The Best K-Drama Of 2024 Came Out Right Before The Year Ended And Is Streaming On Netflix

However, long before the Christmas season arrived, and the clocks struck 12 to change the date to 2025, a brilliant romance K-drama arrived on Netflix. Following a weekly release schedule, the K-drama improved with each episode, gradually luring in more and more viewers. Unsurprisingly, it consistently remained among the most-viewed non-English series on Netflix during its long run. Although Squid Game got immense attention towards the end of the year, the romance K-drama, too, kept growing from strength to strength by delivering one great episode after another.

When The Phone Ring Was A Last-Minute K-Drama Hit In 2024

There Was Little To No Hype Surrounding It Before It Premiered

Unlike other mainstream high-budget 2024 K-dramas like Queen of Tears, When the Phone Rings had little hype around it before it landed on Netflix. The show is now being praised for the incredible performances of its leads, Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-seok, who have a few renowned projects under their belts. However, before starring in the series, neither was particularly known for being bankable. Even when it comes to marketing the show, Netflix did not seemingly do anything significantly different.

However, despite all these factors, When the Phone Rings became a last-minute success on Netflix in 2024. Since its release, the K-drama has remained in Netflix's global Top 10 non-English shows almost every week and has earned 4.4 million views so far, with a viewing time of 50.1 million (via Tudum). With two more episodes left to end its run, When the Phone Rings' total viewership is bound to increase, making it one of the most successful K-dramas on Netflix.

When The Phone Ring Has Everything You'd Expect From A Great K-Drama

From Great Performances To Unique Story Beats

While the romance genre brims with movies and shows that rely on tried-and-tested themes and redundant character tropes, When the Phone Rings sets out to be different from the get-go. It focuses on a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse due to growing misunderstandings and emotional distance. The female lead, Hee-joo, cannot help but believe her husband, Sa-eon, has never truly loved her and craves his affection. Meanwhile, Sa-eon remains in the dark about how much Hee-joo wants him and keeps his feelings hidden.

However, an intriguing twist in their narrative forces them to confront their growing differences and gradually drift closer. The romance genre may be replete with stories that "keep them apart" before finally "bringing them together." What makes When the Phone Rings' portrayal unique, though, is that it masterfully builds up Hee-joo and Sa-eon's emotional and romantic journey. Some aspects of the series can be a little over the top, but Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin's performances are enough to immerse viewers in their complicated yet deeply relatable relationship.

The on-screen chemistry between the two lead actors is palpable as they brilliantly capture their respective characters' silent yearning for one another. They deliver their dialogue with such subtlety and vulnerability that it is hard not to see them as real people. When the Phone Rings can be a little predictable at times, especially because of its portrayal of the familiar push-and-pull dynamic between its characters. However, it balances these elements with realism by reflecting on its main characters' internal conflicts, unbearable longings, and unmet desires.

How The When Phone Ring Compares To 2024's Best Romantic K-Dramas

When The Phone Rings Holds Up Well Against 2024's Best K-dramas

When the Phone Rings truly thrives when it focuses on the heart-warming and subtle romantic developments between its two main characters. The Netflix show also manages to present compelling villains by giving them strong backstories and motives to harm Hee-joo and Baek Sa-eon. However, there are times when the K-drama makes its world feel too small by introducing plot contrivances. In this aspect, Lovely Runner does a better job of drawing believable connections between its primary characters.

Throughout its runtime, When the Phone Rings barely leaves a dull moment and maintains a steady but quick pace with each episode. However, it slightly stumbles when it gives its main characters a little too much plot armor. Despite this, though, it keeps itself grounded with its emphasis on the leading couple's relatable marital issues and stirring willingness to solve them. Overall, Netflix's When the Phone Rings is arguably even better than some of 2024's best romance K-dramas, like Queen of Tears and Love Next Door, but it may or may not befit everyone's taste.