지금 거신 전화는
"Their love hangs by a thread... until a stranger picks up the phone."
When the Phone Rings - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Baek Sa-eon
Yoo Yeon-seok
Motivation
Initially driven by perfectionism and professional ambition, his motivation shifts to protecting Hee-joo and seeking redemption for his family's sins.
Character Arc
Starting as a cold, calculating politician who views his wife as an 'appendix' to his career, he undergoes a total transformation. After discovering his identity was stolen from an illegitimate brother, he discards his prestigious status, changes his name to Baek Yu-yeon, and chooses a life based on love rather than duty.
Hong Hee-joo
Chae Soo-bin
Motivation
Driven by the desire to escape her 'living hell' and find a place where she is truly heard and valued.
Character Arc
She begins as a submissive, mute daughter-in-law trapped in her mother's schemes. Through the kidnapping crisis, she finds her voice—literally and figuratively—breaking her silence to demand a divorce and eventually a marriage on her own terms.
Ji Sang-woo
Heo Nam-jun
Motivation
Driven by a pursuit of truth and a desire to help those silenced by trauma.
Character Arc
A psychiatrist and YouTuber who specializes in unsolved cases. He serves as a catalyst for revealing the truth about the past and provides emotional support to Hee-joo, though he remains caught between his professional ethics and personal feelings.
Na Yu-ri
Jang Gyu-ri
Motivation
Seeking professional success and romantic validation.
Character Arc
A bright, ambitious announcer who initially idolizes Sa-eon. Her arc highlights the contrast between the public's perception of the 'perfect man' and the reality of Sa-eon's broken personal life.