When the Phone Rings is a gripping new Kdrama that’s captured the attention of global audiences with its unique premise, stellar performances, and intense suspense. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, the romance-mystery thriller has already achieved remarkable success, securing millions of views in its first week alone. As the series continues to unfold, fans are eagerly awaiting the next episodes. Here’s everything you need to know about the release schedule, plot, and where to watch When the Phone Rings.
Plot Overview:
When the Phone Rings revolves around the complex relationship between Baek Sa-eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hong Hee-ju (played by Chae Soo-bin). Baek Sa-eon is a former war correspondent and hostage negotiator who now works at a broadcasting station, while Hong Hee-ju is a sign language interpreter at the same station. The drama dives into their “show window marriage”—a politically arranged union that serves only as a facade. However, their marriage takes an unexpected turn when they begin to uncover deeper secrets surrounding a mysterious phone call, setting the stage for a thrilling journey full of romance, intrigue, and danger.
With its mix of romance, mystery, and political drama, When the Phone Rings is quickly becoming a favorite among Kdrama enthusiasts, thanks to its captivating storyline and the sizzling chemistry between the lead characters.
Release Schedule:
The drama premiered on November 22, 2024, and follows a weekly schedule, with episodes airing on Fridays and Saturdays. However, due to a two-week hiatus, there are changes to the original release plan in December. Here’s the updated release schedule for all episodes:
- Episode 7: December 20, 2024
- Episode 8: December 21, 2024
- Episode 9: December 27, 2024
- Episode 10: December 28, 2024
- Episode 11: January 3, 2025
- Episode 12 (Finale): January 4, 2025
Time Zones for Release:
For international viewers, the release time of each episode may vary based on your location. Here’s the release time in major time zones:
- Korea Standard Time (KST): 21:50 KST (9:50 PM KST)
- Indian Standard Time (IST): 6:20 PM IST
- Pacific Standard Time (PST): 5:20 AM PST
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): 8:20 AM EST
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 1:20 PM GMT
Be sure to adjust the release time according to your local time zone so you can catch the episodes as soon as they drop!
Where to Watch When the Phone Rings?
When the Phone Rings is available to watch both on MBC TV in South Korea and Netflix internationally. The drama is available for streaming in select regions, so viewers outside of South Korea can tune in via Netflix at the times mentioned above.
Special Programming During the Hiatus:
Due to the two-week hiatus in December, MBC will air a special documentary on Han Kang, Korea’s first Nobel Prize-winning author, on December 14, 2024. On December 20, a recap of the first seven episodes will be shown, helping fans catch up before the series resumes.
Why You Should Watch the K-drama:
The chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin is undeniably one of the highlights of the series. Yoo Yeon-seok, known for his roles in Reply 1994, Dr. Romantic, and Hospital Playlist, delivers a nuanced performance as Baek Sa-eon, a man caught between duty and desire. Chae Soo-bin, who has won hearts with her roles in Love in the Moonlight and Strongest Deliveryman, plays Hong Hee-ju with remarkable depth, making their evolving relationship one of the most intriguing aspects of the series.
The show’s success is also due to its unique premise, where a seemingly perfect marriage unravels amidst danger, mystery, and emotional turmoil. The narrative is full of unexpected twists, keeping viewers at the edge of their seats with each new episode.