On January 6, during an interview for the MBC Friday-Saturday drama “When The Phone Rings” held at Starship Entertainment, Yoo Yeon-seok talked about his aspirations. He said that as he approached 40, he wondered: “Can I still do a romance?” He acknowledged that romance is an essential element in Korean dramas and expressed gratitude that viewers see romance as one of its strengths. He added that he would like to continue challenging himself with romantic projects in the future if he has the opportunity.
In “When the Phone Rings,” Yoo Yeon-seok plays Baek Sa-eon, a young presidential spokesperson and “showcase” husband in a loveless three-year marriage. His character, involved in a secret romantic thriller, is at the center of a complex relationship with a woman played by Chae Soo-bin, who is 10 years younger than him.
When asked about the possibility of a love story with an actress of her age, Yoo Yeon-seok responded positively, expressing her interest in continuing to work on love stories even after turning 40.
The series, based on a web novel, has attracted attention for its plot, which begins with a threatening phone call and explores a secret romance between a couple in an arranged marriage. Yoo Yeon-seok revealed that although the script initially felt uncomfortable to read, the filming process allowed him to develop a natural connection with Chae Soo-bin’s character. As the love story developed on screen, Yoo Yeon-seok felt that it was received well by viewers, even gaining international recognition.
Yoo Yeon-seok reflected on his character, “Baek Sa-eon feels like a collection of all the characters I’ve played before. It is a character that combines all the strengths of Yoo Yeon-seok’s filmography.” He also shared that the character’s pure romance was something that resonated with many people, although some may find it cheesy, as it was a much-needed expression of love for the characters involved.
Yoo Yeon-seok also talked about her experience working with Chae Soo-bin, saying that although she is a little shy, they grew closer as they spent more time together on set, and their chemistry improved with each passing day. scene.
Regarding his work in romantic dramas, Yoo Yeon-seok explained that while his previous series “The Interest of Love” had a more realistic approach to romance, “When The Phone Rings” is more focused on a romance pure and idealistic love. He believes international fans, in particular, have been eager for this type of classic K-drama romance, and the success of the series highlights the resurgence of such stories in the Korean drama industry.
Although Yoo Yeon-seok has been prolific in his acting career, he has appeared less frequently in OTT series. He made it clear that he is not against it, but believes that the key is to find good projects with good people. He also said that despite his past difficulties in being associated with variety shows, he now feels that viewers see him more for his acting skills, and his experiences in variety shows have helped him connect with the audience in a different way.
