The weekend drama 'When the Phone Rings' started with a 5.5% viewership rating and wrapped up with its highest rating yet, peaking at 10.1% during its finale.
According to Nielsen Korea, the final episode, aired on 4th at 9:50 PM KST, recorded 8.6% nationwide, setting a new record for the series and ending on a high with a flawless happy ending. The finale featured the long-awaited union of Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin) as they became a true married couple.
After a turbulent journey, the couple consummated their relationship in a heartfelt and passionate moment. The story took an emotional turn when Baek Sa-eon, shot by a kidnapper, disappeared without a trace. Hong Hee-joo, left behind, refused to abandon their home, convinced he would return. Despite her family urging her to move on, she clung to hope, declaring, “I can’t leave this house. What if he comes back and I’m not here?” Her determination eventually led her to a war zone overseas, where Baek Sa-eon had been working as a war correspondent. At a sunset spot in Argan, the two finally reunited.
In a tearful exchange, Baek Sa-eon asked, “I told you to wait until I found you. So why are you here?” Hong Hee-joo replied, “I had planned to divorce you, but I couldn’t live a single day without you. I traveled halfway around the world to find you.” The two shared an emotional kiss, solidifying their bond. That night, they became closer than ever, with Baek Sa-eon confessing the next morning, “It’s always been you.” He proposed, promising to marry her as the person he truly is, not the version of himself burdened by his past.
After returning to Korea, Baek Sa-eon changed his name to 'Baek Yoo-yeon', a name that carries profound meaning: "Yoo" signifies "the only one," and "Yeon" represents "to love." Together, the name embodies the idea of a singular, irreplaceable love, symbolizing his deep commitment to Hong Hee-joo and marking the beginning of their new life together. Their journey concluded with a deeply moving happy ending that left viewers satisfied.
Based on a popular web novel of the same name, 'When the Phone Rings' captivated audiences by seamlessly adapting its characters and storylines into the drama format. The story follows Baek Sa-eon, a presidential spokesperson, and Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter, who enter a three-year contract marriage and discover their true feelings for each other after a mysterious voice-altered blackmail call. While incorporating classic romance tropes like contract marriage and unconditional love, the drama stood out for its delicate portrayal of heartfelt emotions. One standout moment in the finale was Baek Sa-eon admitting, “I needed time to punish myself for everything I’ve done,” a scene that achieved a peak rating of 10.1%.
Fans were quick to praise the drama, leaving comments like, “The bed scenes were so beautifully done.” “Their chemistry was unmatched!” “Yoo Yeon-seok’s acting was incredible.” “I finished binge-watching, and the warm ending was perfect.” “12 episodes were too short—I need more!” “This drama was everything today: intense, emotional, and unforgettable,” “That kiss scene was insane!”
'When the Phone Rings' will be followed by the new Friday-Saturday drama 'Motel California,' starring Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, set to premiere on 10th. The series will depict the story of a woman who grew up in a rural motel and reconnects with her first love 12 years after fleeing her hometown. The show promises a heartfelt “first love remodeling romance” with plenty of twists and turns.