fans on edge. It was released on December 15, 2024, delayed for the second time due to President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment voting on December 14.

The upcoming episode hinted at an emotional shift in Baek Sa-eon's (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) behavior toward his wife, Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), marking a possible turning point in their strained relationship. As the couple's dynamic evolves, viewers have been particularly captivated by Baek Sa-eon's vulnerability and Hee-joo's silent struggles.

Episode 6 showcased a tense and emotional sequence where Hee-joo falls down from a cliff. As she went missing, Baek Sa-eon, gripped by panic, frantically searched for her, his normally composed demeanor crumbling. The once emotionally distant Baek Sa-eon was seen looking throughout the forest alongside a search party as his fear of losing Hee-joo overwhelmed him.

Sa-eon received a call from Hee-joo, who had been calling him from the kidnapper's phone. Hee-joo, masked as the kidnapper via the phone's auto-modulator, told Sa-eon to take his wife's corpse from below the cliff. Despite knowing that it was Hee-joo, Sa-eon, played along and addressed her as the kidnapper and begged her to tell him the location.

Fans praised Yoo Yeon-seok's nuanced portrayal, noting his ability to balance Baek Sa-eon's stoic exterior with raw vulnerability during pivotal moments. Chae Soo-bin's compelling performance in When the Phone Rings as Hee-joo was praised by fans, whose silence and suffering resonate deeply with audiences.

The preview clip went viral online as fans flooded X with their reactions. One fan wrote:

"TRUE CINEMA"

The pair's on-screen chemistry and emotional performances in When the Phone Rings have become a major highlight of the series, sparking international acclaim and discussions on social platforms.

"Oh to watch a drama with a great storyline and actors who can effortlessly act. That ending scene is a cinema. The angst in his voice and eyes," one fan wrote.

"The angst in his voice. Saying how scared he was. It's almost a plea when he tells her to answer him. The cracked voice when he tells her he's coming for her. THIS WHOLE SCENE WAS PERFECT," another fan said.

"WDYM he packed her trekking bag? He put the first aid kit, with a portable emergency flare, his jacket and a water bottle!!! The way he is taking care of her like a baby. The love he has for her," one other fan added.

Viewers were especially invested in Baek Sa-eon’s gradual transformation in When the Phone Rings, as he moves from aloofness to a more heartfelt connection with Hee-joo.

""She can't get dehydrated. She needs to drink water" The way he's crying bcs he's so worried abt her. Frustration, fears, hopelessness, trembling voice, body shaking. I can clearly see all the complex his emotions #ChaeSooBin #YooYeonSeok" one fan noted.

"Whoever casted #YooYeonSeok and #ChaeSooBin deserves a RAISE. The chemistry, emotions, tension and acting they shared here was just so damn good. They gave solid performance!" another fan wrote.

"I love the trope! The journey from him being nonchalant toward her, to growing restless and worried about her, to subtly showing he cares & finally running desperately to save her : pure drama. From Episode 1 to 6, they’ve come a long way," one other fan added.

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When the Phone Rings: Plot overview, key updates, cast, and performances

The ongoing story in When the Phone Rings so far revolves around Baek Sa-eon, a highly influential presidential spokesperson, and his wife, Hee-joo, who communicates selectively due to a past trauma. Their marriage is more of a façade, borne out of political convenience and personal secrets.

Episodes 1 through 6 of When the Phone Rings explore the emotional and psychological tension between the couple as they navigate their strained relationship.

• In the earlier episodes, Baek Sa-eon is introduced as a man consumed by his career and public image, often cold and dismissive toward Hee-joo.
• Hee-joo, a selectively mute person, struggles silently with her past and the emotional neglect she faces in her marriage. The cracks in their relationship deepen as secrets begin to unravel.
• The turning point comes in Episode 6, where subtle hints of Baek Sa-eon's growing concern for Hee-joo emerge. Fans noticed his lingering glances and unspoken emotions, setting the stage for Episode 7's emotional climax.

This slow-burning tension has kept viewers hooked as they anticipate whether the couple can heal their fractured bond or spiral further into despair.

When the Phone Rings is a suspenseful melodrama based on the popular web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul-nyeo. The series revolves around Baek Sa-eon and Hee-joo's complex marriage, entangled with power, silence, and unresolved pain.

As the story progresses in When the Phone Rings, their relationship is tested by mysterious events and emotional confrontations that force both characters to confront their vulnerabilities.

The K-drama is co-directed by Park Sang-woo (The Forbidden Marriage) and Wi Deuk-gyu. The show is written by Kim Ji-woon (Melancholia). Its intricate storyline and stunning cinematography have been praised for offering a fresh take on the melodrama genre while maintaining a dark, suspenseful undertone.

The drama stars:

• Yoo Yeon-seok (Hospital Playlist, Mr. Sunshine) as Baek Sa-eon, the presidential spokesperson balancing political ambition with personal turmoil.
• Chae Soo-bin (The Fabulous, Love in the Moonlight) as Hee-joo, a woman burdened by trauma and silence yet resilient in her own way.
• Heo Nam-joo (Sweet Home 1, 2, 3) as Ji Sang-woo, a charming crime reporter and YouTuber.
• Im Chul-soo (Vincenzo)as Kang Yeong-u, the team head under Baek Sa-eon.
• Jang Gyu-ri (Player and Player 2) as Na Yu-ri, a reporter and newscaster.

Supporting cast members include notable performances from Han Jae-yi, who adds intrigue to the narrative, and Yoo Seong-ju, who plays a key role in unraveling the story's darker elements.

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When the Phone Rings airs every Friday and Saturday at 10 PM KST on Netflix, with the series slated for 12 episodes. Episodes 7 and 8 will be aired on December 20 and 21, respectively.

The preview of episode 7 has undoubtedly heightened anticipation, with viewers eager to see Baek Sa-eon's emotional arc unfold further. As the drama approaches its latter half, When the Phone Rings promises more emotional revelations, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.