Attention has been drawn to When the Phone Rings, a drama that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats through a series of unexpected events.
The 12-episode series is set to conclude on January 4, 2025, airing on Netflix. Featuring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, the drama is directed by Park Sang-woo, with Kim Ji-woon as the writer.
Hee-joo’s shocking truths challenge the bonds of trust and love (Photo: When The Phone Rings/Bon Factory and Baram Pictures)Plot Synopsis
In a marriage of convenience, Baek Sa-eon, Korea’s youngest presidential spokesman, is wed to Hong Hee-joo, a mute sign language interpreter. Although they have been married for three years, they lead separate lives, creating an illusion of happiness.
Their strained relationship faces a serious challenge when Hong Hee-joo is kidnapped, compelling them to confront the issues in their marriage and the hidden truths about their lives.
The Secrets of Sa-eon’s Past
As Sa-eon delves deeper into uncovering the source of the death threats he has received, revelations about his past begin to emerge. While it seems clear who is responsible for Hee-joo’s kidnapping and the threats, the kidnapper’s true motives remain unclear, along with whether Sa-eon and Hee-joo can protect each other despite the peril.
Progression of When the Phone Rings
When the Phone Rings opens with Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo, a couple presenting a facade of happiness while avoiding genuine interactions. The dynamics of their strained relationship take a sharp turn when Hee-joo is kidnapped. Seizing the chance to escape her marriage, Hee-joo pretends to be the kidnapper, demanding a ransom and a divorce from Sa-eon.
A shocking twist reveals that Hee-joo has never been mute; instead, she created this deception at her mother’s request after a traumatic event left her cousin, In-ah, deaf.
As the truth comes to light, Hee-joo’s plan falls apart. Sa-eon discovers her secret through a video in which she screams but hesitates to confront her, empathizing with the pain behind her silence.
Evolution of the Lead Characters
The relationship between the leads in When the Phone Rings moves as Hee-joo takes on the role of Sa-eon’s sign language tutor, intensifying their romantic tension. However, their fragile connection is tested when Sa-eon uncovers her deception.
During an emotional conversation, Sa-eon presents Hee-joo with a choice: a divorce or a sincere marriage. Their bond deepens further when Hee-joo survives a fall from a cliff and reaches out to Sa-eon for assistance.
Sa-eon becomes a caring presence in Hee-joo’s life, nurturing their romance with tender gestures. He eventually admits that he knew she orchestrated the ransom calls, expressing his love through a heartfelt kiss. As they draw closer together, a new threat emerges.
The kidnapper sends cryptic messages and accuses Sa-eon of murder. Sa-eon seeks public assistance to decipher clues, while Hee-joo investigates, leading them to a foreboding mansion.
Challenges and Revelations
In the midst of the turmoil, the couple shares vulnerable moments, with Sa-eon alluding to a troubled past and his non-biological connection to the Baek family.
As the identity of the kidnapper is revealed to be the original Baek Sa-eon, related by blood to the Baek family, the two grapple with distrust, concealed secrets, and external threats in their efforts to protect one another and uncover the truth. Following a second kidnapping of Hee-joo, she resolves to end the ordeal by crashing the car they are in.
Anticipations for the Finale
With only two episodes remaining in When the Phone Rings, viewers eagerly await the couple’s fate, wondering if they will achieve a happy ending or face a painful separation. The tenth episode teased the eleventh, heightening the suspense.
A happy ending would entail Hee-joo’s safe return, allowing the couple to live happily after severing ties with the Baek family. Conversely, a less likely outcome might see Hee-joo perish in the car crash, leaving Sa-eon in despair.
The kidnapper’s fate also remains uncertain; fans will learn whether he meets his end in the crash or is apprehended. The couple’s journey, fraught with misunderstandings and life-threatening challenges, showcases their reliance on and protection of each other, striking an emotional chord with viewers. When the Phone Rings is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
