Top K-Drama of 2024 Releases Just Before Year-End and Now Streaming on Netflix

2024 has ushered in a myriad of captivating romance K-dramas, yet one standout series emerged later in the year, captivating audiences on Netflix. The year was a remarkable one for romance K-dramas, with notable titles such as No Gain No Love, Marry My Husband, Love Next Door, and Doctor Slump, all of which left a mark through exceptional storytelling and production. While some of these shows enjoyed both critical praise and commercial success, others carved out dedicated fan bases thanks to powerful performances and unique plot elements.

Among these gems, a brilliant romance K-drama released its first episode just before the holiday season, generating significant buzz. Following a well-paced weekly release strategy, the series steadily attracted more viewers, maintaining its position as one of the most-watched non-English series on Netflix throughout its run. While Squid Game garnered attention as the year came to a close, this romance K-drama captivated viewers, delivering consistent quality in every episode.

When The Phone Rings Emerged as a Surprising Hit in 2024

Minimal Hype Prior to Its Premiere

In contrast to high-profile 2024 K-dramas like Queen of Tears, When the Phone Rings debuted with minimal promotional hype. However, the series quickly gained acclaim for the stunning performances delivered by its leads, Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-seok. Although they had prior work in esteemed projects, neither actor was widely recognized as a box office draw before this K-drama. Interestingly, Netflix did not implement any groundbreaking marketing strategies for its release.

Despite the initial lack of fanfare, When the Phone Rings unexpectedly turned into a success story for Netflix. Since its debut, the series has consistently featured in Netflix’s global Top 10 non-English shows, racking up an impressive 4.4 million views and a total viewing time of approximately 50.1 million hours, according to Tudum. As the series approaches its final two episodes, viewership is expected to climb even higher, solidifying its status as one of the platform’s most triumphant K-dramas.

A K-Drama Filled with Expectations and Surprises

Exceptional Performances and Unique Storytelling

Sa-eon looking at Hee-joo's phone in When the Phone Rings

While many romance dramas often recycle worn-out themes and clichés, When the Phone Rings sets itself apart from the beginning. The narrative centers on a couple whose marriage is strained under the weight of misunderstandings and emotional detachment. The female lead, Hee-joo, grapples with feelings of inadequacy, believing her husband, Sa-eon, has never truly loved her. In turn, Sa-eon remains oblivious to her emotional struggles and conceals his own feelings.

The palpable chemistry between the two leads enhances the portrayal of their characters’ unspoken desires and silent struggles. An unexpected twist in the plot propels them to confront their growing disparities, leading to a gradual emotional reconciliation. While the genre often builds tension by keeping characters apart only to unite them later, When the Phone Rings excels at crafting a more intricate emotional landscape, allowing the viewer to become deeply invested in Hee-joo and Sa-eon’s journey.

Actor	Character
Yoo Yeon-seok	Baek Sa-eon
Chae Soo-bin	Hong Hee-joo
Nam-jun Heo	Ji Sang-woo
Jang Gyu-ri	Na Yoo-ri
And Chul-soo	Kang Yeong-woo
Han Jae-yi	Hong In-ah
Jung Dong-hwan	Good Jang-ho
Yoo Seong-joo	Baek Eui-yong
Chu Sang-mi	Sim Gyu-jin
Choi Woo-jin	Park Do-jae
Oh Hyung-kyung	Kim Yeon-hee
Park Jae-yoon	The Kidnapper

Both lead actors deliver their performances with a level of depth and vulnerability that makes them relatable and believable. While When the Phone Rings occasionally leans toward predictability in its character dynamics, the series counterbalances this with a keen examination of the protagonists’ internal struggles and unmet emotional needs.

Comparing When The Phone Rings to 2024’s Top Romantic K-Dramas

Strong Comparisons with Top 2024 K-Dramas

Dramatic scene from When The Phone Rings

When the Phone Rings truly excels when exploring the heartfelt and nuanced developments between its lead characters. The series even provides well-rounded antagonists, offering them substantial backstories that enhance the storyline. However, there are moments when plot devices seem to constrict the narrative, making the K-drama’s universe feel less expansive. In this regard, Lovely Runner demonstrates a more adept handling of character interrelations.

Despite a brisk pace that keeps the audience engaged, When the Phone Rings occasionally leans too heavily on its characters’ invincibility, making the story predictable at times. Nonetheless, it remains grounded in reality, delving into the couple’s relatable issues and their commitment to reconciliation. Overall, many viewers might argue that Netflix‘s When the Phone Rings surpasses other 2024 romantic K-dramas like Queen of Tears and Love Next Door, although personal preferences will ultimately dictate individual tastes.

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