The Anticipation Surrounding “When the Phone Rings”: A New Era in K-Drama
In the wake of “Doubt,” which captivated audiences with a nationwide viewership rating of 9.6% before concluding on November 15th, the spotlight now shifts to “When the Phone Rings.” This new series has quickly gained traction and is poised to carve out its own space in the competitive landscape of Korean drama.
Plot Overview: Twists of Romance and Suspense
“When the Phone Rings,” inspired by a highly regarded web novel, tells the compelling story of Baek Sa-eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok), a skilled spokesperson for the Presidential Office, and Hong Hee-joo (portrayed by Chae Soo-bin), the daughter of a wealthy chaebol family. As they navigate their third year of an arranged marriage, unexpected tensions arise following a mysterious blackmail call. The series uniquely combines elements of thriller and romance, delivering an innovative genre dubbed the “romantic thriller.”
Character Insights: Unveiling Depth and Complexity
Yoo Yeon-seok embodies Baek Sa-eon, recognized as the youngest spokesperson at the Presidential Office, characterized by his keen intellect and calm demeanor. On the other hand, Chae Soo-bin’s portrayal of Hong Hee-joo as a sign language interpreter battling selective mutism adds layers to her character. In preparation for this role, Chae Soo-bin dedicated herself to mastering sign language with professional guidance to ensure an authentic performance.
Behind the Scenes: Vision and Dedication
During a press conference on November 21st, director Park Sang-woo described the series as a blend of thriller elements that gradually unfolds into a warm romance. Yoo Yeon-seok remarked on the distinct nature of his character, sharing insights on how he prepared by studying videos of actual spokespersons. This meticulous approach aims to bring authenticity to Baek Sa-eon’s character.
Supporting Cast: Adding New Dimensions
Chae Soo-bin highlighted her excitement over communicating through sign language, which she found both refreshing and challenging. The series also features Heo Nam-jun as Ji Sang-woo, a psychiatrist, and Jang Gyu-ri as Na Yu-ri, an idolizing junior announcer. Notably, Na Yu-ri is an original character not present in the web novel, raising anticipation about how her journey will influence the narrative.
Facing the Competition: A Promising Outlook
During the conference, the cast acknowledged the competition posed by SBS’s “The Fiery Priest 2,” which leads the ratings for Friday-Saturday dramas. Yoo Yeon-seok expressed confidence in their unique storytelling approach, and Heo Nam-jun made a playful bet stating that should their ratings reach 20%, the cast will embark on a camping trip and feature it on Yoo Yeon-seok’s YouTube channel. The anticipation for this live-streamed event adds a layer of excitement for fans.
Viewer Response: A Warm Welcome Ahead of Premiere
With the first episode trailer released on MBC Drama’s YouTube channel on November 22nd, audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Comments such as “Yoo Yeon-seok’s eyes are everything. I’m definitely watching the premiere tonight,” demonstrate the anticipation building around this new drama.
Details on the Premiere
“When the Phone Rings” is set to premiere on November 22nd at 9:50 PM KST and will be available for global viewing on Netflix. Viewers can also catch replays on platforms such as Wavve and Netflix, ensuring that fans across the world can engage with this new series.
Source: Wikitree
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