When the Phone Rings (2024)

Love – Only One Phone Call Away

When The Phone Rings is a captivating drama that drew me in from the very first episode. This intricately crafted series opens with a series of thought-provoking questions that gradually unfold as the story progresses. By the time the final episode arrives, everything aligns perfectly, leading to a beautifully executed conclusion. I particularly appreciated how the drama maintained a tense atmosphere while skillfully integrating the romantic elements between the ML and FL

Having previously encountered the talents of the male lead and female lead in their earlier projects, I was particularly struck by Yoo Yeon Seok's interpretation of Paik Sa Eon. His ability to convey a broad spectrum of emotions made the character both relatable and captivating. Chae Soo Bin also delivered a noteworthy performance as Hong Hee Joo. I found her portrayal especially demanding in the initial episodes, yet she navigated it with remarkable finesse. The undeniable chemistry between Yeon Seok and Soo Bin further enhanced the appeal of their characters, making Paik Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo so loved by me.

The OST is also worthy of praise. My personal favorite is "I Feel it Now," sung by Whee In from Mamamoo, which profoundly enriches the emotional landscape of the interactions between the male and female leads. Additionally, Yoo Yeon Seok's contribution with "Say My Name" highlights his artistic versatility.

In conclusion, this drama is a must-see, expertly blending suspense and romance while delivering exceptional performances that make it truly remarkable.

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right person. right writer. right casting. right chemistry.

The drama is a captivating blend of exceptional acting and innovative storytelling. Yoo Yeon Seok masterfully embodies the character of Baek Sa Eo, a man who projects an aura of coldness and indifference, his body language perfectly mirroring this persona. In contrast, Chae Soo Bin portrays Hong Hui Ju, a woman who appears soft and lacking in confidence, yet harbors a hidden strength and determination. She skillfully plays the part expected of her, all the while maintaining a calculated control beneath the surface, revealing a resilience as she navigates her circumstances.

The drama's unique artistry lies in its unconventional approach, employing a mobile phone as the catalyst for action. This inventive use of technology serves as a constant reminder of the characters' communication dynamics, or rather, the lack thereof. They engage in endless exchanges through their phones, yet remain emotionally distant, revealing their innermost selves to strangers rather than to each other, creating a poignant contrast between constant connectivity and profound disconnection.

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11 Hours of Entertainment Followed by 30 Minutes of What Was That??

I am going to start by saying this.. Everything apart from crying or kidnapping most of the happy or romantic scenes thats worth remembering are imagination in this show.. So much so that even the ending had me thinking, ' Wait.. Are they going to show this was just imagination too?? '

The story was solid.. And the cast was absolutely perfect.. I heard people complaining about CSB.. But I honestly didnt feel anything wrong with her acting atleast in this drama.. The chemistry between the leads was spot on.. And the OST added so much more to the drama.. The first two episodes were well crafted and paced and did the job of drawing me in and making me want to keep watching.. And I think we just got the best kiss of 2024 in this drama.. Thank the director for making sure we got all the angles.. If thats what you are in it for.. One more thing I liked about the drama was the abundance of parallels.. If you pay close attention you will notice plenty of them in the drama..

In my eyes.. Heejoo is the true hero of this story.. She has endured heartbreak after heartbreak from the ones who should have cared for her and loved her.. Yet she carried on with unwavering grace.. She is a character who truly deserves all the love in the world..

" If it was for you.. I thought I wouldnt mind dying..
But I miss you.. I wasn’t afraid of dying..
But the thought of never seeing you again was terrifying.. "

Ep 11 was filled with angst.. Some might say it was unnecessary because of everything that happened in the previous episodes.. But I think it was exactly what the story needed.. It pushed the story to its limits..

Her mother wanted her to stay mute for more than 10 years.. Gaslighted her throughout her life.. And then suddenly everything goes wrong and she is the mother of the year?? Honestly these redemption arcs in Kdramas need to stop.. Some people especially parents dont deserve forgiveness that easily..

Now.. The ending... What in the Descendants of the Sun was going on there?? The story completely strayed from its original plot.. And the first half of the last ep was a total disaster.. And why would you even touch a sensitive topic?? That was totally unnecessary.. Honestly its becoming frustrating to say this about every drama.. But Kdrama writers really need to learn how to write better endings.. Is it so hard to give us a one hour happy conclusion??

Overall.. Its a good drama that will keep you entertained for 12 hours.. But once again its a reminder that a strong start and captivating characters can only carry a story so far without a satisfying conclusion.. Still its worth the watch.. Best drama of 2024?? Hell No..

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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 bc 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.

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!

Update: completed! All good, the actors nailed! Just don't think too deep into the last episode and you're good to go!

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Spiderman will have a hard time with this tangled web

Like some other high profile k-dramas of late, I'm in two minds about this show. On the one hand, it totally nailed the romance. It was a slow burn in the beginning but when they jumpstart their relationship it is a sizzler! It hits you in the feels from all directions.

I think they hit the jackpot when they selected the leads for this drama. They really acted their hearts out. Bravo! Their chemistry will keep you warm in the depth of winter. I won't spoil the story because it has a nice twist early on but it has its flaws.

I know you are expecting this as I mentioned my reservations about high profile k-dramas. Namely the A-plot is very manipulative. It is like a piece of art that has been crafted specifically to be seen from a certain angle. If you look from the side then the illusion is broken.

To wit, the show has the ML protecting the FL by taking her away from her dysfunctional family but then spent 3 years treating her like a pariah. I accept his eventual explanation but Korean writers have problems with timescale. When 1 month will do, they'd go for 1 year. In this case we went for a grandslam. Why 3 whole years? Most prison sentences are shorter than that! 3 months is more reasonable. Why labour the point.

When you are dealing with years, other factors comes into play like resentment, despondency and resignation. So he took the FL from an abusive and unloving home and put her into a cold and unloving home for over 1000 days. Yay...?

You can sense the writer-nim micromanaging the plot to be as impactful as possible. Ditto the timing and backstory of the antagonist. Hey, don't looking too closely. This is ART, dammit!

The writer-nim then hit us with the angst bomb. No trope was spared. The mess those families are in will keep a team of therapists employed for years. I know it is part of the overarching plot but it can be overwhelming when twist begot more twists. Secrets are like nesting dolls. You just become numb.

The worse part is after all the pain and suffering, the ML repeated the same mistake. He disappeared for 6 months to punish himself while disregarding the FL's feelings. Of course, she finds herself in a dark, dark place and being tormented continually. Her life effectively grinds to a halt. Is he selfish or clueless? Neither label puts him in a good light.

The heart fluttering scenes after their reunion are major highlights but it is like being given a candy after having to drink a bitter draft.

BTW, I find the made up Argen plot poorly done. It is awkward and unnecessary. I can also see a storm brewing over the fictitious war where 2 thinly disguised middle eastern countries took some Koreans hostage. What is the point of that? It was on screen for 20 seconds but it will haunt them for a long time.

I have no doubt this series will be a huge hit and for good reasons. However, I'm not 100% onboard. There are lots to like but there are also bits that left me cold. On balance, I enjoyed the show and I would have no problem watching a highlight reel of the OTP's romance. That is definitely the glue that held the show together. I would have scored this higher if it is more focused on that. As it stands, it is a potboiler in needs of a script doctor's deft ministration. Peace.

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Fun but I hoped for more

After hearing a lot of hype for this, I decided to check it out. First 4 episodes are fantastic, high tempo thriller that keeps the tension, two great leads and great cast in general. OST really stuck in my mind as well. Then I think drama tried to do way too much. There is way too many plot twists and turns to the story that it overcomplicates storylines for no reason and draws attentions away from the main plot. The romance between the leads has both ups and downs for me. The chemistry is there, but significant age difference really bothered me sometimes, maybe because the female lead has a baby face and looks even younger age than she actually is. Also when it comes to romance, the writers sometimes write it very childlishly as if teens were falling in love and not two adults, when the romance is shown in a mature way that's where it shines.
The finale doesnt stick the landing. It feels as if the show run out of stream and they still needed one more episode.
Overall its a fun watch, but nothing more.

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A Must Watch!

This show was SOOOOO GOOD! I can't even begin to explain how much I loved it. The plot twists? Mind-blowing. The acting? Top-notch. Everything about it was so well-done, and the pacing? Perfect. I wasn’t bored for even a second. Every episode had me on edge, completely hooked and dying to know what would happen next.

Hong Hui Ju and Hong In A’s interactions were absolutely adorable. They were so sweet as sisters, and their bond felt so genuine. I loved their little moments together; they added such a heartfelt layer to the show.

And then there’s Hong Hui Ju and Baek Sa Eon’s chemistry—WOW. They were incredible together. The way they looked at each other, those subtle moments of connection—it was everything. Their relationship had so much depth, and I loved every second of it.

Now, let me just fangirl for a minute because Yoo Yeon Seok. Oh my god, his tears? I’m not even kidding when I say they destroyed me in the best way. This man knows how to pull at your heartstrings like no one else. Every emotional scene was pure magic because of him. I’m officially obsessed and already lining up his other dramas to watch. He’s just THAT good.

The plot itself was so well-crafted. Every character had a role to play, and nothing felt out of place or unnecessary. It’s rare to find a show where everything fits together so seamlessly, but this one nailed it. Every scene and every character added something valuable to the story.

That said, the ending? Eh, not so much. I really don’t think Baek Sa Eon needed to “go missing” just to stretch things out for an extra episode. It felt unnecessary and kind of threw off the otherwise great pacing. And as much as I adore Chae Soo Bin (she’s clearly a talented actress), I have to admit Hong Hui Ju’s cluelessness got a little frustrating at times. Like, girl, please, read the room!

But honestly, those minor complaints don’t take away from how amazing this show was. The acting, the story, the emotions—everything just hit perfectly. I’m in love with this drama and already planning to rewatch it. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re seriously missing out!

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It's better than I expected

I'm afraid that this is ONE OF THE BEST DRAMAS of 2024 or even as a whole.

The episodes kept us so immersed 🤤
The actor's deserve a raise for portraying the emotions so well,😭
they did justice to the characters.
Yoo yeon seok, the man you are. Damm he's so good at his work😵‍💫❤️‍🔥 and Chae Soo Bin she killed it, so good. Impressive acting all around, I never felt like they were acting or trying too hard. They perfectly embodied their characters. In the beginning the tension and angst was so palpable.
The chemistry btw the leads is just top tier 🫠💕
The second leads were also cute 🥹💓
Everything about this drama was just perfect and nothing else. 🫡
The last episodes were so intense and dramatic. Their love is so swoon worthy.
I don’t give a crap about the commotion people are causing in the comments because they are cry babies or can't grasp simple plots.

I personally loved it and totally worth every hype it got. Whoever is reading this, please watch the drama you will not be disappointed!

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WATTPAD MEETS K-DRAMA

This k-drama is only two episodes in and I am already HOOKED!! It has all my favorite tropes: arranged marriage, she fell first he fell harder, cold male lead who secretly cares for the female lead, etc. The acting and the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin is so good! I am living for the tension and Baek Sa Eon's possessiveness/protectiveness! AND THE PLOT TWISTS!? SO GOOD!! It is also a plot that I have never seen before, especially in a k-drama. Overall, such a good k-drama that has me hooked since episode one!

Review update now that I have finished:

First off I want to thank this drama for giving me something to look forward to every weekend! It is one of my new favorites and will always hold a special place in my heart! Now onto the review!

I did take off .5 stars from my initial 10/10 rating since the imagination/dream bit was a bit repetitive and some things were rushed in the final episodes (In my opinion, it needed at least 16 episodes so a lot of the plot wasn’t so rushed towards the end). However, they still did a great job in executing everything with the limited episodes that they had!

This drama had ALL THE TROPES. Arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, etc. and all the tropes, in my humble opinion, were done tastefully! War trope was also thrown in last minute, but Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin actually executed it so well and not going to lie I ate it up!!

Speaking of Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin, their chemistry and acting was so good in this drama!! All the emotional scenes (especially the cliff scene) were done so well and the yearning and the tension was carried out so good! Cannot give them enough praise for the acting they did for WTPR!

They also used a lot of symbolism in this drama and a lot of the details were done with intention which I loved and appreciated!

Overall, this drama was a really good one and a plot I have never seen before in another k-drama! It’s interesting from beginning to end and one I would highly recommend for people to try and watch!

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loved this drama! ? was ep 12 perfect? not even close.

loved loved loved this drama! 😍 was ep 12 perfect? not even close. most of it was great but I think we can all agree (surely?) some of the random bits thrown in there (whether part of the original novel or not) felt out of place and not keeping with the same atmosphere/pacing as the previous 11 episodes.

The entire scene where she went to find him was super jarring/felt like it was from a different show/not the "wrapping up" episode of an epic romance & thriller drama with only 12 short episodes. While the 1st 11 episodes did "short drama" in a most brilliant fashion with character arches, pacing, etc... episode 12 fell victim to what MOST shorter dramas do and that's throw a bunch of nonsensical scenes in there for the "dramatic effect" which instead of keeping us on the edge of our seat like it hoped to accomplish, it instead ice-water-to-the-face pulled us out of the beautiful story we were ENGROSSED in for 11 straight episodes/weeks of watching/obsessing over and that's unfortunate.

If they literally cut out that ENTIRE portion of the episode, it would have been 1000x better of a finale and NOTHING would have changed plot-wise or pacing-wise in the 12 episodes. The decision to shoot/leave those scenes was unfortunate BUT not unfortunate enough for me to hate or even "dislike" this drama. It's still one of those dramas I guarantee I'll watch many more times in the future! I'll just skip about 1/2 of the final episode when I do hahaha

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A Captivating K-Drama with Stellar Performances and Minor Flaws

This is one of the best K-dramas I’ve watched in a while. While it has its flaws, the overall production was outstanding. The plot was intriguing and, for the most part, well-executed. Watching it weekly as it aired kept me thoroughly engaged, eagerly anticipating each new episode.

Pros:
Outstanding Acting:
The performances, especially from the two leads, were phenomenal. Yoo Yeon Seok delivered a masterclass in subtlety—his ability to convey deep emotions through slight facial movements and the way his voice cracked was truly remarkable. Chae Soo Bin was equally impressive, and their chemistry was absolutely perfect.

Compelling Story:
Although the script had a few issues, I loved the story. After skimming through the novel (English translation), I truly appreciated the changes the screenwriters made. I loved the drama-version of Baek Sa Eon a lot better than the novel-version. My favorite alteration was having Hong Heejoo discover earlier on that Baek Sa Eon already knew her identity as the mystery caller. This allowed for more open communication and heartwarming interactions between the couple, which I adored. The ending tied up all loose ends effectively, although it did feel slightly rushed after spending too much time on Baek Sa Eon’s disappearance.

Brilliant Storytelling:
The narrative was beautifully presented, with thoughtful parallels and shots. For example, the line “Call me when you have a corpse” was repeated three times throughout the series, each time in a different context and evoking distinct emotions from the characters. These subtle touches added depth and richness to the storytelling.

Cons: The only con I found was with inconsistencies with the script:
Aside from the usual K-drama tropes—like characters surviving falling off a cliff with no broken bones or any visible injuries or scars magically disappearing overnight—my biggest disappointment lay in the final episode. Baek Sa Eon’s six-month disappearance felt so out of character and inconsistent with the story’s progression. For someone as considerate (especially towards the FL’s feelings and well-being) and steadfast as Baek Sa Eon, it seemed implausible for him to leave the female lead in such a manner, especially over something that was not his fault and beyond his control. This was particularly jarring given how explicitly she had shared her fears of abandonment in a previous episode. While this plot point might have worked in the novel—where the two leads did not openly communicate much—it felt forced and misplaced in the drama, where their relationship was built on mutual understanding.

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