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When The Phone Rings: The much-anticipated Kdrama, starring Yoo Yeon-Seok and Chae Soo-Bin, has hit an unexpected roadblock. Episodes 5 and 6, initially slated for December 6 and 7, have been postponed due to the political tensions in South Korea following the imposition of martial law earlier this week. Fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting the return of this suspenseful drama and here's everything you need to know about the delay and what's next for the series.

Why Episodes 5 and 6 Were Delayed?

The delay in airing episodes 5 and 6 stems from a last-minute change in programming by MBC. This was necessitated by the broadcast of special news reports addressing the tense political situation in South Korea. Martial law, briefly imposed on December 3 and lifted the following day, disrupted normal life, including media broadcasts. Under the law, all communications were heavily restricted, leading to widespread repercussions for the entertainment industry.

While the situation has somewhat stabilised, the fallout is still being felt, with fans left disappointed as they wait an additional week to catch up on their favourite show.

Anticipation For When The Phone Rings Episode 5

Episode 4 of When The Phone Rings ended on a nerve-wracking cliffhanger. Baek Sa-Eon (played by Yoo Yeon-Seok), a sharp politician, catches his wife Hong Hee-Joo (Chae Soo-Bin) on a suspicious phone call with a device he doesn’t recognize. As tension mounts, Sa-Eon faces blackmail and episode 5 promises high-stakes drama with Sa-Eon nearly getting into a car accident while uncovering a woman’s role in his blackmail ordeal.

Hee-Joo, who tries to save him, finds herself in a precarious position, leaving viewers wondering whether Sa-Eon will finally learn the truth about his wife.

 
 
 
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When The Phone Rings BTS Clips and Episode 6 Teaser

Although the episodes were postponed, MBC surprised fans by uploading two videos on its social media platforms—a behind-the-scenes clip from episode 5 and a teaser for episode 6. While the BTS clip was quickly removed, the teaser remains, fueling fan speculation and theories about the upcoming episodes. Questions about the relationship between the shadow couple, Hee-Joo’s mysterious past, and Sa-Eon’s next move have left fans buzzing. The teaser’s heartwarming yet intense moments have only added to the excitement.

Social media has been flooded with reactions from fans who are both disappointed by the delay and intrigued by the unexpected preview clips. Comments ranged from frustration to adoration, with fans speculating about plot twists and character dynamics. One user shared, "The preview for episode 6 of #WhenThePhoneRings melted my entire heart. I can’t wait any longer!"

Revised Episode Release Schedule As Shown On Netflix

To accommodate the changes, the release schedule for When The Phone Rings has been adjusted as follows:

Episode 5: December 13
Episode 6: December 14
Episode 7: December 20
Episode 8: December 21
Episode 9: December 27
Episode 10: December 28
Episode 11: January 3
Episode 12 (Finale): January 4

When The Phone Rings is a thriller romance (streaming on Netflix) that revolves around a contract couple, Baek Sa-Eon and Hong Hee-Joo, who have lived under the same roof for three years without speaking, their seemingly uneventful life takes a dramatic turn when a threatening phone call from a kidnapper disrupts their arrangement. With its gripping storyline and stellar performances, the show has become a sleeper hit, topping ratings charts in several countries.

Before South Korea's political unrest on December 3, 2024, MBC had announced special programming for the drama's earlier hiatus. This included a documentary on Korea’s first Nobel Prize-winning author, Han Kang, set for December 14, and a recap of episodes 1-7 scheduled for December 20. With episodes 5 and 6 now delayed, fans are eagerly anticipating the broadcast resuming on December 13, hoping the schedule proceeds smoothly without any further interruptions. The delay may have dampened spirits momentarily, but the anticipation for When The Phone Rings has only grown.

Also Read: BLACKPINK Jisoo And When The Phone Rings Actress Chae Soo-bin Share A Surprising Past: 'We Talked About It...'

Also Read: When The Phone Rings Kdrama Fans Can't Keep Calm As They Wait For New Episode Release; Netizens Ask 'What's Next?'