If you are into the K-Drama or Asian Drama scene, I think you have heard of this series already. It has the audience on tenterhooks ever since it dropped on Netflix. When the Phone Rings is a suspenseful series that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its mysterious plot line and characters that have depth. The series blends psychological thriller elements with a lot of family drama, though not without a few missteps in its narrative and execution.



The drama starts with an unexpected phone call that changes the lives of the characters, triggering a chain of events that lead them to uncover secrets, confront their pasts, and face their deepest fears. Chae Soo-bin as Hong Hee-joo is central to the unravelling of the mystery, delivering a captivating performance as a woman caught in a dangerous web of lies, conspiracy and their consequences. The premise initially intrigues the audience with the strong mysterious Baek Sa-eon and gentle and emotional Hong Hee-joo. 

However, while the show keeps you guessing, there are a few moments where the story feels convoluted, particularly in the later episodes, where plot twists may appear forced or less cohesive. Some unresolved threads left viewers wondering about the show’s intended message, making it harder to fully connect with the story by the end.

While the show starts strong, the plot eventually begins to stumble in certain areas. Several key moments appear too convenient or lack conviction, especially regarding character reactions. There are instances where Yoo Yeon-seok’s Baek Sa-eon seem surprisingly oblivious to what’s going on around him. Some of their decisions often feel out of place or unrealistic, making them appear too “dumb” to notice or understand what’s happening. This undermines the suspense and weakens the overall narrative.

The performances of the cast are undoubtedly one of the drama’s strongest points. Chae Soo-bin’s portrayal of Hong Hee-joo is gripping, capturing the internal struggles of her character with depth and subtlety. Yoo Yeon-seok as Baek Sa-eon delivers a nuanced performance, bringing complexity to his character’s journey of self-discovery and guilt. Heo Nam-Joon shines as Ji Sang-woo, offering moments of camaraderie and strength that resonate with viewers. Jang Gyu-ri as Na Yu-ri and Han Jae-Yi as Hong In-a both bring in some stability among all the volatile characters around them and with standout performances that add layers to the story. The chemistry between the cast, particularly between Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-seok, is palpable, making their complex relationship dynamic one of the most compelling aspects of the drama.

At its core, When the Phone Rings explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the psychological toll of decisions that people make in their lives. The drama delves into the consequences of one’s actions and how the past can continue to haunt us, even when we try to escape it. The moral dilemmas presented by the characters’ choices are thought-provoking, offering viewers a chance to reflect on how they would react in similar situations. Additionally, the series touches on trauma and its effects on individuals and relationships. The team behind the series did use a few gimmicks to hype up the audience like not showing the preview of the next episodes at the end of episodes 10 & 11. Also, was the war zone bit really necessary? And of course, the series has some of the typical k-drama cliche moments and elements.


When the Phone Rings is a series with tremendous potential, offering a compelling storyline, impressive performances, and a strong emotional journey. Chae Soo-bin, Yoo Yeon-seok, and the entire cast shine in their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. However, it's the plot holes and some narrative missteps prevent it from achieving a truly memorable impact. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that combine suspense with deep emotional exploration, this K-Drama is worth watching, but be prepared for a few moments that might leave you questioning the logic behind the twists and turns.

So, tell me, did you folks enjoy the show?

 

When Oxford announced manifest as its Word of the Year, it made sense. Manifesting has become a movement, a buzzword, a practice people swear by to bring their desires to life. Everywhere I looked, there were books, posts and ads on how to manifest what you want in life. It’s a beautiful idea—the act of turning thoughts into reality, creating the life you want through intention and action.

But here’s the thing: to manifest, you first need a vision. And to have a vision, you need a dream.

I started 2025 with 4 words/advice from 2 of my favourite artists -

- Hard Work: Shah Rukh Khan is known to be the hardest worker in the industry. From day 1 till now, he is known to come into work like it is his first day. Eager to learn and hungry to achieve. He has also mentioned it in many of his speeches. I have always been a hard worker, always hustling, but this year my hard work is going to be very focused and I shall continue learning.

- I Am The Best: Once again, from SRK - the King of manifesting before 'manifesting' became a thing. He says that even though he is sometimes nervous and doubtful, he wakes up saying 'I am the best' to himself because if he doesn't believe it himself, why should the world acknowledge it. So, all the whispers and the niggling thoughts planted in my brain by others that keep saying 'maybe because I am not good enough?' - will have zero place in my mind this year. Believing that 'I am the Best' will let me be my best.

- Futures Gonna Be Okay: No matter how good and confident you are and no matter how good you are at keeping yourself motivated - a little encouragement and positivity from others from time to time; especially on the hard days, can help you. So, am gonna take Agust D's words from D-Day very seriously.

Okay, okay, look at the mirror and I see no pain (No pain)

- Dream: Well, that is what this post all about; my word of the year. So read on...

Dreams are like the seeds, the starting point where the life you imagine begins to take shape. Without a dream, the act of manifesting is like trying to build a house without a foundation. And so, as I start this new year looking forward to a little bit more of healing, growth, and rediscovery, I’ve decided to go back to the very beginning and make dream my Word of the Year.

Reclaiming the Word ‘Dream’

Whether it is due to the trajectory of my own life or the society around us, my ability to dream was suffocated by an atmosphere of suppression, manipulation and gaslighting. Whether it was the general attitude of people or very directed projections of people, {some of you might be able to relate to it} but trying to live up to the expectations and the image of a 'good girl/woman' was very suffocating. Somebody else always took the priority - their expectations and needs always came first because a good girl always puts others first. 

Dreams were dangerous in that world—either dismissed as foolish or selfish. Survival took precedence over imagination and by the time I realised that I had hit the rock bottom, I realised it was because I was never anyone's priority and that hypocrisy finally taught me to put myself first. Now, having stepped into relative freedom, I realize how crucial dreaming is. It’s not just about imagining a better future; it’s about reclaiming the right to hope, to desire, and to create a different life for myself.

Dreaming is my way of rewriting the narrative that once kept me small. It’s a declaration that I am no longer living in the shadow of someone else’s story.

A Year of Dreams

This year, my focus is on nurturing my ability to dream, starting with small steps:

1. Dream - Healing

Every dream I allow myself is an act of defiance against the years I was told to put it on hold or that I couldn’t. Dreaming is a way to heal the wounds of doubt and fear, replacing them with hope and possibility.

2. Dream - Rediscovery

- What does freedom look like for me?
- What do I truly want?
- What do I actually love?
- How much am I actually capable of?
Dreaming is my way of exploring these questions and learning to embrace my desires unapologetically.

3. Dream - Freedom

Freedom, like happiness is relative. I still have responsibilities that I can not ignore and limited resources. So, there are still some boundaries. But how can I use the freedom that I have? How far can I really go? But I can Dream and I do have the freedom to choose how to live my life - what responsibilities I truly want and what resources I want to use.

What My Dreams Look Like Now

Dreams don’t have to be grand to matter. For me, they are about building a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and whole. Little things that makes choosing happiness everyday everyday. Right now, they look like:

• Becoming healthy in both body and mind. 
• Waking up every morning with a sense of purpose.
• Growing my career in a way that aligns with my values.
  
•         Finding out what it is that I genuinely enjoy.
• Surrounding myself with people who genuinely support and uplift me.
•         Leaving behind people who only add negativity and unrealistic expectations.
• Continue traveling to places I’ve only ever seen in pictures.
• Writing my story—and no I don't mean on pen and paper, but to own it and honor my journey.

An Invitation to Dream

If manifesting is about bringing your dreams to life, then dreaming is the foundation where it all begins. If you’ve ever felt like dreaming wasn’t for you—whether out of fear, doubt, or survival—I understand. But I also know that reclaiming the ability to dream is transformative.

This year, I invite you to join me in making dream your focus. Let it inspire you to imagine the life you want, to rediscover your hopes, and to plant the seeds of possibility.

Because no matter how much time you’ve lost, it’s never too late to dream again—and to let those dreams take flight.