
Unveiling the Intrigue of “When the Phone Rings”
Introduction: “When the Phone Rings” is one of the most gripping dramas we’ve encountered in recent years, boasting a captivating narrative filled with kidnapping, murder, contract marriages, arson, faked deaths, disguised identities, and political machinations. Initially appearing as the tale of an apparently loveless union between Paik Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok), a burgeoning politician, and Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), a sign language interpreter, takes an unexpected twist in the very first episode. Here, Hee-joo is abducted and breaks her silence, a stark contrast to her lifelong use of sign language following a traumatic incident during her childhood. This sets the stage for the relentless momentum of “When the Phone Rings,” spanning 12 enthralling episodes and fueled by the electrifying chemistry and performances of series leads Yoo and Chae. In this article, we delve into the masterful storytelling techniques employed by directors Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu and writer Kim Ji-won to resolve the series’ myriad unanswered questions in its climactic finale.