When will When the Phone Rings Episodes 5 and 6 air? Fans disappointed over MBC's last-minute broadcast cancellation announcement

The South Korean drama When the Phone Rings has quickly captured viewers' attention with its intriguing storyline and strong performances. However, fans were left disappointed when MBC, the network airing the series, announced a last-minute change to its broadcast schedule.

When the Phone Rings episodes 5 and 6, originally slated to air on December 6 and 7, 2024, were canceled due to President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged indictment.

The much-anticipated episodes 5 and 6 are now set to air on December 13 and 14, 2024, respectively. The show, which typically airs Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 PM KST, will resume its regular schedule after the delay. MBC cited year-end programming as the reason for the adjustment.

MBC DRAMA posted on its official X account and announced that When the Phone Rings episodes 5 and 6 will not be aired.

"Cancellation Notice <#WhenThePhoneRings> 12/6 (Fri) Episodes 5 and 6 broadcast on Saturday, December 6th and 7th will be canceled due to a special news report. We ask for your understanding, viewers. Thank you"

When the Phone Rings star Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon opposite Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo. The ongoing limited series focuses on the complex relationship between Sa-eon and Hee-joo.

Fans expressed their disappointment over the last-minute cancellation announcement of the two episodes of When the Phone Rings. However, they were also understanding of the ongoing political unrest in South Korea.

"Sa-Eon, being the real-life equivalent of a press secretary for the President of SK in the drama, makes these a bit funny!" one fan wrote.

"And here we have the best explanation and reason why ATS trailer should not drop right now. Korea clearly has all eyes and attention on the political situation of the country. Very understandable!" another fan said.

"waaah. but understandable with what is happening on the Korean political forefront now…." another fan shared.

Some fans wondered if When the Phone Rings episodes 5 and 6 could be released on Netflix since it's an OTT platform, unlike the MBC broadcast network.

"Sad... But, understandable. What's happening there right now is more important...." one fan wrote.

"Fair reason.. so we are not getting WTPR for 2 weeks bcs of special news and the documentary next week. Would it be possible for @NetflixKR to release it on OTT still?" another fan wondered.

"Can they release it on Netflix?" one other fan stated.

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When the Phone Rings episodes face last-minute schedule changes over President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged impeachment

South Korean prosecutors have initiated an investigation into President Yoon Suk-yeol following his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. The probe includes the president, Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, and now-former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who resigned in the aftermath of the controversial move.

The Indian Express reported that prosecutors are examining whether the martial law declaration violated constitutional provisions and existing laws.

President Yoon Suk-yeol announced martial law late on December 3, citing threats from "anti-state forces" and political opposition. The declaration granted the military powers to suppress dissent, restricted freedom of assembly, and bypassed standard legal procedures for arrests.

However, the move lasted only a few hours as the National Assembly, dominated by the opposition Democratic Party, swiftly convened and voted by 190 to 0 to terminate the martial law order. This marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since its democratic transition in 1987.

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, a key figure in implementing the martial law order, resigned and has been placed under a travel ban as part of the ongoing investigation. President Yoon and other officials involved have not yet faced travel restrictions.

The martial law declaration deepened South Korea's political divide, with opposition lawmakers accusing President Yoon Suk-yeol of attempting to suppress dissent and undermine democracy. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung criticized the move as unconstitutional and called for Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation.

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) has distanced itself from the President's actions, with party leader Han Dong-hoon urging the president to step down from the party to mitigate further damage. Reuters reported that conservative People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said on December 6, 2024:

"I believe that President Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate suspension of office is necessary to protect the Republic of Korea and its people in light of the newly revealed facts."

Despite these internal disagreements, PPP lawmakers have vowed to block an impeachment motion initiated by the opposition.

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Under South Korea's Constitution, martial law can only be declared in cases of extreme national emergencies and requires immediate notification to the National Assembly. The Assembly retains the authority to vote on and revoke martial law, as it did in this case.

It was the 17th martial law declaration since the Republic of Korea's founding in 1948 but the first in a democratic era.