TYPE OF REVIEW 
: GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.
MBC’s drama series When the Phone Rings (지금 거신 전화는/The Number You Have Dialed) aired its last episode on January 4, 2025. Though if breaking news had not delayed the series a week, it would have finished it run in 2024. Either way, if I had watched this series before the New Year, it would have easily made my 2024 Favorites list. Most likely around #4. And that’s because the series is one of the most fun and most refreshing I’ve seen in a while.
I enjoyed a lot of great series in 2024. But When the Phone Rings was able to blend together familiar themes and Korean drama situations in a unique and refreshing way that others, even while enjoyable, do not. Its solid pacing, legitimately exciting twists and a strong ensemble cast led by the irresistible pairing of Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin make this series a must watch.
When the Phone Rings begins by introducing us to Baek Sa Eon (Yoo Yeon Seok), a talented and popular presidential spokesperson from a powerful political family and Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo Bin), a mute sign language interpreter. Their marriage is initially a contract for convenience between their families, causing a mutual animosity.
But her kidnapping, which is solved quite dramatically by the end of the first episode, sets off a chain of events that uncover secret tragedies, hidden feelings and changes their lives and complex relationship in unexpected ways.
When the Phone Rings is immediately engaging, starting off as a dramatic thriller and mystery before evolving into a slow-burn romance. It’s actually the opposite of most series that start out lighter before delving into the dark depths.
It is a romantic thriller, for the most part. With equal parts suspense, mystery, soapy drama and even some welcome lighthearted, sweet and feel-good moments; the series deftly juggles these seemingly contrasting genres to put together something refreshingly different. The series even touches on social commentary, complicated family dynamics, and the stigma of disability and mental health in Korean society in a way that is respectful while still being perfectly dramatic.
And the themes of trust, communication, love, friendship, guilt, and redemption offer up emotionally affecting stories and moments that grab you and never let go until the very end.
Equal parts predictable and unexpected, every twist and turn helps to propel the story and its characters forward. It features an intricate plot that never gets too convoluted for its own good. Every planted seed bares satisfying fruit throughout the solidly paced 12 episodes. And it is that balance of both plot and character-driven drama that really sets it apart from the many other options out there.
Even as Sa Eon and Hee Joo’s relationship takes center stage, the supporting characters all get their time in the spotlight. And the good character development for those supporting players, in addition to being good stories on their own, help to support Sa Eon and Hee Joo’s main story even more. The provided depth powers the thoroughly engaging and many times edge-of-your-seat narrative.
Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin, both drama veterans, lead an excellent ensemble cast. Their unmistakable chemistry is on full display from the very beginning even when their two characters are at odds with each other and they, literally, struggle to even communicate with each other. Both experienced actors know how to infuse their performances with just the right amount of nuance to fully express their characters’ conflicted emotions and eventual development and growth of their relationship.
And that is important with all the twists and turns the series encounters. Without their strong and sincere performances, most of those unexpected story turns would fall flat. But not here. They are both just excellent and the series benefits greatly from that.
Matching the lead actors’ exceptional performances, the ensemble, comprised of seasoned veterans and promising new faces, delivers a richly developed world. Again, each character interesting in their own right. But each an integral piece to the overall narrative. All making for a truly immersive, exciting and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Further supported by an excellent soundtrack (including lead OST “See the Light” by my ult Im Hyunsik!), purposeful direction and dreamy cinematography, the series is a total package.
When the Phone Rings is a standout series that transcends typical K-drama tropes, offering compelling storytelling and exceptional performances that will endure long after the credits roll. It’s a series that masterfully balances suspenseful twists with deeply heartwarming moments, resonating on a profoundly emotional level. If you’re looking for a series that will captivate your heart and mind, When the Phone Rings is an absolute must-see.