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When the Phone Rings (Korean: 지금 거신 전화는) is a South Korean TV drama created by Kim Ji-woon, co-directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu. Based on the web novel The Number You Have Dialed (지금 거신 전화는) by Geon Eomul Nyeo, the series debuted on MBC TV on November 22, 2024. The drama aired every Friday and Saturday with the final episode airing on January 4, 2025.
The show follows the lives of a couple caught in a "Show Window" marriage. Yoo Yeon-seok stars as Paik Sa-Eon, the youngest spokesperson for the South Korean president who is also a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and well-known former news anchor.
He is married to Hong Hee-Joo, portrayed by Chae Soo-bin, a sign language interpreter for the court and television.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any other individuals or organizations.
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When the Phone Rings: A thrilling blend of romance and mystery
When the Phone Rings had a quiet debut, initially flying under the radar of most viewers. Released between two highly anticipated dramas of November, and an underwhelming promotion, it was taken for just another average thriller, reflected in its modest nationwide rating of 5.5%.
However, this underdog series quickly defied expectations by shoring to nationwide rating of 8.3%.
Evidently capturing audiences from its very first episode, it delivered an engrossing narrative that refused to let go until the final moments.
Over 12 gripping episodes, When the Phone Rings unravels the story of Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, a couple trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. Baek Sa-eon, hailing from a prestigious political family, marries Hee-joo, the younger daughter of a powerful newspaper mogul, three years prior to the start of the drama.
Originally, Hee-joo’s elder sister was to marry Sa-eon, but circumstances forced Hee-joo, who has been mute since a childhood accident, into the role of his bride.
The couple’s relationship is distant and cold; they rarely speak, let alone share meals. Baek Sa-eon is emotionally unavailable, while Hee-joo silently longs for love and warmth.
The precarious balance of their lives shatters when Hee-joo is kidnapped one evening after work. During the ordeal, she overhears her husband coldly tell the kidnapper,
“Call me when there is a dead body.”
This shocking moment forces Hee-joo to reevaluate her life and their marriage, setting off a chain reaction of events that reveal buried secrets, lies, and family drama.
As Hee-joo takes control of her destiny, the couple’s relationship evolves, exposing their true feelings and unearthing hidden truths.
When the Phone Rings is far more than a romance with a contract-marriage trope. The drama has been conceived as a thriller-romance, as described by its original author, and remains steadfast in its identity until the very end.
The tension begins with Hee-joo’s kidnapping and never lets up, keeping viewers guessing with questions like: Who is the kidnapper? What does he want? Why is the couple being targeted?
Each episode introduces twists that feel neither predictable nor forced, maintaining a perfect balance between surprise and plausibility. At the same time, the emotional evolution of Baek Sa-eon and Hee-joo elevates the stakes.
Sa-eon’s cold exterior cracks as he becomes fiercely protective of Hee-joo, while she heals from past trauma and finds her voice. Their growing connection adds a layer of vulnerability to the suspense, making the danger they face feel even more urgent.
The audience is left on edge, rooting for the couple to not only reconcile but also to survive the looming threats.
When the Phone Rings's greatest asset lies in its storytelling. Though its themes—marriage of convenience, romance, revenge, and suspense—are familiar in K-drama history, When the Phone Rings excels in balancing these elements.
None overshadows the others; instead, they complement one another throughout the series.
The screenplay’s pacing is tight yet allows moments of levity and depth, giving each genre room to breathe. A sprinkling of humor further enhances the experience, creating harmony among the drama’s various facets.
However, the When the Phone Rings’s constant twists and relentless suspense can become slightly overwhelming for the audience towards the end.
Nevertheless, this is balanced by a well-executed conclusion and outstanding performances from the cast, ensuring a impactful finale.
The cast delivers impeccable performances, with Yoo Yeon-seok standing out as Baek Sa-eon, the youngest presidential spokesperson. His portrayal captures the character’s brilliance, stoicism, and vulnerability with remarkable subtlety.
His expressive eyes convey the complexities of Baek Sa-eon’s emotions, from longing and sorrow to determination and warmth.
Chae Soo-bin shines as Hong Hee-joo, offering a layered performance. She humanizes Hee-joo’s timid, traumatized nature while showcasing her unpredictability, resilience, and eventual empowerment. Her nuanced portrayal ensures that Hee-joo feels authentic and relatable.
Together, Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin share exceptional chemistry, elevating both the romantic and suspenseful aspects of the drama.
Their electrifying connection has fans raving, with social media flooded by memes and expressions of their excitement and ultimately earning them the Best Couple award.
When the Phone Rings introduces original characters not found in the novel, enriching the narrative further. Ji Sang-wool played by Heo Nam-jun, Hee-joo’s college senior and a psychologist who hosts a show on unsolved mysteries, adds emotional depth and intrigue.
Na Yu-ri played by Jung Gyu-ri, a junior colleague of Baek Sa-eon and a TV news anchor, brings humor and energy to the story. Both characters are well-written, seamlessly integrated into the plot, and given meaningful arcs of their own.
Heo Nam-jun and Jung Gyu-ri deliver standout performances, contributing to the show’s overall appeal.
The supporting cast, including Han Jae-yil, Jung Dong-hwan, Yoo Sung-joo, Chu Sang-mi, Choi Kwang-il, Oh Hyun-kyung, Park Won-sang, Ko Sang-ho, Choi Woo-jin, and Im Chul-soo, further enhance the drama’s depth and richness. Their compelling performances make every scene engaging and enjoyable.
When the Phone Rings is far from an ordinary thriller-romance. With its tightly woven narrative, compelling performances, and perfect blend of suspense and emotion, it stands out as one of MBC’s most engaging dramas.
All episodes of When the Phone Rings are now available for streaming on Netflix and Viki.
