K-Drama 'When the Phone Rings' becomes global sensation, tops Netflix in 33 countries

The MBC drama When the Phone Rings has taken the global stage by storm, captivating audiences with its unique 12-episode format and fast-paced storytelling. The show achieved a peak viewership rating of 9.2%, highlighted by a scene where characters Saeon (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Heeju (Chae Soo Bin) competed in a two-person jump rope contest at a company retreat. Episode 6 broke records with 6.9% nationwide ratings and a 2.4% 2049 demographic rating (Nielsen Korea).

Despite obstacles, including emergency cancellations tied to political events and sign language controversy, the romance-thriller series has resonated deeply with audiences. It is based on a popular web novel and tells the story of a marriage of convenience layered with suspense and emotional depth.

According to FlixPatrol, When the Phone Rings ranked second globally in Netflix’s TV Show category within two weeks of its release, dominating charts in 33 countries. Its success also revitalized the original web novel, increasing views by fivefold and revenue by 14.6 times, securing the top spot on KakaoPage.

The drama’s popularity lies in its blend of genres, seamlessly merging romance with thriller elements to create gripping tension. The show’s intense melodrama struck a chord with female viewers, while its moderated explicit content made it accessible to wider audiences.

In a market where melodramas have struggled, When the Phone Rings signals a potential revival of the genre, underscoring the enduring demand for emotionally compelling stories. The show’s success has brought renewed optimism to the Korean drama production landscape.