The South Korean mystery thriller When the Phone Rings, starring Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin, concluded its run on Netflix with a series of dramatic twists and turns. The final episodes, released on January 3 and 4, 2025, resolved many of the drama’s mysteries but also sparked controversy among viewers. This article explains the complex ending, including the reasons behind a particular scene’s negative reception.
The Twisting Plot of When the Phone Rings
When the Phone Rings tells the story of a marriage of convenience between Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo Bin), who pretends to be mute, and Baek Sa Eon (Yoo Yeon Seok), the supposed heir of a wealthy family. However, the drama reveals that Yoo Yeon Seok’s character is not the real Baek Sa Eon but an imposter. Episode 11 revealed the reason behind this deception.
Unraveling the Ending of When the Phone Rings
The man posing as Baek Sa Eon was originally an orphan taken in by a fisherman. Baek Jang Ho, a powerful figure, replaced his troubled grandson with this boy, who was actually his own illegitimate son. This drastic measure was taken to conceal his grandson’s violent tendencies. However, a young Hong Yu Jin, son of one of Baek Jang Ho’s associates, saw the grandson’s face, leading to his murder at Baek Jang Ho’s command. As compensation, Baek Jang Ho then made a deal to kill his own grandson.
In the final episode, the imposter Baek Sa Eon learns this shocking truth: his biological father (known to the world as his grandfather) was responsible for the death of Hong Hee Joo’s stepbrother, causing her years of suffering. Overwhelmed by guilt, he disappears after Hong Hee Joo recovers in the hospital.
Baek Sa Eon’s Departure and Reunion
Baek Sa Eon seeks self-punishment by going to Argan, a fictional, hostile foreign land he knew from his military service, to dedicate his life to rescue work. When Hong Hee Joo receives a donation in her name to a school for mute and hearing-impaired children in Argan, she understands it’s from him and goes to find him.
They reconcile in Argan and spend a night together, finally expressing their feelings. However, a scene involving Na Yu Ri (Jang Gyu Ri) later in the drama drew strong criticism from viewers.
The Controversial Scene and Fan Reactions
The 12th episode included a news report by Na Yu Ri about a fictional conflict between “Paltima” and “Ismael,” involving a Korean hostage. Viewers felt this scene inappropriately mirrored the real-world Israel-Palestine conflict. They called it “unnecessary” and demanded an apology, believing it trivialized a serious global issue.
A Happy Ending Despite the Obstacles
Despite the drama’s darker elements and the controversial scene, When the Phone Rings concludes on a positive note. Baek Sa Eon (now using his real name, Baek Yoo Yeon) and Hong Hee Joo return to South Korea and officially marry. Hong Hee Joo also rebuilds her relationship with her stepsister, Hong In A, and their parents. Friends and colleagues celebrate their marriage, and Ji Sang Woo (Heo Nam Joon) and Na Yu Ri reveal their own relationship. The drama ends with a romantic scene of Baek Yoo Yeon and Hong Hee Joo walking hand-in-hand.
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