The highly anticipated series has confirmed its first broadcast on November 22nd and recently released an intriguing teaser poster.
When The Phone Rings traverses a politically arranged marriage. Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin’s characters live as a “show window” couple, presenting a picture-perfect facade to the public while maintaining a cold and distant relationship in private. They barely speak to each other at home, leading separate lives despite their marital bond.
However, the calm of their calculated, business-like relationship is disrupted when they receive a mysterious and threatening phone call. This call marks the beginning of a series of unsettling events that shake the foundation of their seemingly perfect life, exposing deep secrets and hidden tensions between them.
Based on a popular web novel from Kakao Page, the drama is already generating buzz due to its stellar creative team and cast. It combines the writing talents of Kim Ji-woon, known for his nuanced and compelling stories in Melancholia and Doctor John, and the directorial expertise of Park Sang-woo, who brought visual brilliance to Forbidden Marriage. The production also features renowned actors like Yoo Yeon Seok, Heo Nam Joon, and Jang Gyu Ri, making it one of MBC’s most anticipated releases of 2024.
Yoo Yeon Seok plays Baek Sa-eon, a man who is tightly controlled and appears emotionally distant. Chae Soo Bin takes on the role of Hong Hee-joo, his wife, whose calm exterior hides unspoken feelings. The teaser poster vividly captures the complexity of their relationship. In the image, Sa-eon stands holding a phone, his expression stern, as if waiting for an ominous call, while Hee-joo stands beside him, her true emotions concealed behind an enigmatic gaze. Though the two characters are physically close, the poster shows them standing with their backs to each other, suggesting a deep emotional divide. Their eyes focus on one spot, increasing the suspense and curiosity about the nature of their hidden feelings.
Chae Soo Bin To Tackle Challenging Role In “When The Phone Rings
The poster is further enriched by the phrase, “Everyone has secrets. Don’t you? Something you’re keeping from me.” This tagline hints at the central theme of the drama—secrets buried within the couple’s marriage. The two shadows facing each other add a layer of intrigue, symbolizing the unspoken tension between Sa-eon and Hee-joo. The poster subtly teases a “hidden twist,” increasing anticipation for the story’s gradual revelations about the secrets they’re hiding from each other, and how these secrets will affect their lives moving forward.
The production team shared their vision for the drama, explaining that the story will revolve around the threatening phone call, which serves as a turning point in the relationship between Sa-eon and Hee-joo. “We wanted to fully express the emotions and situation of Sa-eon and Hee-joo, starting with that fateful call. The teaser poster reflects the complex emotions that exist beneath the surface of their relationship, emotions that are very different from the image they project to the outside world.”
The team also praised the chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, highlighting not only their visual appeal but also their strong acting partnership. Both actors are expected to deliver intense and dynamic performances that will bring depth to the characters’ evolving relationship.
With its first broadcast set for November 22nd at 9:50 PM, When the Phone Rings is already generating buzz, and viewers are eager to see how this unique blend of romance, suspense, and thriller elements will unfold.
Photo Credit: MBC Drama
