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When The Phone Rings, the romance mystery thriller Kdrama starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, has become a new fan favourite, especially after earning fourth place on the Netflix Global TV (Non-English) chart. However, fans eagerly awaiting new episodes will need to adjust to a revised schedule due to a two-week hiatus announced by MBC.

Premiering on November 22, When The Phone Rings follows a weekly schedule, airing on Fridays and Saturdays on MBC TV and Netflix in select regions. According to a report by SPOTV News on November 28, MBC will preempt the scheduled episodes on December 14 and December 20. The updated release schedule for episodes is as follows:

Episode 3: November 29
Episode 4: November 30
Episode 5: December 6
Episode 6: December 7
Episode 7: December 13
Episode 8: December 21
Episode 9: December 27
Episode 10: December 28
Episode 11: January 3
Episode 12 (Finale): January 4

During the hiatus, MBC will air a special documentary on Han Kang, Korea’s first Nobel Prize-winning author, on December 14. On December 20, fans can watch a recap of the series, covering episodes 1 to 7.

 
 
 
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About When The Phone Rings

The series, written by Kim Ji-woon and directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, is based on the popular Kakao Page web novel The Number You Have Dialed by Geon Eomul-nyeo. It stars Hospital Playlist’s Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon, a former war correspondent and hostage negotiator now working at a broadcasting station, and I’m Not a Robot’s Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-ju, a sign language interpreter at the same station.

Set against the backdrop of a politically arranged marriage, the show explores the complicated relationship between Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-ju, a couple stuck in a ‘show window marriage’—a term used to describe a marriage of convenience maintained for appearances. The story kicks off with a mysterious and threatening phone call, setting the stage for intriguing twists and turns.

 
 
 
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Despite having only two episodes released so far, When The Phone Rings has already achieved notable success, securing 3.3 million views in its first week. This marks the highest first-week viewership for a non-original Netflix Kdrama. The chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, along with the show’s unique premise and engaging storytelling, has captivated viewers worldwide.

Yoo Yeon-seok: Known for his versatile performances in Reply 1994, Dr. Romantic, Mr. Sunshine and Hospital Playlist, Yoo brings depth and charm to the role of Baek Sa-eon.

 
 
 
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Chae Soo-bin: Recognized for her impressive work in Love in the Moonlight, Strongest Deliveryman and The Fabulous, Chae effortlessly portrays the multi-layered character of Hong Hee-ju.

 
 
 
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Supporting cast members like Heo Nam-ju (Your Honor) and Jang Gyu-ri (Cheer Up) further enrich the narrative with compelling performances.

When The Phone Rings Episode 3 Preview: 

Episode 3 of When The Phone Rings is scheduled to release today, November 29. South Korean viewers can watch it on MBC, while international audiences, including those in India, can stream it on Netflix at 21:50 KST (6:20 pm IST). In the upcoming episodes 3 and 4 of the Kdrama, the couple Sa-eon and Hee-ju are expected to get closer as the former begins to show his caring side to his wife whom he wishes to protect from all evil forces of the world.

From its gripping storyline to its layered characters, the series offers a perfect blend of romance, drama, and suspense. With the additional allure of its lead actors' stellar performances, When The Phone Rings is fast becoming the new Kdrama obsession for fans worldwide.

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