When the Phone Rings (2024)

An intense thriller/romance drama with perfect chemistry between the leads

*** SPOILERS ALERT*** (review re-upload)

For starters, I don’t gain anything from defending or throwing shade at this drama, and I don’t have the egocentrism to think that I know better than anyone else on the subject. So, I will first give my honest opinion on the controversy with the last episode before commenting on anything else.

When I watched episode 12 yesterday, I was taken aback by the countries names that are 100% a reference to the conflict between Isreal and Palestine. I guess it makes sense for the drama to use references to war because of the news coverage background and the beginning of the drama in which the ML reports on a hostage situation executed by a terrorist organization. Well since he’s the spokesperson of the presidential office, it’s clear that covering such a theme is realistic. BUT was it done well? Honestly, I don’t think so… When I was watching the breaking news scene of the conflict in the last episode, I understood that the fake Palestine retaliated on the fake Isreal because the later took some people hostage, so I guess it makes the fake Isreal the bad guy but I only read the English subtitles so I can be mistaken. Honestly, they should have chosen entirely different names for this fake conflict, and I don’t even understand how they didn’t think one second that this would create outrage (understandably so), especially nowadays with kdramas being very popular with international viewers. All in all, I don’t think the show supports genocide in anyway, but it is such a sensitive and hurtful topic for many people that this kind of outcome was to be expected. (This is only my two cents on the subject, for what it’s worth.)

I will now write what I liked and disliked about the drama:
Liked:
- First and foremost, the chemistry between the leads was phenomenal!! They were the backbone of the drama and honestly without them, it wouldn’t have been the same. The tension, pining and caring coming from the leads are simply perfect. It also felt very mature, and I’m glad they chose YYS as Baek Sa Eon because I simply can’t think of any other actor who could have embodied this role as well as he did. For being an ex-war reporter to being the spokesperson of the presidential office (and many other things in between), he totally had the charisma and maturity to take on this difficult role. Also, I’m just going to say that casting an “older” actor was the perfect choice, because I couldn’t imagine taking seriously a younger guy having so many responsibilities while looking 20 at most. For the FL, CSB was also very convincing as Hong Hui Ju, at first a timid and gentle woman that gradually learned to gain confidence and use that to protect her loved one(s). Unfortunately, I don’t know a single thing about sign language, but I feel like she did a great job in this aspect. Furthermore, their relationship kinda reminded me of the main couple in Flower of Evil, only with a little less trauma maybe…? I think if you liked Flower of Evil, you could also like this drama, it’s just much heavier on romance than Flower of Evil so keep that in mind! I also really liked the “second couple” if we can call them that, sadly we didn’t get much of them as a couple, but they were still cute and interesting together. I was so glad to see HNJ here, because he made quite an impression on me when he acted as a soldier in Sweet Home lol.
- The mystery aspect was done very well in my opinion, even if some plot twists were quite obvious but it seems like the writers wanted the viewer to follow along so it’s not necessarily a negative point, just don’t expect to be mind-blown every 10 minutes and you’ll be fine!
- Acting wise, the main villain was also very good! Kudos to the actor because it didn’t seem like the easiest performance to be both menacing and still have a personality other than “I’m the big villain hahaha”. His backstory was interesting, and I guess somewhat believable, in kdrama world at least. The second supporting role that I particularly liked is Park Do Jae, the assistant/confident of Baek Sa Eon. He didn’t have the opportunity to show a lot of different expressions in this drama, but when it was done, it was done extremely well. I hope to see more of him in the future!
- Some cliché tropes were used, like in most kdramas honestly, but in a refreshing way. For example, there was a mini love triangle (Ji Sang U had a crush on Hong Hui Ju for a long time) but fortunately they didn’t present him as an obstacle in the leads’ relationship. On the contrary, it was pretty obvious early on that he would be a romantic interest for Na Yu Ri, the news broadcaster. I was also glad that they didn’t make the character of Hong In A, Hui Ju’s older sister, a villain or a jealous SFL for no reason other than to create another obstacle between the leads. The writers also used the childhood connection trope, but it was necessary for the story to develop as it did. I only whished we were shown more of their relationship as children, because he liked her since forever and I think they should have insisted a little more on this connection, to make the following events more believable but I guess time was limited, with only 12 episodes in total.
- The OST was great! It complimented the story very well and added to the tension and mystery surrendering the characters. I found the cinematography a little less impactful than the OST, nevertheless it was still a joy to watch each individual episode.
- Overall, a satisfying and happy ending, I’m not going to say too much about it, but I especially loved the final scene between the leads.

Disliked:
- Obviously, the last episode, with the mention of the “fake” conflict that I addressed in the beginning of this review.
- Overall, ep11 and 12 felt very rushed. Mainly because the Argan arc felt a little bit out of place. To be honest, when I saw the FL in the middle of the jungle with a scarf around her head like Gaby from Desperate Housewives trying to be incognito, I couldn’t help but laugh a little. All that was missing from her attire were black sunglasses to complete the look lol. Also, she was kidnapped AGAIN, and of course the ML had to save her AGAIN. The following scene was satisfying enough (the black attire was definitively a dream come true) and their reunion was definitively heartfelt and very heart fluttering, but the context around this event wasn’t well executed/well brought up.
- I also couldn’t really believe the fact that the ML would disappear like a ghost for 6 months without explaining his reasons to the FL… They learned to communicate with each other on this difficult journey and so his disappearance felt very out of place, because even if he could feel guilty about his father’s past actions, the FL already knew and didn’t find it a dealbreaker. So why punish her also? At the very least, he should have made himself clear and reassured her that he just wanted some time to sort himself out before returning to her.
- The final confrontation with the villain wasn’t perfect either, like let’s be real, couldn’t he run him over with the car instead? But at least, the ML wasn’t shot like I expected for a hot second, I even thought for a moment they would resort to the amnesia trope to occupy the last episode but fortunately (I guess?) they didn’t go down this treacherous road.
- Finally, I don’t understand the “redemption arc” of Hui Ju’s mom. Excuse me but if I remember correctly, her mom clearly wanted her to die after the accident, so to say that the only thing she wished for her in the end was a better life is completely nuts to say the least. The writers just wanted to throw in the mix a happily ever after where all is forgiven, and all is good again… That was not necessary at all in my opinion but I’m nitpicking at this point.

So I think that’s it for me and my “review”. I wanted to make it a little shorter, but this drama is obviously a new favorite for me, and I will surely re-watch it again one day. Is it a masterpiece? Not really. Was it realistic? Absolutely not. Entertaining? Heck yes!! In short, give it a try if you are in the mood for leads with incredible chemistry engaging in a palpitating journey of self-discovery and thrilling romance, with a good dose of mystery and a lot of secret pining added to the mix.

Lire davantage

I loved this kdrama. I actually gave it a shot after my TikTok was just all about it and honestly I don't regret it. It was actually really nice and although the last episode might have had some unnecessary plot I didn't want to read too much into it and chose to enjoy the moment and not criticize it ( I get that it might have hit some sore spots but tbh it is a fictional show so there's no point in being all emotional about it and forgetting the good parts of the drama)
All in all it was a wholesome drama and also my first drama of the year ( just because I refuse to watch any drama before it's fully released??)
I really liked it thanks to the actors, producers and the whole team for this show?

Lire davantage

masterpiece of 2024 shouldn't be missed!!

I started this drama mainly as I had seen it being in the first trending list of dramas here and getting a great hype about it so that made me more curious to explore this magical effect of this drama that mesmerized the mind for most of watchers when reading a lot of opinions about it...

I would like to say honesly that it turned to be more amazing that I thought and exceeded my expectations!! I was captivated and hooked from the first moment I started it knowing that it would be so interesting and really it wasn't disappointing at all especially this beautiful ending that I was anticipating to have it for such perfect drama!!! the mystery part of the story is so well written how made the drama more exciting towards the end when revealing gradually one after other unanswered and perplexing questions!!!

this is considered for me one of the best top notch acting ever seen in any korean drama that I would like to say hats off for this hard work of leads and all the cast of actors in this drama that performed so well!!! it started so strongly and even got to be more better with the progression of story...

yoo yeon seok was the star of this show, tailored for doing this role in utterly perfection!!!! his facial features was so realistic, his decent outfits and dazzling look!!! everything about him is a complete package of a great actor!!!! I was wondering why he would be hating his wife so much at the beginning?!?! but his inside personality gave another idea of who he is for real!! he fell for his wife from childhood but for forced being "the spokesman baek sa eon" is costing him a lot to not live a happy married life like any ordinary couples!! I like how the story progressed and how the events were written to make leads approaching more and being fond for each others!!!

the fiery and attractive chemistry of leads is something that I didn't see in any drama before!! I was surprised to ending up displaying a GIF about them in my profile picture for being impressed with the existence of such most awesome couple in a korean drama ever seen!!!

chae soo bin should be praised mainly for how she performed sign language in this skillful and outstanding way!!! she wanted to live happily with her husband but her life was always surrounded with danger paying the price for being "the hidden wife of the spokesman baek sa eon"!!! I would like to mention that I was too amazed by her acting too at the scene when she was pushed off the cliff alongside yoo yeon seok who was looking for her crazily, not believing so badly to find her, is one of the best moments that impressed me as it was the main event making the romance to blossom in this beautiful love story...

I would like to add too that the actor who played the role of kidnapper was too so good and really he performed the role of a psycopath in a realistic and wonderful way that he should be placed among the first cast of supportive characters not in the last place!!!

most people were frustrated with the fact of why sa eon left hee joo after she was rescued from being kidnapped leaving a lot of questions of what could the kidnapper whispered for sa eon a fact about hee joo that made him looking at her with sad eyes and punishing himself to be away from her for being the son of the one who caused mainly hee joo to forced being mute after the accident happened for her and her siblings... it was disappointing for many and illogical for him to do it, I can agree about this point but adding another unresolved mystery before final as a cliffhanger wasn't bad in my opoinion and what is more important that the story ended in the favor of leads!!!

one of the scenes that wasn't pleasing for a lot of people the war setting in argan scenes at the final, felt strange like watching something else in another show but I can see it in another perspective that it was an evidence hee joo would follow sa eon wherever will be in the world to find him as her soulmate and to make him know how he means for her!!! even the scene of hee joo driving the kidnapper in her car and skipping the railboard just to "protect sa eon and not suffering anymore" from the threatening existence of the kidnapper was too a marvelous scene to mention, one of my favorite scenes!!!

"406" identity caller was a great plot to add for the story as it was a main reason too to make sa eon being more tender and affectionate towards hee joo especially after he discovered that she can speaking for real but he didn't wanted to hate her and revealing this even if she used this identity for avenging him...

I don't have any complaints about this drama though the points I mentioned before about the scenes that made people upset with the show but for me it is well deserving a complete ratings of 10 as long having a happy ending and giving leads the right to live in endless joy after all the hardships they went through and for being perfect drama in everything including an ideal love story could be presenting!!!

second leads were so cute paired together!!! their charcater are so suitable for their roles and gave too some funny moments for the drama!! second female lead always was shining with her smile and second male lead was an important key in the mystery part of the story but though I think they could be having placed as support characters too, anyway I liked how all leads were harmonious with each other at the end!!!!

Lire davantage

Got me hooked, but also let me go.

Note: This is solely my opinion, and yes, I'm not that good at writing. Sorry if it's kinda redundant or doesn't make sense at all.

STORY:
Okay, starting with the story/plot of the series. Nowadays, cliches are quite common (this sounds funny tbh). But I can say for this drama— it has quite a fresh approach in some parts of the plot, it got me hooked with the first episodes after all.
Starting with the romance side; the chemistry was good, the cold vibe to warm between them was typical of course, but the thing is the way they "got to the warm era" was a little fast and subtle (but for me tho, I think I would prefer the cold vibe hehehe).
On the thriller and mystery side, it was nice, it was what kept me watching. It had a bunch of mini plot twists, the first twists were good, but the coming to an end twists weren't: like the fact that it was his father (real real father: the chairman) was the one who arranged the accident was something you can just guess and the fact that he was in Argan😭, I think it would have been better if they put more characters so that the audience can take more hunches of who's behind it— just like how I had my own theories wether Ji Sang-Woo (Hee-joo's sunbae) and the guy (the real Sa eon) were twins, or the two of them and Park Do jae were working together (Sang woo was kinda sus, yeah), it's usually in dramas where they put characters to make your brain work for hunches and theories. And I can say WTPR executed that part well, also the contract between their father and the chairman, and the best ones were: she's not mute, and it was him who requested for Hee-joo to be his wife— the worst was the accident part. If there was a greater twist than just using the same when the guy whispered to Sa-Eon it would've been better (but sometimes too much can be too much indeed, unless with great execution). But they did well and much better on the mysterious side of the plot rather than romance. I also don't like the part where Sa-Eon was at "Argan," although they mentioned why, it still feels far from the plot, it felt as if they just created it clumsily to find a reason why (but I know it was also part of building the romance and more tension), it would have been better for me if the plot just killed him or somebody at least hehehehh (but I guess, either way would've disappointed me).
At In-ah's arrival, I thought at first that she would be that mean, jealous sister, but glad she isn't.
Right. One thing I don't like about the deal/contract of the chairman and her father was that the agreement/content was quite weak.

CAST& ACTING:
The casts we're great with acting. Sa-eon is a great character executed well by the actor, and Hee-jo as well, although she was good at it, I think I would also love to see other actresses try her role, it's like she fitted into Cinderella's shoes but had a little more space left.
The in-laws were good too, their characters' personality were delivered clearly.
Their friends and colleagues, too. But I think Kang yeong-u and the spokesperson needed a deeper chemistry.
Park Do-jae was a good character, but I think he just needs a little more work.

CINEMATOGRAPHY&SCENE IMPACT:
The cinematography was great, the scenes as well, it really brought the mysterious and thriller vibes. Romantic vibe as well, but kinda failed a little, for me.

OST:
The OST's greattttt. See the Light nananantantananneunnnn. (Especially since it's BTOB's Eunsik!!!

FURTHER COMMENT:
To be honest, I fell off the drama. I couldn't help watching the first two episodes, so I ended up waiting for DAYSS AND WEEKS which was sad. That's why you should binge this kind of drama. So that the thrill doesn't get cut off. Each episodes ending were a cliff hanger which is good for attracting viewers into finishing it.
The ending was nice and warm, but what happened before it doesn't really fit the plot well, I mean it was actually so random that Hee-joo goes to a war zone to find him, and there he is rescuing hostages. I also think that the plot just needed a deeper relationship with each twists and scenes, and the execution can be better.

OVERALL:
It's a good drama for beginners, since I think I kinda dislike it because I've watched a whole lot of kdrama and is looking for a good one, but my definition of "good" is kinda hard to fulfill. Yeah overall, it just needs a little work and some changes. But good enough to please viewers that doesn't really think deeper about dramas, or just looking for something to use their time with.

P.S: This type of drama is the one that kinda fails a little when reaching the end. In other words, it's going on a descending order in terms of interest.

Lire davantage

The last episode...

Even though there were a few illogical parts at the beginning, I absolutely loved the series. Unfortunately, she became much weaker at the very end. The last episode in particular took all my enjoyment out of the series. It was completely taken out of thin air and illogical just to briefly build up "tension".
I will definitely watch the series again, but only until about the middle, when everything is clear between the main characters.
Still a very emotional and beautiful show. I just wish the makers would rewrite the ending. 💔 It would be a straight 10 out of 10 without the ending.

Lire davantage

A perfect 1000/10!! literally one of the best of 2024!

At first, I honestly thought I wouldn’t enjoy this show much because of its cliché story and theme, especially I had just finished Mr. Plankton and couldn’t bring myself to start any other show and felt too emotionally drained to dive into another one. But I decided to give it a try, and boy, I was wrong. Just two episodes in, I was hooked to the point where I found myself impatiently waiting each week for the next two episodes. I can’t even describe the thrill and excitement I felt an hour before each episode aired—lol 😭 what a great time. This show is epitome of the perfect K-drama. It can't get any better than this: so well-made and balanced. It’s neither too much nor too little—just perfectly balanced with no unnecessary drama or scenes. Everything is on point: the story, acting, cinematography. And THE DIALOGUES—chef’s kiss!! Each episode leaves you on the edge of your seat, making your brain race with so many thoughts. It’s the perfect blend of action, thriller, romance, twists, suspense, and mystery. I loved how they twisted the plot, with each episode revealing something new—absolutely amazing! had an incredible time watching this. It’s like eating your favorite ramyeon: not too spicy, not too bland—just the perfect taste.

Now, today is the last episode, and I just can’t fking wait to watch it. The cliffhanger they left us on!! Sooo excited, but lowkey sad since it’s ending, and there will be no more episodes to look forward to. 😩

To anyone planning to watch this—just go for it! Definitely worth the watch!!

Ps: I’ve seen some people recommending The Perfect Marriage Revenge based on this. Bro, it ain't it. I have watched TPMR but didn’t quite enjoy it. I couldn’t get past episode 8, so I skipped to the last episode just to see the ending. Maybe it just wasn’t my cup of tea. No offense to those who enjoyed it—just my opinion.

I’d personally recommend Branding in Seongsu. It’s so underrated! It’s totally different from WTPR, but somehow, it gives a similar thrill and feel. It’s not perfect, but it’s so freaking good! Just ignore the little flaws, and it’s definitely worth giving a try!

Lire davantage

When the daddy turns dad, and the thriller turns makjang.

I went into this drama for the most shallow reason ever - Yoo Yeon Seok looked extremely hot in the trailers being all possessive and domineering. And since that was my only expectation, I’d say the drama did not quite meet it. It gave me other things to enjoy though.

Was it a fun watch? For most of it. The middle part became a bit too repetitive, and the ending went straight to fancy makjang territory. Some twists were more predictable than others, but overall it was a rather engaging watch. Did the plot make much sense? Not really. I mean, the majority of the characters did not even have half of the working brain cell and watching them making the wrong decisions over and over again, and being so painfully blind to the most obvious things was probably one of the most entertaining aspects of the whole drama.

On the top of that clownery we have Baek Sa Eon - for a smart guy he was really dumb. Did I care? Nope. Why? Because he was hot. Yes, that was my reasoning. Baek Sa Eon during the first few episodes was THE hot possessive toxic oppa and for that I am grateful. Whenever he went just the right amount of unhinged when something concerned Hui Ju, I went - yes! The angst, the low-key anger issues, the suits and them hands (the production team knew what they were doing with all the close ups of his hands). Exactly the guy you love to watch on the screen, and would avoid in real life. And then he did 180 in the second half and I became convinced that the perfect husband was cosplaying as toxic oppa.

Hong Hui Ju was honestly a placeholder. She had a few great moments here and there, but at the end of it all, she was just an overcooked potato. Which is fair - with the amount of trauma and abuse she went through, if she had more of a spine, she would leave. Since she stayed, we should not be expecting her to give us much spunk. Being in danger was her full time job, and saving her was Sa Eon’s life mission.

Surprisingly, the characters I got really attached to were Sang U and Yu Ri. The investigative duo with such fun chemistry. Waiting for Netflix to contact me, because I have the plot for the spin off of them already planned in my head. The way he became so conscious of her presence, and she was so oblivious about it all is my type of a connection.

The villains were villaining, but they were also so generic I did not really care for their shenanigans. So much happened plot wise, and yet it kind of still feels empty? When the Phone Rings had an extremely strong beginning, and lost its focus half way through. The issue might have been how packed the plot was -, they did not really have time to explore on a meaningful level any of the plotlines. One thing happened, and we moved to another thing - nothing felt developed, nothing had a proper closure. All had a closer, but none truly had THE closure.

Performances were mostly great. Yoo Yeon Seok aced that silent anger and concern. Whatever scene he was in, he delivered. On the other hand Chae Soo Bin… I know she is a great actress. I loved her in all the previous titles I have seen her in, but this role was just not it. Would I dare to blame the directing? Yes. Even though I thought the drama went downhill in the second half, her performance got so much better. First few episodes she was just a surprised big eyes victim with no facial muscles working.

Production was fine. As I already said, I'm grateful for the close-up shots of Yoo Yeon Seok’s hands. Some of the editing was questionable - too much repetition of what happened in the previous episodes - the viewers do not have goldfish brains like the characters, we do not need constant reminders.

Overall, what I thought would be a fun wattpad-esk romance with an entertaining dynamic between Sa Eon and Hui Ju, turned into a family mystery makjang with low level of brain energy. Still had fun though.

Lire davantage

oooh yeah... yes!... common now that sounds PROMISING! :D

So I was just bored today, started this drama without any expectations and to my surprise I watched the first two episodes without even blinking!! No idea how the time went by but one thing was clear, it felt as if I myself am Hong Hui Ju hahaha.. It was so intense and yet romantic, I don't even know how to describe it. I'm a big fan of such thrilling unrequited love series!! Looks like the ML is in love with the FL way before she even knew him..
I really loved how they could keep the romantic vibes on and still make it suspenseful! Has a lot of potential to be one of the best in 2024's!

Lire davantage