With only two episodes left, MBC’s drama “When the Phone Rings” continues to ring true with viewers. Based on a web novel, the show blends romance, suspense, and surprising twists, keeping fans glued to their screens.
The drama’s success extends far beyond Korea. In a recent interview, the novel’s author, Geon Eomul Nyeo, expressed surprise and joy at the show’s enthusiastic reception overseas.
Yoo Yeon-seok’s Acting Praised as Show Captivates Audiences Worldwide
What makes “When the Phone Rings” so captivating? The author highlights Yoo Yeon-seok’s performance as a key ingredient.
“Isn’t it because of Yoo Yeon-seok’s divine sexy eye acting?” the author said.
“Many say Yoo Yeon-seok’s acting is leading this drama,” Geon Eomul Nyeo remarked, particularly praising his expressive eyes. She also credits the sizzling chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and his co-star Chae Soo-bin as another reason viewers can’t get enough.
“I’m not really sure why overseas viewers are responding more enthusiastically. I’m sure it’s because of Yoo Yeon-seok’s sexy acting between the eyebrows. I’ve seen many opinions that Yoo Yeon-seok’s acting skills are leading this drama. And I think the chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin is making viewers impatient,” the author remarked.
From Novel to Global Hit: A Personal Journey
Adapting a beloved novel to television can be nerve-wracking, but Nyeo is thrilled with the final product.
Initially unsure how the story would translate, she commends the entire production team for their exceptional work. The directing, script, and the cast’s performances, especially Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, all exceeded her expectations.
A Phone Call Sparks Inspiration
The original story stemmed from the author’s own experience with voice phishing. This real-life event inspired the plot of a married couple whose world is turned upside down by a mysterious phone call.
“One phone call really changed my life. A few years ago, I was actually a victim of voice phishing. At that time, I was lured by the phone calls and dragged to various banks, and I still vividly remember feeling hopeless. I wonder if that experience had a big impact on me, because one day, the idea of ‘What if the Show Window Couple made a threatening phone call?’ suddenly came to mind. ” the author of When the Phone Rings shared.
Originally envisioned as a romantic comedy, the web novel evolved into a suspenseful drama with thrilling twists. Despite these changes, the core of the story remains true to the author’s vision.
Unexpected International Acclaim
“When the Phone Rings” first appeared as a web novel on Kakao Page in November 2022 and quickly gained a loyal following. However, Nyeo never imagined it would become a global drama.
While Korean viewers enjoyed the show, the international response has been particularly overwhelming. This positive feedback motivates Nyeo to continue creating captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
“I feel that the overseas response is much hotter than domestically. I’m secretly looking at this phenomenon with a curious mind,” she said.
i refuse to believe he is the man who said "you weren't sent to me as hostage" coz he is so soft with her since alwayys 😭😭 this Idiot in love didn't knew how to vocalise his feelings in fear of letting her go #WhenThePhoneRings#WhenThePhoneRingsEp11pic.twitter.com/SXCs15cQea
The author draws inspiration from everyday experiences, like her mother’s love for volleyball or a simple encounter with a tree doctor. These unique observations fuel her creativity and help her craft fresh narratives.
Even her pen name, Geon Eomul Nyeo, reflects her personality. It translates to “someone composed in public but messy at home,” a fitting description for a writer who finds inspiration in the ordinary.
Plot overview of When the Phone Rings
“When the Phone Rings” is the story of a seemingly perfect couple whose lives unravel after a threatening phone call. Yoo Yeon-seok portrays the ambitious politician husband, while Chae Soo-bin plays his wife, a skilled sign language interpreter struggling with a past trauma.
As the drama nears its finale, “When the Phone Rings” sits at number two on the December TV-OTT drama rankings, proving its global appeal.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
