Looking for a drama that seamlessly combines thrilling suspense with unexpected romantic twists? “When the Phone Rings” is an excellent choice. This captivating series dives into a loveless marriage, unraveling secrets, manipulation, and emotional rediscovery along the way.
Adapted from a popular web novel and webtoon, the show has captured audiences’ hearts with its gripping storyline and intriguing characters. Let’s explore what makes this drama so binge-worthy.
Key Details About When the Phone Rings
- Broadcast Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays, 9:50 PM
- Genre: Romance, Thriller
- Episodes: 12 episodes
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Wavve
- Directors: Park Sang-woo, Wi Deuk-gyu
- Writer: Kim Ji-woon
- Main Cast:
- Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon
- Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo
- Jang Gyu-ri as Na Yu-ri
- Heo Nam-joon as Ji Sang-woo
The Plot of When the Phone Rings
Baek Sa-eon is a high-ranking spokesperson for the presidential office, married to Hong Hee-joo, the daughter of a powerful media tycoon. Their marriage is purely strategic, and for three years, they have lived like strangers under one roof.
Everything changes when Hee-joo is kidnapped by a mysterious caller who proposes a sinister deal to Sa-eon. He refuses, and the kidnapper vanishes. Frustrated by her husband’s cold demeanor, Hee-joo takes matters into her own hands. Pretending to be the caller, she gives Sa-eon an ultimatum: divorce her or pay 2 billion won, as stipulated in their marriage contract.
Their nightly 10 PM phone calls soon become a turning point in their relationship. Through these calls, long-hidden truths come to light, and their emotions are tested, transforming their cold partnership into something far more complicated.
Unveiling the Secrets
1. The Truth Behind Their Marriage
Baek Sa-eon was originally supposed to marry Hee-joo’s older sister, Hong Ina. However, when Ina mysteriously disappeared, Hee-joo was forced to step in and take her place. As a stepdaughter often treated as an outsider, Hee-joo had little say in the matter, becoming a pawn in her family’s power plays.
2. Hee-joo’s Troubled Past
A childhood accident left her sister deaf, a tragedy that has haunted Hee-joo ever since. Forced by her manipulative stepmother to pretend she was mute, Hee-joo grew up as a silent observer, used as a tool to protect her family’s public image.
3. Baek Sa-eon’s Shocking Identity
Baek Sa-eon is not who he seems. The real Baek Sa-eon, known for his sociopathic tendencies, was removed from the family under suspicious circumstances. The current Sa-eon is an imposter, adopted to preserve the family’s image. Struggling with a lost past and hidden motives, he navigates the dangerous world of political power games.
The Ending of When the Phone Rings
In the webtoon’s ending, Baek Sa-eon’s true identity is exposed, and a plot to eliminate him unfolds. His adoptive mother, Shim Gyu-jin, orchestrates an explosion at a memorial hall, seemingly killing him.
However, Sa-eon leaves behind cryptic clues, hinting that he survived. Hee-joo, convinced that he is alive, embarks on a search. One hundred days later, she receives a silent call that confirms her suspicions.
The two eventually reunite, having lost everything except each other. With their past behind them, they begin a new life, free from the burdens of their families and secrets.
Why You Should Watch When the Phone Rings
This drama is far from a typical romance. “When the Phone Rings” masterfully combines emotional depth with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each episode delivers twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Yoo Yeon-seok’s brilliant portrayal of Baek Sa-eon adds layers to the character, making the drama even more compelling.
If you’re looking for a drama that blends heart-pounding suspense with deep emotional moments, When the Phone Rings is a must-watch. Make it your go-to choice for an unforgettable Friday and Saturday night. Are you ready to dive in?