‘When the Phone Rings’ and its Filming Locations
The highly anticipated South Korean television series When the Phone Rings (Korean: 지금 거신 전화는) co-directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu, features a stellar cast including Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Gyu-ri. It will also be available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions.

When the Phone Rings tells the gripping story of a show-window couple who have lived in silence for three years due to an arranged marriage. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they receive a threatening phone call from a kidnapper, forcing them to confront their past and the secrets that lie between them.
The series is based on a popular web novel and is written by Kim Ji-woon, known for his compelling storytelling in dramas like Melancholia and Doctor John. With its unique blend of romance and thriller elements, When the Phone Rings is poised to captivate audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats.
Overview of ‘When the Phone Rings’
In ‘When the Phone Rings’ Yoo Yeon-seok plays the role of ‘Baek Sa-eon,’ the youngest spokesperson for the presidential office. He is a character who possesses outstanding family background, looks, and abilities. Living as a show-window couple with his politically arranged wife, Hong Hee-joo (played by Chae Soo-bin), his life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a threatening phone call one day.
Based on a popular web novel of the same name from KakaoPage, ‘When the Phone Rings’is written by Kim Ji-woon, known for his solid storytelling in works like ‘Melancholia’ and ‘Doctor John.’ The drama is directed by Park Sang-woo, who has showcased his artistic direction in ‘The Marriage Lyrics’ and ‘Forbidden Marriage.’
Key Points to Watch in ‘When the Phone Rings’
A Perfect Blend of Romance and Thriller: Experience the charm of both genres in this captivating drama.
Chemistry Between Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin: Viewers are eager to see how the two actors will interact on screen.
Unpredictable Story Development: The suspenseful plot is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Unique Love Story Between a Patient with Aphasia and a Politician: The intriguing premise adds depth to the narrative.
Hidden Secrets and Conspiracies: The mysteries that will unfold throughout the drama are sure to pique curiosity.
Actor Profiles of ‘When the Phone Rings’
Date of Birth: April 11, 1984
Debut: 2003 film ‘Oldboy’
Notable Works: ‘Dr. Romantic,’ ‘Mr. Sunshine,’ ‘Hospital Playlist’
Date of Birth: July 10, 1994
Debut: 2014 drama ‘Discovery of Love’
Notable Works: ‘Startup,’ ‘The Goddess of Revenge,’ ‘A-TEEN’
Webtoon-Based Novel Synopsis
Baek Sa-eon is the son of a fishing pond manager and the illegitimate child of Baek Chang-ho. One day, he witnesses a shocking scene where Baek Chang-ho throws his real grandson, the true Baek Sa-eon, into the river.
After this traumatic event, he assumes the identity of the real Baek Sa-eon and now lives as the only son of a leading presidential candidate and the spokesperson for the Blue House, earning the trust of the entire nation. However, he is haunted by nightmarish memories of drowning in the river.
The female lead, Hong Hee-joo, lost her half-brother in an unexpected accident when she was just nine years old, and her step-sister lost her hearing. Her mother, who aspired to take over the position of the owner of the San-gyeong Daily, blames Hee-joo, the only one who survived, and forces her to pretend to be mute in shock. From that moment on, Hee-joo’s life becomes as still as deep water.
Moreover, after her sister’s sudden disappearance, Hee-joo is forced into a political marriage with a prominent family. For three years, she lives a voiceless, shapeless existence until one day, she encounters an unidentified blackmailer, which marks a turning point in her life.
What begins as a phone call coerced by the blackmailer gradually becomes a channel for Hee-joo to express her long-suppressed feelings. Meanwhile, the identity of the blackmailer is revealed to be the true Baek Sa-eon, who was thought to have died at the fishing pond but miraculously survived, only to lose his memory due to the trauma of that moment. His memories resurface when he sees Baek Chang-ho on television.
Faced with the return of the real Baek Sa-eon, the fake Baek Sa-eon concludes that the solution to all their problems is for him to disappear. He decides to fake his own death.
After the fake Baek Sa-eon passes away, Hee-joo receives a mysterious phone call and follows a small clue to find him. Ultimately, Baek Sa-eon returns to her side under a new name, Baek Gyo-eon.
Both characters, who have lived quiet lives akin to being submerged in water for different reasons, begin to communicate genuinely through the medium of the phone, ultimately leading them to discover true love—just as the blackmailer had used the phone to connect with them.
Filming Locations of “When the Phone Rings”
Walkerhill Hangang Sangji River Villa
A luxurious villa residence where Baek Sa-eon and Jang Hee-joo live. It is located in Achun-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi Province.

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel Restaurant ‘YUE’

The restaurant featured in the dining scene with the mother in episode 2. It offers the flavors of Chinese cuisine from Shanghai and Beijing, as well as the essence of Cantonese cuisine, one of China’s four major culinary traditions.
Making a Reservation : YUE
Other Romantic Thrillers
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