When the Phone Rings (2024)

The Ultimate Cold Lover Fantasy

If you’re all about that icy, cold-hearted bad boy who’s got the sharpest looks and a vibe that screams “I’m too good for you but I’ll take you anyway,” then Goo Dong-mae is your everything. This man is like a whole damn mood. He’s not just a hero; he’s the hero of your good girl fantasy, but with a plot twist that’ll leave you shook.

Let’s talk about his relationship with the main actress. She’s playing his wife of 3 years, but trust me, the drama here isn’t all romantic candle-lit dinners. This girl’s got more secrets than an encrypted phone with a voice modulator. She’s not just the obedient wife on the surface – no, she’s secretly playing him like a fiddle.

Now, spoiler alert – things get next level. The wife (aka the ultimate tease) blackmails Dong-mae with a pic of a mole on her thigh, and suddenly, it’s full-blown possession mode. Our dude is shook. He’s never even touched her like that, and now he’s spiraling. Like, he can’t stop obsessing over this mole, and the tension that builds while he tries to figure it out? Butterflies. You can’t make this stuff up, y’all.

If you’re looking for a drama that mixes cold dominance with sizzling mystery and a dash of betrayal, WHEN THE PHONE RINGS is your jam. Goo Dong-mae is serving cold-hearted lover vibes like no other, and I’m 10000% here for it. Go watch this, Divas. Trust me, it’s a real treat.

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So I hate Korean romance dramas and I seriously hate the 'enemies to lovers' type of dramas and unfortunately that's what this drama is. Everything I despise in a Korean drama is this drama so I ended up dropping it. For one the FL was just plain stupid and the ML was just plain annoying. I got tired of looking at his old throbbing veined hands and people's feet walking across a floor. I also thought the FL was going to stick with getting rid of her so-called arranged marriage but I learn the two main characters will fall for each other...ugh.

The villain made no sense but I guess that's because I stopped watching this drama. Once I read the synopsis for the rest of the episodes I just did a eye roll and took it off my list.

I started watching Korean dramas back in the summer of 2020 after the unexpected death of my father. The action Korean dramas helped me heal and I tried to find any and every action Kdrama out there. It's been 4 years since I started watching Korean dramas but for the past year and a half all I keep stumbling across are cringe worthy romance dramas...THAT'S IT!! I've dropped more Kdramas over the past year and a half and is losing hope. Why can't I find a nice Korean drama that don't have cringe worthy romance in it??? Why???

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A Thrilling Start!

When the Phone Rings is a perfect mix of mystery and chills. It kicks off with a creepy phone call that pulls strangers into a dangerous game. Right away, you can feel the tension as the characters realize the caller knows their secrets—and isn’t messing around.

The shocker comes when the game claims its first victim, leaving everyone, in total disbelief. The suspense builds up so well that you can’t help but wonder who’s next.

Just when it seems like we’ll get answers, the episode ends with a cliffhanger that makes it impossible not to keep watching. If you love thrilling mysteries, this is the show for you.

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It’s not that good!

I love the plot line, I thought is was about this mute girl who finds her worth and possibly exacts revenge against the ML. Not spoil the story or anything but the drama took a COMPLETE left turn. The FL seems incompetent and I hate the way this story is going, in some sense I started resenting the FL because of how she was acting. Not to say that how she felt or what she did was wrong (I was totally on board until she lied) She wasn’t exacting revenge in justice she was just nasty. Idk how to explain it but she just seems like a NASTY person. She became everything I hated seeing in a woman and human. I’ve only watched 2-3 episodes and that was enough for me. It was too cliche as well, enemies to lovers but with the twist of an arranged marriage. I honestly have never dropped a kdrama this quick.

However, if you do enjoy the cliches of arranged marriages, a FL who sticks up for herself (somewhat), and a conflict between the ML and FL where their love is a mix between hatred and admiration you may enjoy it.

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Political Mystery Thriller Romance

The original expectations for me for the Korean Drama When the Phone Rings (2024) was that this Korean drama would be a Political Mystery Thriller of the criminal kind. However, a huge plot twist has made this drama a sensual killer of the pulsating kind. I have never seen a phone be used for a tool of sensuality. OMG. Male Lead Yoo Yeon Seok will forever be remembered for that incredible first kiss in episode one of Doctor Romantic and the brush of the fingers by a lady’s skirt as he played Bad Boy Gu Dong Mae in Mr Sunshine. He is doing it again in When the Phone Rings. Yoo Yeon Seok is the originator of his signature pulsating glance, the heart has to be forced to stay still.

Yoo Yeon Seok costars with Cahe Soo Bin (I Am Not A Robot). Only two episodes in, When the Phone Rings is becoming a fan favorite already, garnering 8.7/10 on MDL. We will see if they can keep this up. 💌💌💌💌

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Baek Sa Eon is truly a captivating figure, with his history as a political figure and his challenging experiences as both a war correspondent and hostage negotiator – he's not your average male protagonist by any means! The depiction of the strain in his marriage, with Hui Ju is incredibly moving. When she is abducted; you can sense the devastation enveloping his world.

Hong Hui Ju stands out as a character, in the storys narrative; her quiet demeanor isn't merely a device but an integral aspect of her identity that resonates powerfully through the portrayal of her resilience amidst past traumas. The inclusion of her role as a sign language interpreter adds an poignant layer to her character portrayal. Her abduction doesn't just serve as a plot twist; it also delves into the depth and tension, between her and Sa Eon—a dynamic that captivates ones attention with its intensity and complexity.

The cinematography and pacing, in this film are outstandingly well done. Each scene seems purposeful. Contributes to the narrative. There is a sense of tension and mystery in every moment that is complemented by the charged soundtrack. The exploration of themes such, as communication and love resonates deeply with the audience. Despite their imperfections they are easy to empathize with and support throughout the story.

"If you're seeking a gripping drama filled with emotion and deep themes that makes you think deeply about life—look no further, than When the Phone Rings (2024). It's definitely one of the standout shows I've watched this year! Make sure you catch it!"

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Awesome drama until the ending where it was stupid and unnecessary.

When the Phone Rings is a melodrama about the relationship between the president's spokesman and his muted wife starting Yoo Yeon Seok and
Chae Soo Bin.

The first time I watched Yoo Yeon Seok, I was impressed. He is a good actor, much better than Chae Soo Bin. The story and pace of the drama are good until the last episode when the ending is so stupid. Why did they add the war zone scene in the previous episode? It was foolish and unnecessary, ruining the drama for me. I would have given it an 8.0 rating, but I am downgrading it to 7.5 because of the last episode.

Synopsis: Baek Sa Eon, the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, comes from a prestigious political family. His background includes roles as a war correspondent, hostage negotiator, and news anchor. Three years ago, he married Hong Hui Ju, a mute sign language interpreter and the adopted second daughter of a newspaper proprietor. Their marriage, based on convenience, has been distant and cold. However, their lives and relationship are changed when Hui Ju is kidnapped.

My Reviews:
1. Acting: 8
2. Script: 7.5
3. Music/OST: 7
4. Production Quality: 8
5. Cinematography: 7
6. Onscreen Chemistry: 8
7. Rewatchable: 7.5

Overall Rating: 7.5

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Let's talk about this one...

You can say whatever you want, criticize the story, age difference, loopholes, etc.

But you can't deny that this drama appeals to the general public and garners high reviews because it's an entertaining story: No, it isn't realistic—it's a typical drama with a Netflix stamp on it, etc.

But the characters are likable, with redeeming qualities. The violence is not excessive.

The acting and chemistry were good. Yes, there were some cringy moments.

Only disappointed with the ending and how they twisted the reality of a g*nocide. It was not necessary and very inhumane to use such a twist.

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When the Phone Rings: A Slow-Burn Thriller with a Misleading Title (Watch Now, Later or Skip?)

"When the Phone Rings" initially intrigued with its mysterious title, hinting at a chilling game of cat-and-mouse. While the series does delve into suspense and intrigue, the title ultimately feels misleading. The true mystery doesn't revolve around the initial "Caller 406" incident, but rather the protagonist's elaborate scheme to replace a psychopathic grandson with his own son.

This slow-burn thriller effectively builds tension, though the pacing can feel sluggish at times. The plot felt scattered and unfocused, with too many subplots competing for attention and ultimately undermining the main narrative.

The inclusion of the news anchor (and her love interest) subplot felt unnecessary, detracting from the main narrative. Similarly, the investigation into the dead children, while intended to connect the twins and the true son, seemed to be stretching to tie everything together, resulting in a convoluted and unconvincing narrative.

The reveal of the true culprit fell flat due to an unconvincing performance from the actor. Their delivery lacked the necessary intensity and gravitas, making the moment anticlimactic.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the series boasts strong performances from the lead actors. YYS, in particular, impressively transforms into a character far removed from his real-life persona, showcasing his remarkable acting range. The female lead also delivers a compelling performance, and her dedication to learning sign language adds a layer of authenticity to her character.

Overall:

"When the Phone Rings" is a thought-provoking thriller with a unique premise. While the title and certain plot points could have been more streamlined, the strong performances and intriguing central mystery make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. So, you should watch now, maybe a hyped drama, but worth the watch.

Note: This review reflects your personal opinions and may not align with the general consensus.

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