Look nowhere else if you are searching for your next binge-worthy Korean series. With its riveting blend of intrigue and romance, the latest Korean hit ruling Netflix’s charts is captivating hearts all across.
Leading roles of Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo feature two fan-favorites, Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin. They show a couple negotiating a “marriage of convenience” that devolves into anarchy after an enigmatic phone call throws off their life.
Written by the well-known Kim Ji-woon, whose works like The Quiet Family, A Tale of Two Sisters, and I Seen the Devil are highly regarded, the drama offers complexity and suspense. Director Park Sang-woo, honored for his work on My Secret, Terrius and The Forbidden Marriage, adds to the brilliance. This strong team has produced a story that deftly combines mystery, romance, and action.
An Online Novel Transformed Masterpiece
The show is based on the popular web novel Geon Eomul Nyeo on Kakao Page, The Number You Have Dialed. Following its original source, When the Phone Rings is a gripping tale about the younger presidential spokesperson for Korea and his silent partner. After a call from a kidnapper sends them into a frenzy of suspicion, secrets, and survival, their already-tense marriage suffers a terrible turn.
Keeping viewers on the tip of their seats, Netflix characterizes the show as a riveting story where the borders between love and dishonesty blur.
A Multi-Genre Pleasure
Although When the Phone Rings is mostly a romance thriller, it also dabbles with other genres to provide a varied viewing experience. Writer Kim Ji-woon underlined how the drama changes:
Reflecting the characters’ changing emotions, “the drama moves dynamically through romantic comedy, romance, mystery, thriller, and even action,” he said in an interview.
Director Park Sang-woo teased even more, “While it might initially seem like a love-hate relationship in an arranged marriage, it is actually a tale of true love that has endured for over 20 years.”
Different Chemistry and Unmatched Stellar Performances
Fans immediately find great discussion value in the onscreen chemistry of Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin. Yoo said he took great care in approaching their dynamic so the bond among the characters can grow naturally:
“I didn’t attempt to get close too early (with Chae) since we play a couple that doesn’t even communicate with one another. The romance develops across the narrative, hence I tried to change the tempo to fit it.” Yoo said.
Renowned for her adaptability, Chae revealed her delight performing Hong Hee-joo:
“I wanted to play Hong from the moment I came upon this character,” she said. “Although we are used to convey ideas via words, using sign language was really fresh. Though she leads a suppressed and challenging existence, the character seems passive; however, her strong personality and unusual eccentricity caught me as interesting and refreshing.”
A Cast Studded with Stars
Apart from the compelling stars, the series presents a strong ensemble:
- Heo Nam-jun ( Sweet Home, Snowdrop)
- Jang Gyu-ri, Cheer Up: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
- Han Jae-yi ( Hotel del Luna, Melting Me Softly)
- Yoo Sung-joo (The Silent Sea, Squids Game)
- Chu Sang-mi ( Everybody Has Secrets, Turning Gate)
- Choi Kwang-il (Gyeongsang Creature, The Glory)
- Oh Hyun-kyung ( Wang’s Family, First Wives’ Club )
- Target, Vincenzo’s Im Chul-soo
The extra work Yoo Yeon-seok took into getting ready for his Baek Sa-eon clearly shows his commitment to his part. Even going to actual press conferences, he learned personally from MBC announcer Jeon Jong-hwan to improve his political portrayal.
A suspenseful trailer loaded with questions
The Netflix teaser provides a first taste of the dramatic intensity. It starts with Hong providing a spine-tingling voiceover:
“I believe my husband wishes me dead.”
Tense scenes featuring car collisions, mysterious phone calls, and confrontations abound throughout the trailer. Baek says in one very eerie sequence, “Has the death been confirmed? Call me when a body appears, implying the darker undertones of the show.
The borders separating affection from mistrust blur as the trailer runs on. Baek and Hong’s interactions vary between gentle and angry, creating expectation for the disintegration of their story.
When The Phone Rings runs twelve episodes in a limited series. Fans of the first two episodes now online eagerly await the weekly installments. Given each episode lasts roughly one hour, weekend binge-watching is ideal.
Here is the whole calendar:
- First episode: Nov. 22, Friday; second: Nov. 23, Saturday Episode 3: Nov. 29, Friday; Saturday Episode 4: Nov. 30, Saturday Episode 5: December 6; Friday Episode 6: December 7 Saturday Episode 7 – December 13, Friday Episode 8 – December 21 Saturday Episode 9: December (precise date TBA) – December
- Episode 10: December (totally unknown precise date)
- Episode 11: January 2025
- Episodes 12: January 2025
The Phone Rings is a remarkable mix of narrative, superb acting, and heart-pounding suspense—not just another K-drama. For lovers of both romance and thrillers, its original idea, nuanced characters, and emotional depth make it a must-see.
When the Phone Rings is available now on Netflix if you’re ready to delve into a tale where love, betrayal, and mystery mix. Don’t miss this global sensation!
