When the Phone Rings

“When the Phone Rings” (Korean: “지금 거신 전화는”) is a 2024 South Korean television series that blends elements of melodrama, romance, mystery, and thriller. Premiering on MBC TV on November 22, 2024, the show aired every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 for 12 episodes, concluding on January 4, 2025. It is available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

Plot Synopsis

The story centers on Baek Sa-eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), the youngest-ever presidential spokesperson and the only son of a prominent political family. Despite his public success, his marriage to Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), a mute sign language interpreter, is a strategic partnership rather than a romantic union. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Hee-joo is kidnapped, forcing them to confront hidden truths about their pasts and their strained relationship.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon: Spokesperson from elite family.
• Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo: Sign language interpreter, due to past trauma unable to speak in certain social situations, married to Baek Sa-eon.
• Heo Nam-jun as Ji Sang-woo: A psychiatrist and mystery YouTuber.
• Jang Gyu-ri as Na Yu-ri: A talented announcer at the same broadcasting station where Baek Sa-eon works.

Reception

Viewership and Buzz

The series garnered significant attention, debuting on Netflix with 3.3 million views, peaking at 6.6 million, and concluding with 4.6 million views during its final week. It achieved second place in the TV-OTT drama category for buzzworthiness in its finale week.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critics and audiences have had mixed reactions. The show holds a 28% critic score based on limited reviews, while audience ratings are more favorable. User reviews are similarly divided, with some praising the chemistry between the leads and the suspenseful plot, while others criticize the ending and pacing.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Adaptation & Themes

Adapted from the web novel “The Number You Have Dialed” by Geon Eomul Nyeo, the series incorporates popular K-drama tropes such as enemies-to-lovers and contract marriages. It explores themes of trust, identity, and the complexities of public versus private life.

Filming Locations

Walkerhill Hangang Sangji River Villa

A luxurious villa residence where Baek Sa-eon and Jang Hee-joo live, located in Achun-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi Province.

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel Restaurant “Yue”

Featured in a dining scene with the mother in episode 2, offering Chinese cuisine from Shanghai and Beijing.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on MBC.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: Wavve, Netflix.
• Globally: Netflix.

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