When the Phone Rings (2024)

This has me hooked with the first episode

I came across this series via a TikTok and it had me wanting more and I couldn’t stop … except I caught up and now must wait for the next episode.
I love these characters and the episodes just give us more bread crumbs for the story.
I really really hope this all works out and it doesn’t loose its appeal after 3-5 episodes.
but I do have a good feeling about it.

the story follows a government official who comes from a very esteemed family. He is forced to marry into a media tycoon family.
he agrees but makes a couple of conditions for his new wife. she can’t ask for a divorce, especially during a election year and no one must know she is his wife. if she breaks any of these rules … she owes him 2 billon won.

The wife he agrees to marry has selective mutism. she works as a sign interpreter for a news agency.

one night her car is hacked and she os kidnapped. the kidnapped tells her husband, he doesn’t believe the kidnapped has his wife and tells him not to call again. if he does he better have killed her.

what comes next is a battle of cat and mouse …. it will have you hooked!!!

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Enjoyable but disconcerting.

There's a lot to enjoy about this drama - so far only half the episodes have been released on Netflix. Both leads play their roles well, especially ML is compelling. FL is less compelling, especially in beginning episodes she just didn't look that terrified at being kidnapped - but playing the quietly submissive person who pleases everyone to survive - that was convincing - having large doe eyes helps, and there is a warmth to her role that draws you in. The chemistry between the pair is great, of course, it helps they're both good to look at. The age gap between the leads is a little distracting, as they are supposed to be similar in age, but they're both too cute together for me to be bothered that much. It kind of suits the drama that he looks quite a bit older as he is quite dominating and paternalistic.

There are quite a few times where we have to suspend judgement - especially around the FL being a sign language interpreter. As a person who cannot speak, she can only interpret one way - and yet there are many situations when two way interpreting is required, so another interpreter is bought along to support her. It's also odd that she signs to the British ambassador's wife in Korean sign language as the two sign languages are not mutually intelligible. Kudos to the actress though, she did look comfortable signing and learning those sequences would not have been easy. I use sign as a second language, so it's comforting for me to see sign language taking a central role in a drama.

As in many Korean dramas, the inequality of the sexes in terms of influence and power stands out starkly to an outside observer. Often older women are portrayed as malicious and vain, and you wonder if that's because it's the only way they ever get to exert any influence. This particular dynamic is on clear display in this drama, and although it's there to add tension and not to make any kind of social commentary, it's such a force in this show that it's hard to ignore.

I am often struck too by how often the male lead tells the female lead to stand up for herself and in the next breath he orders her around under the guise that she doesn't know how to take care of herself. It seems like this is all the usual romantic trope of the powerful and commanding male lead and on screen it works a charm, but in real life it would be regarded as toxic masculinity.

So I find myself regularly suspending judgement and going a long for the ride. It's an enjoyable ride, as long as you don't think about it too much.

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If you’re not watching it now, then when will you???

An enormous fan of Yoo Yeon Seok, I heard this drama was about to air. So, I just casually decided to watch it without even knowing the plot or checking the trailer. Boy, I decided the right thing. This drama keeps you engaged right after it starts. Chae Soobin often keeps low profile in her dramas. But here, ufff the chemistry between the leads is so hot and interesting. Soobin just keeps getting better and better. The story is very interesting with unpredictable characters and the cinematography is so aesthetically pleasing. After each episode, you are only left with one line- When is the next episode coming, I can’t wait. ❤️

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My new addiction

This drama just makes me stay excited for every ep. the acting is great and the cast is my fav actors and actresses. the story and the tension is top tier. we got one of the best chemistry in 2024 series here. love the ost and I keep listening to it on repeat, it is amazing. love everything till now and I hope it remains great till the last. I wish I had waited for all the eps to start watching because now I have to wait every week and it's tourturing I can't wait to see the next eps. really this year is full of amazing drama and this one might top them if it goes as great as now till the end

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A Thrilling Experience With a Sensational Pairing

Would you get triggered if someone was threatening your fake wife?

This question and the most possibly reasonable answer to it doesn’t adhere to the premise for this show. After watching the first episode, I was exhilarated and compelled. The second episode left me confused, nevertheless wanting more. Starring Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin, the plotline might seem like a cliche “Enemies to Lover’s” trope; but it is anything except that. We have almost regal couple who have been faking their relationship from Day One; did circumstance push them together or it was a carefully maneuvered scheme by the groom who isn’t as unwilling as it seems. The first two episodes leave you with more questions than answers figuratively. The intricacies relative to the main leads is so mysterious, you can’t help but be intrigued by their differences. As the Presidential candidate’s son, Baek Sa Eon is a public figure in his own right. He doesn’t need to bask in his father’s glory, because he is a celebrity himself. The twist in the tale is that the public believe he is married to Hong In A, Hong Hui Ju’s elder sister. Since the wedding was private, no one has seen his wife yet. Seems suspicious yet, because won’t the paparazzi and media be digging into the private lives of the future President’s family. How Sa Eon managed to hide his wife from public eyes for three years will pique your curiosity; the question is intrinsic to this storyline and thus becomes the premise for this show.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/24/when-the-phone-rings-first-impressions/#more-1356

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A CAPTIVATING BLEND OF ROMANCE AND MYSTERY!

"When the Phone Rings" is a captivating drama that intertwines romance, suspense, and mystery in a uniquely compelling narrative. The story revolves around a presidential spokesperson and a sign language interpreter who enter a marriage based on family connections rather than love. Three years into their relationship, they find themselves as strangers, with no real communication or understanding of each other. Their marriage, shrouded in secrecy, is anything but ordinary.

The plot thickens when the wife is kidnapped, and her husband dismisses the ransom call as a prank, putting her life at risk. In a desperate bid for freedom, she turns the tables on her captors..and then starts using their phone to reach out to him with threats of divorce... This twist not only heightens the tension but also reveals the cracks in their relationship, forcing them to confront their feelings and the reality of their marriage.

The male lead gives off the aura of a classic Wattpad character, embodying a cold yet charming persona. The female lead is beautifully written as soft-spoken, vulnerable, and calm, yet smart and brave. The chemistry between the two is nothing short of amazing; their scenes together are sensual and delightful, often leaving viewers giggling. The acting is commendable, particularly how the male lead uses his eyes and body language to convey emotions, given his cold exterior. The female lead also shines in her role, showcasing impressive acting skills and even learning sign language, which is crucial to her character's communication throughout the series.

Overall, "When the Phone Rings" is interesting, engaging, and fun to watch, even though the arranged marriage or love-after-marriage theme is familiar. It feels refreshingly different, thanks to the well-developed characters and their dynamic. The original soundtrack is another highlight, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. This drama definitely keeps viewers yearning for more!

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Details/gems

Unlike a conventional review, this is just an effort to document and put together all the fan noticed-subtle details/gems found in the drama in case you missed it. Non of the below details on observations are mine and the credit goes to their OG detective fans. As a loyal and addicted fan of this drama, I just want to document all this gasping information in one place and make note.

*Feel free to comment or reply to this review to add to this list :)*

1. After Paek Sa Eon saw Hong Hee Joo's car damaged (fender bender + hacking) in ep2, he gets her a new car. We see a switch from KIA in ep2 to BMW in ep3.

2. The white heels Hee Joo wears during the railing scene. As she approaches the elevator to leave, you can see her wearing her backstage/bts brown sandals instead. lol.

3. To Sa Eon, "sunset" symbolises Hee Joo (hence his wallpaper is sunset). With this meaning in mind, he was scared that a complete sunset would mean he would loose Hee Joo forever in ep6. So the moment the portable flare lit up in the darkness, he ran towards it like nothing else mattered and as if it was his only hope that was ignited. To find her and to be able to see his sun rise again. The flare represents a spark of hope to find her.

4. He treats her like a princess and provides for her the best. Her bedroom vs his, her bed vs his, her bathroom vs his, her car vs his, and her wardrobe.

5. The dog in ep8 is Sa Eon/ Yoo Yeon Seok's real pet named, "Rita".

6. The reason Sa Eon took a victory photo with Hee Joo in their retreat was because he saw Mr.Kang's phone's home screen wallpaper (him and his wife happily eating ice cream) during the bus ride scene in ep7.

7. Although Sa Eon's wedding ring got more screen time than Hee Joo's here's what they each mean: His ring signifies to be lovers sharing a ‘Tilted Umbrella’. Tilting an umbrella means to protect a beloved from the rain, letting one’s own shoulder bear the storm. Sa Eon’s silent and quiet promise to shield Hee Joo from every raindrop. Her ring signifies "One Love" and symbolises "Pure Love" that keeps only one partner by its side for a lifetime and it is shaped like a goose.

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