If you haven’t started watching When the Phone Rings (지금 거신 전화는), you’re seriously missing out! This Netflix drama has been building tension and unraveling secrets faster than you can say “Baek Sa-eon.” Episodes 3 and 4 dropped this week, and let me just say, they’ve completely raised the stakes! Let’s dive into what happened, shall we?
The Premise: Love, Lies, and a Phone Call
Before we jump into the details of Episodes 3 and 4, here’s a quick trailer-style synopsis for those who might be new. The story follows Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok), the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, and his wife, Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), who works as a sign language interpreter in court. On the surface, they seem like a power couple. But trust me, their marriage is anything but perfect.
Their relationship starts to unravel after a call from a kidnapper turns their lives upside down. Hee-joo, the daughter of a newspaper proprietor (hello, family drama!), has a dark past. Sa-eon, who comes from a prestigious political family, is determined to uncover the truth. It’s a thriller with twists, suspense, and enough family secrets to fill a courtroom. Think of it as Crash Landing on You meets Flower of Evil, but with even more tension.
When the Phone Rings Kdrama Recap (includes spoilers)
Episode 3: A Bomb, a Mole, and a Mystery
Let’s talk about Episode 3 because, wow, it starts with a literal bang. A flashback shows a bomb exploding at Sa-eon’s office. Thankfully, no one is seriously hurt (phew!), but Sa-eon’s first thought isn’t about work, it’s about Hee-joo. He rushes home to check on her, and things get very awkward.
Sa-eon, already suspicious, tries to confirm Hee-joo’s identity by looking for a mole on her thigh. Um, talk about a tense moment. Is she really the woman he thinks she is? The number you have dialed (지금 거신 전화는) may not be who it seems.
Later, Sa-eon arranges a lunch with Yu-ri, Sang-woo, and Hee-joo. The atmosphere is ice-cold thanks to Sa-eon’s frosty demeanor. During lunch, he receives news about a man being arrested near the bomb site. Could this suspect hold the key to unraveling the mystery?
Meanwhile, Hee-joo decides to stop her prank calls after realizing they might be linked to the explosion. But Sa-eon’s suspicions don’t stop there. He’s wary of both Hee-joo and Sang-woo, who’s been acting sketchy lately.
And then, the flashbacks hit us right in the feels. We learn that Hee-joo was forced to act mute by her mother after a tragic accident killed her brother. This twist not only explains her strained relationship with her mom but also adds layers to her character.
Just when you think the drama couldn’t get any darker, the episode ends with Hee-joo receiving a disturbing call from a kidnapper. The video shows her father in danger, with bloodied teeth as a terrifying warning. If you weren’t already hooked, this ending will have you glued to your screen.
Episode 4: Secrets, Scandals, and… a Rooftop?
Episode 4 wastes no time diving into the fallout. Sa-eon moves Hee-joo’s father to a different nursing home without telling her. This, of course, leads to a heated confrontation with Hee-joo’s mom at a Chungwoon Daily News anniversary event. Family drama alert!
We also learn that Sa-eon and Hee-joo’s past connection goes deeper than their marriage. Sa-eon continues to investigate Sang-woo and discovers his online channel about unsolved cases. Is Sang-woo just a curious true-crime enthusiast, or is he more involved than we think?
Meanwhile, Hee-joo applies for a job as a sign language interpreter for the presidential spokesman (hello, career goals!). And guess who shows up during her interview? Sa-eon, of course. His watchful eyes are practically screaming, “I don’t trust you.”
Adding to the chaos, Hee-joo’s sister, Ina, returns to Seoul after surgery to restore her hearing. While this should be a happy moment, it only complicates things further. The family dynamics are so tangled, it’s hard to tell who’s being truthful.
The episode ends with a chef’s kiss of drama. A drunken Hee-joo calls Sa-eon from the rooftop of the event building. She vents about their marriage, bringing up the infamous bride swap on their wedding day. As her words grow more emotional, she dangerously leans toward the edge. Sa-eon rushes to her side, and you can’t help but wonder, does he finally realize Hee-joo might be the mysterious caller?
Why You Should Watch
If you love K-dramas that mix romance, suspense, and family intrigue, When the Phone Rings is for you. The 2024 Netflix series keeps you guessing with every episode. From the explosive start to the emotional rooftop scene, Episodes 3 and 4 prove this drama is here to stay.
Also, can we take a moment to appreciate Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s acting? They bring so much depth to their characters. Sa-eon’s quiet intensity and Hee-joo’s vulnerability make their scenes electric. You can’t help but root for them, even when their relationship feels doomed.
What’s Next?
With only 12 episodes, When the Phone Rings is moving at lightning speed. The mystery surrounding the call from a kidnapper is far from over. Will Sa-eon uncover the truth about Hee-joo’s past? And what’s the real story behind the bomb and the arrests?
One thing’s for sure: the drama is only getting started. If you’re not already watching, now’s the time to catch up. And if you’ve seen the latest episodes, let’s talk! What do you think about Sa-eon’s suspicions? Do you trust Sang-woo? And what’s your theory about the kidnapper?
Where to Stream and Learn More
You can stream When the Phone Rings on Netflix. The cast, led by Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, is phenomenal, and the trailer will give you all the chills.
Feel free to reply with your thoughts, because let’s be real, part of the fun of watching a K-drama is talking about it with friends! Until next time, happy binge-watching!