SPOILER ALERT! When the Phone Rings wasn’t just a K-drama; it was The K-drama of 2024. A dark horse galloped through the studios at Netflix – begging the question: does Baek Saeon, the enigmatic youngest presidential spokesperson, survive the rollercoaster of events?
Let’s break it down.
Does Baek Saeon Die in When the Phone Rings?
The finale opens with a six-month leap since Baek Saeon’s mysterious disappearance, leaving Hong Heejoo desperately searching for her estranged husband. The twist? The real Baek Saeon (played by Park Jae Yoon) was fatally shot by the police after attacking the former.
This shocking revelation sets the stage for Heejoo’s quest, as she pieces together cryptic clues—most notably, a code “406” tied to Argan, a fictional war-torn country where Saeon once worked as a war correspondent.
In a tense, emotionally charged sequence, Heejoo ventures into Argan, determined to find her husband. Captured by rebels, her fate hangs by a thread until a masked figure appears to save her. And in classic K-drama fashion, the masked man is none other than Baek Saeon himself. His self-imposed exile is rooted in guilt over his family’s dark past, which led to Heejoo’s trauma.
But when Heejoo insists she cannot live without him, Saeon finally lets down his guard. Their passionate embrace and kiss mark a poignant turning point—one that reminds us why When the Phone Rings became a must-watch.
Do Baek Saeon and Hong Heejoo Have a Happy Ending?
Yes, they do—and it’s one that leaves fans swooning. After overcoming their emotional scars, the finale skips forward to a remarried Baek Saeon (now legally named Baek Yooyeon) and Hong Heejoo hosting a cozy lunch for friends.
This domestic bliss contrasts sharply with their earlier turbulent relationship, showcasing how trust and honesty have solidified their bond. Meanwhile, the drama doesn’t forget its colorful ensemble.
Ji Sangwoo and Na Yuri, the secondary couple, announce their engagement, adding a celebratory flair. On the political front, Saeon’s stepmother Shim Kyujin faces justice with a life sentence, while his stepfather Baek Uiyong gracefully bows out after losing the presidential race.
The couple’s professional lives also find harmony. Saeon transitions from being a presidential spokesperson to a hostage negotiator, channeling his past struggles into helping others.
Heejoo returns to her role as a sign language announcer, radiating confidence alongside her close friend Na Yuri. Their final monologue about working toward happiness together beautifully encapsulates the drama’s essence.
Was the Ending Satisfying?
Not without its critics! The final episode’s dramatic detour to Argan had some viewers reminiscing about Descendants of the Sun, with its over-the-top action and sudden tonal shift.
While some adored the makjang drama to the end, others felt the finale veered too far into fanfiction territory. What everyone agrees on, though, is the electrifying chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin.
Their portrayal of a flawed but deeply in-love couple elevated When the Phone Rings from being just another K-drama to an unforgettable story.
The Legacy of When the Phone Rings
Beyond its twists and turns, When the Phone Rings will be remembered as a bold experiment that paid off. It served fans a heady cocktail of romance and suspense, sprinkled with the kind of high-stakes drama that K-dramas are famous for.
Love it or hate it, this Netflix hit redefined what a romantic thriller could achieve, setting a new bar for fan-favorite dramas.
In the end, Baek Saeon’s survival wasn’t just about escaping death—it was about reclaiming his life and love. And in doing so, When the Phone Rings delivered a finale that, while divisive, was undeniably unforgettable.
The Final Word
When the Phone Rings leaves behind a legacy of bold storytelling and magnetic performances. Baek Saeon and Hong Heejoo’s journey—from estrangement to unity—offers a heartwarming resolution to a thrilling saga.
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to answer the call and binge this masterpiece!
About When the Phone Rings
When the Phone Rings (Korean: 지금 거신 전화는) is a 2024–2025 South Korean television series written by Kim Ji-woon, co-directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, and starring Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Gyu-ri. It premiered on MBC TV on November 22, 2024, and aired every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST) for 12 episodes. It is available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.
Synopsis: When the Phone Rings 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.
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