The author of the novel expressed satisfaction with the drama: “Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s synchronization with the original characters is 200%.“The author praised:”When I read the original now, I can hear Yoo Yeon-seok’s voice. The “Baek Sa-eon” in the drama looks even more refined and sexier than in the novel.“
“When the Phone Rings” (Design: Kwon Seong-chang / Directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu / Written by Kim Ji-woon / Produced by Bon Factory and Baram Pictures) is a story that takes place when a showcase A couple who have lived together without speaking to each other for three years in an arranged marriage receive a threatening phone call from a kidnapper. Since its premiere in November, the series has topped the TV-OTT charts, ranked in the Netflix Top 10 in 78 countries and reached #2 globally on Netflix. Despite a hiatus last week, the drama remains in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows, securing second place globally and maintaining its Top 10 position in 48 countries as of December 11.
The original web novel saw a surge in popularity alongside the success of the drama. Compared to the period before the drama aired, the number of viewers of the novel increased fivefold, and its revenue increased 14.6 times. It even topped Kakao Page’s daily web novel chart. The accompanying webtoon, launched shortly before the drama’s airing, also saw an increase in views and revenue of 3.6 and 6.9 times, respectively, ranking second in Kakao Page’s weekly romance webtoon category.
As the drama, web novel, and webtoon have gained immense success, author Geon Eomul Nyeo praised Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin for their portrayals of the original characters. About Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, the youngest presidential spokesperson, the author noted: “He seems cold and collected, as if trying to hide his love for his wife, but his deep gaze and low, resonant voice embody Baek Sa-eon perfectly..” On Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter and Baek Sa-eon’s wife, the author praised: “Her bunny face, scared expressions and awkward attempts at threats are exactly how I imagined Hong Hee-joo. It’s like a live-action version of the character.”
The author also expressed satisfaction with the nuanced adaptation of the drama, including new characters such as Ji Sang-woo (Heo Nam-jun), a psychiatrist and Hong Hee-joo’s college senior, and Na Yu-ri (Jang Gyu-ri), a top-notch announcer and fan of Baek Sa-eon. These characters, absent in the original, blend perfectly into the narrative about “communication”. The author expressed curiosity about how these additions would affect Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo’s relationship. The drama also adds new details to the characters, such as Hong Hee-joo’s childhood dream of becoming an announcer, which enhances the understanding of her character. Subtle details, such as Baek Sa-eon holding on to his wedding ring in contrast to harsh words or casually drinking wine sipped by his wife, along with matching messenger profile photos and backgrounds, were praised for highlighting the their chemistry.
Reflecting on the main story, the author shared: “While writing the novel, I wanted to capture a couple in a contractual marriage, who never shared their true feelings, discovering their hidden love for each other in extreme circumstances. The drama portrays this so compellingly that even as an author, I cannot miss an episode and have become an avid viewer.“
Episodes 5 and 6 of “When the Phone Rings” will air on December 13 at 9.40pm and December 14 at 9.50pm respectively.
Source: Daum
