MBC Makes a Bold Decision as Buzz Around 'When The Phone Rings' Episode 5 Intensifies

Amid a wave of enthusiastic viewer responses, MBC's Friday-Saturday drama When the Phone Rings has unveiled a "special programming" plan. The drama, which follows the story of a couple in a three-year marriage of convenience that begins with a threatening phone call, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of romance and thriller elements.

Capturing Both Ratings and Buzz: When the Phone Rings

When the Phone Rings, which premiered on November 22, started strong with a 5.7% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea). Although it dipped slightly to 4.7% in its second episode, the drama rebounded in its third episode, achieving its highest rating yet at 6%. The fourth episode maintained a 5.7% rating, showing some fluctuation in traditional viewership. However, the drama has consistently generated significant buzz on OTT platforms.

Particularly after its release on Netflix for a global audience, the series received glowing reviews like "A plot you can't escape once you start watching" and "It seems cheesy, but its addictive charm keeps you hooked." With strong engagement both domestically and internationally, the show is proving to be a success far beyond its ratings, solidifying its place as a must-watch drama.

MBC’s Surprise Move: Extended Episode 5 for When the Phone Rings

In response to the drama’s growing popularity, MBC has announced a special scheduling decision for the fifth episode of When the Phone Rings, set to air on December 6. The episode will begin 10 minutes earlier than usual, at 9:40 PM, and feature extended content. This strategic move not only aims to enhance the story's depth but also capitalize on the drama's rising momentum to attract even more viewers.

Intensifying Engagement with Heartfelt and Suspenseful Plotlines

In episode 4, which aired on November 30, Baek Sa-eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) shared his heartfelt feelings with his wife, Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), during a phone call with the blackmailer. In a touching moment, Sa-eon, after hearing about threats to Hee-joo’s father, Na Jin-cheol (Park Won-sang), stepped up to protect her. Publicly acknowledging her for the first time, he requested police protection for her safety.

The scene of Sa-eon comforting Hee-joo tugged at viewers' heartstrings, highlighting their growing understanding of one another. Yet, the drama didn’t linger solely on emotional moments. Tensions escalated with Sa-eon’s strained relationship with his father, Baek Eui-yong (Yoo Sung-joo), Hee-joo’s turmoil over her kidnapping ordeal, and the evolving dynamics in their relationship, weaving a complex web of intrigue.

A New Twist: The Arrival of Hong In-ah

The story takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of Hong In-ah (Han Jae-yi), Sa-eon’s true fiancée and Hee-joo’s older sister. In-ah’s presence sparks insecurity in Hee-joo, as she begins to feel that she must relinquish her place to In-ah. This leads Hee-joo to resume contact with the blackmail phone, uncovering new truths that leave her conflicted. As the mystery surrounding In-ah unravels, the plot becomes even more captivating, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the next twist.

Episode 4 Ending Amplifies Suspense

The conclusion of episode 4 left viewers on edge as Hee-joo and Sa-eon indirectly acknowledged their true feelings for each other. On a rooftop, Hee-joo, disguised as the blackmailer, called Sa-eon and hurled harsh words at him. However, Sa-eon firmly responded, "Hee-joo is not an appendix; she’s a new language." The episode ended with the two gazing at each other while holding their phones, delivering a heartwarming moment and heightening anticipation for the next episode.

Hee-joo's Hidden Secret and Shocking Epilogue

In the episode’s epilogue, Sa-eon discovered Hee-joo's voice in a black box recording, unveiling a secret she had kept hidden for over 20 years. This revelation hinted at Sa-eon’s inner turmoil and foreshadowed significant changes in their relationship. The scene, packed with emotional weight, has left viewers eagerly speculating about the drama's future twists.