Spoilers for Episodes 1–10. In the first ten episodes of When the Phone Rings, a kidnapping and a series of threatening calls disrupt the emotionally distant marriage of presidential spokesperson Baek Sa-eon and sign-language interpreter Hong Hee-joo. Netflix’s official episode descriptions follow Sa-eon’s investigation from the first call through a rescue attempt that uncovers another conspirator.
The Korean romantic thriller is listed by Netflix as a 12-episode series; this guide covers only Episodes 1–10. The summaries below paraphrase Netflix’s brief official descriptions rather than providing scene-by-scene recaps.
Who are Sa-eon and Hee-joo?
Sa-eon is a presidential spokesperson; Hee-joo is a sign-language interpreter. They are in the third year of a marriage of convenience, but their relationship is strained by how little they communicate with one another. MBC frames that contrast as central to the story: both work with messages professionally, yet struggle to share them as a married couple. MBC Global Media’s series synopsis describes the couple’s gradual move toward communication.
MBC’s character descriptions add that Sa-eon comes from a political family and that the marriage is a strategic alliance between powerful families. Hee-joo is described as a talented interpreter who works in courts and broadcasting, with selective mutism, chronic fatigue and repressed anger. These are the broadcaster’s descriptions of the characters.
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- Korean Drama
- English Subtitle
- Region Free
What happens in Episodes 1–10?
Episode 1
After a kidnapper calls about Hee-joo, Sa-eon tries to find out more about the caller. He also discovers that escaping surveillance will be difficult.
Episode 2
Sa-eon moves quickly to track the caller. Hee-joo remains hypervigilant but continues playing along with the ruse.
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Episode 3
An attack on Sa-eon makes him wary of Hee-joo’s relationship with her friend. An ominous figure also appears.
Episode 4
After an ominous call, Hee-joo abandons her secret plan. She then faces a difficult interview with Sa-eon, which includes an intimate moment.
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Episode 5
Sa-eon struggles with feelings of betrayal after learning the truth about Hee-joo. Good news for her begins to bring the couple closer.
Episode 6
Hee-joo confronts someone from her past who wants to reveal what she knows. She then goes on a retreat with Sa-eon, who becomes possessive.
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Episode 7
Their relationship shifts after Hee-joo’s harrowing rescue. Sa-eon pursues the kidnapper with help from 406.
Episode 8
The kidnapper’s threat intensifies as Sa-eon and Hee-joo grow closer. Sa-eon finds a disturbing clue connected to a figure from the past.
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- Compatibility: Compatible with more brands: Universal Remote Control Adapter compatible for Samsung, for Vizio, for Roku, for Sony, for Sharp, for Samsung, for Panasonic, for TCL, for RCA, for Hisense, for Toshiba, for Fhilips, for LG and more
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Episode 9
Hee-joo learns the truth about Sa-eon and worries about him. Later, she appears on the stage she dreamed of, beside the person she loves.
Episode 10
As Sa-eon tries to rescue Hee-joo, he discovers another conspirator. He later attempts to persuade that person to help find the kidnapper.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is When the Phone Rings based on a web novel?
Netflix’s official sources give conflicting answers. The Netflix title page labels the series “Based on a Web Novel,” while Netflix Tudum’s December 6, 2024 article says it is an original story. Neither source explains the discrepancy, so the adaptation status is unresolved in those official descriptions.
Where can you watch it?
Netflix’s official title page is the viewing destination listed for the series. Catalog availability can vary by country, so check the page in your region rather than assuming it is currently available there.
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