“When the Phone Rings” Original Web Novel Author Praises Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s 200% Synchronization with Characters
The novel’s author expressed satisfaction with the drama, “Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin’s synchronization with the original characters is at 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 feels even more refined and sexier than in the novel.”
“When the Phone Rings” (Planning: 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 unfolds when a Show Window couple, who have been living 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 drama has topped TV-OTT drama buzz rankings, ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 across 78 countries and achieved second place globally on Netflix. Despite a hiatus last week, the drama remains in Netflix’s global Top 10 TV show non-English category, securing second place globally and holding its position in the Top 10 across 48 countries as of December 11.
The original web novel has seen a surge in popularity alongside the drama’s success. Compared to the period before the drama’s airing, the novel’s viewership has increased fivefold, and its revenue has surged 14.6 times. It even topped Kakao Page’s daily web novel rankings. The accompanying webtoon, launched just before the drama aired, has also seen viewership and revenue increases of 3.6 and 6.9 times, respectively, ranking second in Kakao Page’s weekly romance webtoon category.
With the drama, web novel and webtoon all enjoying immense success, the author Geon Eomul Nyeo commended Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin for their portrayal of the original characters. About Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, the youngest presidential spokesperson, the author noted, “He seems cold and composed as though 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-like face, frightened expressions and awkward attempts at threats are exactly how I envisioned Hong Hee-joo. She’s like a live-action version of the character.”
The author also expressed satisfaction with the nuanced adaptation of the drama, including new characters like Ji Sang-woo (Heo Nam-jun), a psychiatrist and Hong Hee-joo’s college senior, and Na Yu-ri (Jang Gyu-ri), a top-rated announcer and Baek Sa-eon’s fan. These characters, absent from the original, blend seamlessly 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 understanding of her character. Subtle details, like Baek Sa-eon keeping his wedding ring on contrary to the harsh words or casually drinking the wine his wife sipped, along with their matching messenger profile photos and backgrounds, were praised for highlighting their chemistry.
Reflecting on the core story, the author shared, “When writing the novel, I wanted to capture a couple in a contract 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 the author, I can’t miss an episode and have become a passionate viewer.”
Episodes 5 and 6 of “When the Phone Rings” will air on December 13 at 9:40 PM and December 14 at 9:50 PM, respectively.
Source: Daum
