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Netflix's K-drama When the Phone Rings has taken the streaming world by storm. Released on November 22, 2024, the show has swiftly gained popularity, captivating viewers worldwide with its gripping plot and powerful performances. The drama's gripping plot, layered characters, the chemistry between the two lead characters, and surprising twists have captivated audiences worldwide.
The drama tells the story of Baek Sa-eon, played by Yoo Yeon-seok, and Hong Hee-joo, played by Chae Soo-bin. Their marriage of convenience is disrupted by a shocking event, leading to emotional revelations and growth.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
What makes When the Phone Rings buzzworthy?
When the Phone Rings premiered on November 22, it went largely unnoticed. The cast wasn’t widely recognized, and the teasers offered little insight into the story.
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However, within days of release, the drama became a global sensation. Fans on social media highlighted the unexpected twists, the intense chemistry between the lead actors, and the well-executed plot.
Here are 7 reasons why this show stands out:
1) Intriguing plot
When the Phone Rings captivates viewers with its gripping storyline. The drama follows a marriage of convenience between Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, who have lived like strangers for three years.
Their emotionally distant relationship takes a drastic turn after Hee-joo is kidnapped, forcing the couple to confront their past and unravel hidden truths. The tension between the couple, combined with the mystery surrounding the kidnapping, keeps viewers on edge, making the plot highly engaging.
2) Exceptional chemistry between lead actors
Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin shine in their roles as Sa-eon and Hee-joo. Their on-screen chemistry is one of the show's standout features. Yoo Yeon-seok, known for his roles in Hospital Playlist (2020- 2021) and Dr. Romantic (2016-2023), portrays Sa-eon as a complex character, balancing cold detachment with hidden emotions.
Chae Soo-bin brings depth to her role as Hee-joo, a woman pretending to be mute, grappling with trauma and secrets. Together, they create an intense, emotionally charged dynamic.
3) Adaptation from the popular web novel
The show is adapted from the web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul Nyeo. Fans of the original material have praised the adaptation for staying true to the source while effectively blending romance, suspense, and thrilling elements. The faithful screenplay and the intriguing storyline have garnered positive reactions from readers and first-time viewers, making it a strong draw for K-drama enthusiasts.
4) Tight and purposeful storytelling
The show’s pacing is one of its key strengths. Each scene feels purposeful and contributes to character development or advances the plot. Unlike many K-dramas that suffer from filler plots, When the Phone Rings is praised for its crisp storytelling. The well-crafted narrative keeps the audience engaged with no wasted moments, making it easy to follow the characters' unfolding drama and emotional growth.
5) Emotional depth and relatable themes
At its core, When the Phone Rings explores themes of trauma, healing, and personal growth. Hee-joo’s selective mutism, stemming from a traumatic childhood event, adds emotional depth to the narrative. The couple’s journey towards understanding and reconciliation resonates with viewers, making the drama not only a thrilling ride but also a poignant exploration of human emotions.
6) Unpredictable twists and suspense
The show is full of unexpected twists, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next. The suspense and secrecy surrounding the characters' pasts and the mysterious events keep the audience guessing. The constant unraveling of secrets makes When the Phone Rings a must-watch for fans of suspenseful K-dramas.
7) Strong direction and production quality
Directed by Park Sang Woo and Wi Deuk Gyu, the series maintains a high production quality, with strong direction and an engaging visual style. The direction complements the plot's emotional intensity and the cast's nuanced performances. This attention to detail elevates the drama, ensuring that both the action and the emotional beats land effectively.
When the Phone Rings surges to global popularity, dominating Netflix charts
When The Phone Rings (Korean: 지금 거신 전화는) is a South Korean television drama that debuted on MBC TV on November 22, 2024. The series is penned by Kim Ji-woon and co-directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, featuring a cast led by Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-joon, and Jang Gyu-ri. It airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 (KST) and is also available for streaming on Netflix in select regions.
The drama's synopsis given by Netflix reads;
"A rising politician and his mute wife's tense marriage begins to unravel after a call from a kidnapper turns their lives upside down."
The drama has swiftly ascended to the top of Netflix's global rankings. By November 25, 2024, it secured the fourth spot on the global non-English TV list, amassing 6.6 million views over its first four episodes. In South Korea, it claimed the top position and dominated Netflix charts in 30 other countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Additionally, the series has earned a place in Netflix's Top 10 across 69 countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, and Canada. Its global popularity showcases the show's broad appeal and strong viewership.
The drama has received praise from viewers on social media platforms. Many have expressed excitement about the show's direction and are eager to see what happens next. Word-of-mouth and positive reviews have significantly driven the drama's success, further boosting its popularity.
Episodes 5 and 6 of When the Phone Rings, initially scheduled for December 6 and 7, 2024, have been rescheduled due to the developments surrounding South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged legal charges. The new air dates for these episodes are set for December 13 and 14, 2024, at 9:50 PM (KST).
