“Why Does Chae Soo-bin’s Expression Raise Questions?” A Critique of Her Performance in ‘When the Phone Rings’

Chae Soo-bin’s Acting Under Scrutiny in New Drama

Actress Chae Soo-bin has found herself in the spotlight once again as her performance in the new drama, When the Phone Rings, faces criticism. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, her recent portrayal has drawn attention, particularly for its execution of a character who undergoes emotional and communicative challenges.

The drama, which launched on the 22nd, kicks off with an ominous phone call directed at a married couple entrenched in a seemingly perfect but ultimately troubled relationship. Based on a web novel of the same name, the show stars Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, a youthful press secretary, while Chae Soo-bin takes on the role of Hong Hee-joo, a second daughter from a prominent media family and a sign language interpreter.

A Character Struggling with Selective Mutism

One of the focal points of the narrative is Hong Hee-joo’s struggle with selective mutism, a condition stemming from a childhood trauma. This requires Chae Soo-bin to express a wide array of emotions solely through facial expressions and sign language throughout the first episode. However, this constraint has inadvertently hindered her performance. Her expressions, particularly during high-stakes scenes like a kidnapping, felt underwhelming and disrupted the narrative flow.

Complex Emotional Landscape

Hong Hee-joo, navigating a life filled with frustration and societal pressures, married in place of her older sister and faces emotional turmoil from both a manipulative mother and an indifferent husband. Although she demonstrates moments of strength, including rebellious gestures like flipping off her husband during news broadcasts, the depth of her emotional journey seems hard for her to convey effectively through limited expressions. The moment she finally asserts herself in a phone call with her husband appeared somewhat disjointed, lacking the gravity the scene presumably demanded.

Romantic Chemistry in Question

The chemistry between Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-seok is also under examination. Their relationship begins in animosity, yet the anticipated romantic connection is not fully realized, as both actors convey more discomfort than chemistry, with Yoo’s portrayal slightly overshadowed by his somewhat emaciated appearance.

Future Prospects for Chae Soo-bin

Fortunately, Hong Hee-joo’s mutism lifts by the end of the first episode. Nevertheless, Chae Soo-bin’s acting choices remain contentious. She continues to communicate through sign language and written notes, which may lead to ongoing challenges in portraying nuanced facial cues.

As the storyline progresses, a potential romantic arc could allow Chae Soo-bin to unveil a more relatable and engaging side of her character. Despite previous strong performances that eluded criticism, the true test for her will reside in how effectively she can address and grow from the initial feedback surrounding her role in When the Phone Rings.

Previous Criticism in “The Fabulous”

Chae Soo-bin faced similar critiques earlier in The Fabulous, where she played Pyo Ji Eun, a passionate and dedicated PR manager for a luxury brand. While she dazzled in this role, audience feedback pointed out her tendency to portray similar character types across various shows. Critics suggested she lacked versatility, often embodying the optimistic and diligent lead.

As Chae Soo-bin attempts to distinguish herself with her latest role, she faces the challenge of proving her ability to adopt more complex and varied portrayals in the eyes of audiences. Time will tell if her performance in When the Phone Rings can shift perceptions and elevate her standing as a versatile actress.

Source: Naver

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