"The Hype is Real!” Web Novel with 11.48 Million Readers Becomes a Global Hit K-Drama, Topping Ratings in 33 Countries (When the Phone Rings)

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama 'When the Phone Rings' continues to captivate viewers, blending romance and suspense into an unpredictable narrative.

Episode 5, aired on December 13(KST), featured a shocking kiss between Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), sparking late-night chatter among fans. The drama achieved nationwide ratings of 5.9%, with metropolitan areas at 5.3%, according to Nielsen Korea, and peaked at 6.3% during a scene where Sa-eon deliberates over replying to Hee-joo’s heart emoji.

Since its premiere on November 22, 'When the Phone Rings' has maintained rapid momentum, surpassing 6% viewership by its third episode. Despite challenges like interruptions from emergency news reports and controversies surrounding sign language portrayal, the series has garnered acclaim for its swift pacing and innovative storytelling, crafted by writer Kim Ji-woon.

The show’s premise—centered on a married couple embroiled in a mysterious blackmail call—resonates globally. In just two weeks, it climbed to No. 2 on Netflix’s global TV show rankings, according to FlixPatrol, claiming the top spot in 33 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, and Qatar. Netflix's official statistics reported 4.3 million views, solidifying its position as the second most-watched non-English series worldwide. The drama has also reinvigorated interest in its source material. The original web novel saw a fivefold increase in readership and a 14.6x surge in sales, while the webtoon adaptation experienced a 3.6x rise in views. Both versions now dominate romance charts on KakaoPage, reflecting the show's ripple effect across media platforms.

Beyond its ratings success, 'When the Phone Rings' has emerged as a cultural phenomenon. It topped Good Data Corporation’s weekly buzz rankings for late November, with leads Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin ranking first and second in actor buzz, respectively. The drama’s unique genre blend of melodrama, thriller, and action has been instrumental in attracting a diverse audience. Director Park Sung-woo’s delicate handling of mature themes ensures accessibility for viewers of all ages.

Despite some controversies, such as accusations of sign language misrepresentation, the production team issued an apology, emphasizing their lack of intent to trivialize deaf communication. With 12 episodes in total, the drama overcame challenges like schedule disruptions to maintain its gripping momentum.

Fans eagerly await Episode 6, drawn to the unexpected twists and deviations from the original story. Comments from viewers highlight their excitement, with one stating, “The unpredictability since Episode 5 has been thrilling,” while others lament the weeklong wait for new episodes. Many predict the drama could surpass a 10% viewership milestone if uninterrupted, further cementing its global popularity.

As 'When the Phone Rings' continues its rise, the captivating combination of suspense and romance reaffirms the enduring appeal of K-dramas on a global stage.