In the second episode of MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘The Phone You’re Making’ (written by Kim Ji-woon/directed by Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu), which aired on the afternoon of the 23rd, the bold push and pull between Baek Sa-eon (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) and Hong Hee-joo (played by Chae Soo-bin) unfolded, heating up the home theatre. The viewer rating for the second episode recorded 4.7% nationwide (provided by Nielsen Korea, based on households).
On this day’s broadcast, Heeju demanded a divorce from her husband using a threatening phone with her voice altered, but was anxious that her threats would be discovered. On the other hand, Sa-eon, who checked Hee-ju’s injuries, realized that the blackmailer’s words were true. He began tracking down the identity of the blackmailer who threatened his wife’s life, including checking the inside of Heeju’s accident car.
Hee-ju, who visited the courthouse to provide sign language interpretation, met Ji Sang-woo (Heo Nam-joon), a college senior there, for the first time in a long time. At the time when the two people were asking each other about their current status through sign language, Sa-eon was receiving reports on Hee-ju’s every move from the bodyguard assigned to her for her safety. The sight of Sa-eon activating the alert radar upon learning of Sang-woo’s existence caused laughter.
Meanwhile, Kim Yeon-hee (played by Oh Hyun-kyung), who visited her daughter’s house, presented her daughter with lingerie underwear and forced her to improve her relationship with Sa-eon. Lost in thought, Hee-ju again made a threatening phone call to Sa-eon at 10 p.m. and provoked him by sending a photo of her body. The blackmailer, who knew his wife’s private life, soon put pressure on him by asking a series of difficult questions. Hee-ju said, “What do you know? My husband is just a pattern,” and the hot phone call between the two people, who continued to walk a tightrope, exploded the dopamine of the viewers.
After returning home, Saeon approached his wife who was lying on the bed. Heeju was very nervous as to whether her husband might be checking her thighs. The distance between the two, who had been fighting over a blanket, had become so close that even their breaths could touch, but Sa-eon left the room without only informing them of the news of the hiring of a sign language interpreter for the President’s Office. The sight of Hee-ju not being able to sleep even a wink due to her husband’s surprise visit gave vicarious excitement.
Sa-eon heard from Park Do-jae (Choi Woo-jin) that the voice analysis results had been released. On the day of the incident, Sa-eon, who was watching CCTV, sensed something strange as he saw the kidnapper naturally getting into Hee-ju’s car.
Hee-ju called Sa-eon again threateningly, but Sa-eon hung up, telling her to call her in 5 minutes. Heeju becomes nervous. After many twists and turns, I succeeded in connecting with Sa-eon by phone, but an unidentifiable bursting sound was heard from the other end of the phone. Hee-ju, who became extremely anxious, hurried home, but Sa-eon did not return all night. The next day, the news on TV was about an office bomb attack. He was then greatly embarrassed when his altered voice was pointed out as a suspect in the incident.
At that moment, Sa-eon, who returned home disheveled, pushed Hee-ju aside. Sa-eon’s hand stopped on Hee-ju’s thigh. “There are a lot of things I don’t understand these days. There’s no way Hong Hee-joo exists that I don’t know. Do you want to take off your clothes, or should I take them off?” The ending was marked by the two people’s close eye contact.
Episode 3 of ‘The Phone You’re Calling Now’ will be aired at 9:50 PM on the 29th.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo News 1
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How does the portrayal of technology in K-dramas reflect real-life challenges in personal relationships?
Interview between Time.news Editor and K-drama Expert
Time.news Editor: Today, we’re diving into the world of K-drama, specifically the newly aired episodes of MBC’s captivating series, ”The Phone You’re Making.” With us is Dr. Min-Jae Lee, a scholar in contemporary Korean television and media studies. Dr. Lee, welcome!
Dr. Min-Jae Lee: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss “The Phone You’re Making.”
Editor: Absolutely! The second episode just aired, and it seems to have stirred quite a reaction. The viewer ratings hit 4.7%—was that surprising considering the competition?
Dr. Lee: Not at all! K-dramas often enjoy strong viewership due to their gripping storylines and emotional depth. The premise of this show, dealing with themes of blackmail, relationships, and hidden truths, resonates well with audiences. The push and pull between Baek Sa-eon and Hong Hee-joo is particularly compelling.
Editor: Speaking of that dynamic, we saw some intense moments in this episode, especially with Hee-joo demanding a divorce using a threatening phone call. How does this kind of narrative reflect societal issues in Korea today?
Dr. Lee: The use of technology as a tool for manipulation in personal relationships is quite telling. It highlights the darker aspects of modern communication. By portraying Hee-joo’s struggle with her decisions and the pressures from her own family—like her mother insisting on improving her relationship with Sa-eon—the drama reflects real social pressures that many face. It’s a poignant critique of familial expectations mixed with personal autonomy.
Editor: It’s interesting how the relationships are evolving, especially with the inclusion of Hee-joo’s college senior, Ji Sang-woo. What do you think his role may symbolize in the overarching narrative?
Dr. Lee: Sang-woo represents a contrast between the past and present for Hee-joo. Their verbal interactions through sign language during a pivotal moment illustrate the complexity of communication in relationships. It also signifies historical connections that can complicate current issues, emphasizing how past decisions can haunt present choices.
Editor: And speaking of complexities, there’s that dark turn where threats escalate. The blackmailer knows intimate details of Hee-joo’s life. What does this say about privacy and personal freedom in today’s society?
Dr. Lee: This aspect of the storyline underscores critical issues surrounding privacy in the digital age. Many individuals today struggle with the fine line between public and private lives due to social media and technology. The tension between Hee-joo and her blackmailer can be seen as a larger commentary on how easily our personal lives can be exploited. It creates a suspenseful narrative while also encouraging viewers to reflect on their own privacy.
Editor: That’s a valuable perspective, and it certainly resonates in our contemporary landscape. As we move forward, what do you hope to see from the characters and storyline?
Dr. Lee: I expect the show to further explore the psychological ramifications of the blackmail on all parties involved. I would love to see a deeper dive into Sa-eon’s character as he navigates his evolving relationship with Hee-joo amidst this chaos. The emotional stakes are high, and I think there’s potential for some remarkable character development that could keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Editor: Dr. Min-Jae, thank you for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that “The Phone You’re Making” isn’t just another thriller but a commentary on modern relationships and societal issues. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on it!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! I’m excited to see how the drama unfolds.