The premiere episode of When the Phone Rings opens with a striking introduction to Baek Sa-eon, a man whose magnetic presence turns heads at an international event. His commanding aura captivates the room, with whispers of admiration trailing his every move. Yet, the atmosphere takes a sharp turn as Hong Hee-joo, his wife, steps into the frame. Sa-eon’s demeanor shifts; he leans close to Hee-joo, his voice low but authoritative, instructing her to maintain a composed, inconspicuous demeanor. The coldness in his tone speaks volumes about the distance in their marriage, setting the stage for the unraveling of their complex relationship.
The narrative pivots to Hee-joo’s professional life, where she works as an interpreter for a high-stakes newsroom. The scene quickly escalates into chaos when a live broadcast goes awry. A technical glitch freezes the video feed, capturing Hee-joo in an unflattering moment—a gesture misinterpreted as offensive by the viewing public. Her mortification is palpable as the cameras linger on the image, and the humiliation drives her to storm out of the studio. This incident is a pivotal moment, showcasing Hee-joo’s vulnerability and setting up her struggle against a world that often seems to conspire against her.
Simultaneously, the newsroom buzzes with breaking news of a hostage crisis involving Korean citizens abroad. The focus shifts to Sa-eon, who steps into the spotlight as the official spokesperson addressing the nation. His composed and authoritative delivery of the details earns the admiration of his colleagues, reinforcing his image as a public figure who thrives under pressure. However, this admiration contrasts sharply with Hee-joo’s private resentment. As she watches Sa-eon’s performance on the live broadcast, her simmering frustration boils over, culminating in an impulsive act of rebellion—flipping him off on screen before walking away. Amidst the personal tensions and public drama, the most gripping twist lies in a shocking development: Hee-joo is kidnapped. This unexpected turn propels the narrative into high-stakes territory, adding layers of suspense and urgency to the story. The question now looms large—how will Baek Sa-eon navigate this crisis and rescue his wife?
The revelation of Hee-joo’s abduction comes to Sa-eon in the most unsettling way: through a phone call. The kidnapper's voice is calm yet menacing, laced with a sense of control that mirrors Sa-eon’s own public demeanor. The call serves not only to inform him of the dire situation but also to challenge his composed façade. As Sa-eon listens, his calm exterior begins to crack, revealing the desperation lurking beneath. It’s a rare glimpse of vulnerability in a man accustomed to orchestrating events from the shadows, and it leaves viewers questioning whether his poise will hold up under the weight of personal stakes.
The series excels in keeping viewers on edge, balancing emotional depth with a pulse-pounding plot. How Sa-eon tackles this challenge, and what it reveals about his character, is sure to be the heart of the next installment. By intertwining personal stakes with a high-octane crisis, When the Phone Rings ensures its audience is hooked, eager to see how the drama and mystery will unfold.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times