"When the Phone Rings" is a thrilling romance that follows the complex relationship between a spokesman and a sign language interpreter who struggles with selective mutism—an aspect of her character that adds depth to the story, though revealing more would spoil the surprise. Three years into their marriage, they are anything but a typical couple; their communication is virtually non-existent, and their relationship remains hidden from the public eye, leaving her unable to openly acknowledge him as her husband.

The tension escalates when she is kidnapped, and her husband dismisses the call about her abduction, thinking it’s a scam or voice phishing. Fortunately, she manages to escape, taking with her the phone used by the kidnapper to issue threats and demand a divorce. This twist sets the stage for a powerful moment of reclaiming agency through blackmail, showcasing a side of her that starkly contrasts with the innocent persona we’ve come to know.

While the setup and premise of the drama are strong, I found her attempts at making threat calls to be somewhat lacking. It felt like she was playing a risky game without a solid backup plan, which, while entertaining, made me question her choices.

The initial episodes are beautifully intense and thrilling, capturing my attention, but as the story progressed, it began to feel a bit underwhelming for me personally.

This review reflects my personal experience, and I recognize that opinions on the show may vary widely.


There are definitely aspects of "When the Phone Rings" that I really enjoy. For starters, I absolutely love the male lead, Yoo Yeonsook. Typically, I find tsundere male leads a bit overdone, but he brings something special to the role. He embodies his character so well that I often find myself swooning whenever he appears on screen. He has that aura reminiscent of a classic Wattpad character, and his presence and dialogue make him truly engaging. His character is fascinating—not your typical green flag or red flag, but rather a complex grey. Like many male leads, he has a backstory that shapes who he is, but I won’t go into that to avoid spoilers. His character is definitely one of the highlights for me.

Another standout is the female lead, Chae Soobin. She portrays an innocent character forced to live without a voice, which is compelling in itself. What I really appreciate is that she isn’t just a damsel in distress. We get to see a fiery side of her when she makes those intimidating phone calls, and I wish that aspect of her personality had lasted longer or transitioned more into her physical character. Some might see her as weak, but to me, she’s not. She’s someone who yearns to find her place in the world. With a difficult upbringing and a complicated relationship with her mother, she just wants to belong, and it’s heartwarming to see how she lights up when she finally finds that sense of belonging.

The acting is also a stand out element... the leads deliver such nuanced performances that every glance and subtle expression resonates deeply. Their chemistry is palpable and feels so genuine, making their interactions incredibly engaging. The way their relationship evolves from enemies to lovers is refreshing, especially with the added layer of an arranged marriage.

The phone calls serve as a unique form of therapy for both characters, allowing them to open up in ways that push their relationship forward. It’s heartwarming to see how they begin to understand each other better, breaking down the walls that initially separated them. The development of their bond is the drama's heartbeat, and even if the thriller aspect were removed, the romance alone could carry the story effortlessly.

The direction and transitions are expertly crafted, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The original soundtrack complements the scenes perfectly, adding an extra layer of emotion that elevates the viewing experience.

Now, while "When the Phone Rings" has its strengths, there are definitely some aspects that leave much to be desired. The thriller element, which should ideally add suspense and intrigue, often feels disjointed from the romance. It’s almost as if the drama is trying to juggle two separate narratives, one focusing on the romantic development and the other on the thriller plot. While I appreciate the attempts to weave in the male lead's backstory, it sometimes feels like a distraction rather than an integral part of the story, making me wish for a more cohesive approach.

Another significant drawback is the portrayal of the second leads. Their characters and motivations seem out of place, especially since they weren't part of the original webtoon. This lack of integration makes their storylines feel forced, and I found myself skipping through their scenes, as they didn't resonate with me at all. Their investigations, while seemingly connected to the main plot, often lack clarity in motivation, which detracts from the overall flow of the drama.

Overall, "When the Phone Rings" leaves me with mixed feelings. There are moments of excitement, but they are often overshadowed by the inconsistencies in the narrative. I appreciate that the show is limited to 12 episodes, as it prevents unnecessary dragging and maintains a tighter storyline. It’s an interesting watch, but it could have benefitted from a more focused approach to both its romance and thriller elements.

The last two episodes of the series were truly a disappointment, and not in a way that was entertaining. It felt like the writer had lost touch with the story, leading to a plot that was both confusing and frustrating. The constant recycling of scenes became tiresome, and the supposedly intelligent characters made decisions that were completely out of character, which was jarring to watch.

The introduction of the argan war zone plot felt like a forced twist that took up almost 40 minutes of the finale, and it seemed disconnected from the overall drama of the series. The male lead’s disappearance due to his "noble idiocracy" and his delayed return after half a year felt unrealistic. When he finally reached out to the female lead, it was hard to believe she would run into a war-torn country only to get kidnapped again. Their heart-to-heart talk and the rushed make-out scene while being chased felt poorly timed, and the subsequent bed scene seemed like a desperate attempt to rekindle the romance.

Despite the initial addiction to the series, the spark has faded significantly. While the characters themselves were interesting and the chemistry between the leads was a highlight, the lack of character development and the flawed script overshadowed the acting, which remained strong throughout. Overall, the last two episodes extinguished any remaining excitement I had for the series.

Anyways I appreciate the acting, the interesting characters who could have been properly developed or utilised, the maiznf chemistry between the leads the sensual kiss scenes and maybe the osts.