The MBC webtoon-based drama “When The Phone Rings” has concluded after airing its final episode on January 4. After wrapping up the drama, actor Yoo Yeon-seok, who played the male lead Baek Sa-eon, shared his feelings and revealed various behind-the-scenes stories in an interview.
Regarding his impression when he received the script, Yoo Yeon-seok said, “I felt like I had seen this type of character before,” adding “I thought this character was not very special but the company staff showed the opposite reactions.” As someone who normally doesn’t like reading web novels or romance novels, he felt embarrassed when reading Baek Sa-eon’s cheesy lines in the script.
The actor continued, “I always thought of myself as a slow-talking person with a gentle personality, but I imagine that people like me play chic characters, like Gu Dong-mae in ‘Mr Sunshine’ and Kang Dong-jo in ‘Dr. Romantic’. Many think that Baek Sa-eon suits me perfectly. After meeting the writer and listening to the detailed introduction about Baek Sa-eon, I was attracted to the story. I think this character has many layers, like an onion, and you have to get to know him slowly.”
When asked about Baek Sa-eon’s sweet line that went viral among viewers, the actor admitted that he had difficulty interpreting Baek Sa-eon’s tone and mannerisms in the initial stage of filming. He said, “I wondered if it was a romantic scene or a thriller scene. What I know is that the game would end as soon as the love story begins. I was very confident that once Baek Sa-eon’s backstory was revealed, viewers would support the couple. That’s why I gained momentum from the middle of the series onwards.” As for the romantic scenes, Yoo Yeon-seok said, “When I immersed myself in the emotions of the character, I didn’t have time to think about anything else and just acted. I guess her husband’s sweet words were the reason the couple became so popular.”
Regarding acting with a character like Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), who is selectively silent and often uses sign language, Yoo Yeon-seok said, “Acting uses actions and reactions, but since she spoke and acted in sign language, I felt like I was doing monologues even when we filmed together. I was afraid that viewers might get bored.” As for his impactful final scene in episode 10, when Baek Sa-eon holds a press conference as a husband instead of a spokesperson for the presidential office, the actor shared, “I referenced the press conferences of people finding their missing family members to represent Baek Sa-eon’s desperate messages.”
Aside from the dramatic anecdotes, the actor also spent time sharing more stories about his dog, his entertainment schedule with Yoo Jae-suk, and so on. Finally, regarding his future plans, Yoo Yeon-seok said, “I want to go on a trip after shooting such a special project. I didn’t have time to rest last year, so I want to meet my friends and plan a family trip.” Before that, the actor will meet fans during his upcoming fanmeeting tour and perform in a musical.
