The best K-Drama of 2024 was released just before the end of the year and is streaming on Netflix

Many attractive romances K-dramaand was released in 2024, but the best debuted surprisingly later in the year and is being broadcast on Netflix. Both in terms of viewership and overall quality, 2024 was a great year for romance K-dramas, with many memorable shows like No gain, no love, Marry my husband, Love next doorand Doctor Fall seeing the light of day. While some of them have received critical praise and commercial success, others have accumulated a cult following due to their strong performances, unique stories, and impressive production values.

However, long before Christmas time arrived and the clocks struck 12 to change the date to 2025, a brilliant romance K-drama arrived on Netflix. Following a weekly release schedule, the K-drama improved with each episode, gradually attracting more and more viewers. Unsurprisingly, it has consistently remained among the most-watched non-English series on Netflix during its long run. Although squid game received immense attention towards the end of the year, the romance K-drama also continued to grow from strength to strength, delivering one great episode after another.

When the Phone Ring Was a Last-Minute K-Drama Hit in 2024

There was little to no hype surrounding him before his debut

Unlike other high-budget 2024 K-dramas like Queen of Tears, When the phone rings had little enthusiasm before arriving on Netflix. The show is now being praised for the incredible performances of its leads, Chae Soo-bin and Yoo Yeon-seok, who have some renowned projects under their belt. However, before starring in the series, none of them were particularly known for being bankable. Even when it comes to marketing the show, Netflix apparently hasn't done anything significantly different.

However, despite all these factors, When the phone rings became a last-minute hit on Netflix in 2024. Since its release, the K-drama has remained in Netflix's global Top 10 non-English shows almost every week and has garnered 4.4 million views to date, with a time of viewing of 50.1 million (through Tudum). Two more episodes left to finish airing When the phone ringsTotal viewership is sure to increase, making it one of the most successful K-dramas on Netflix.

When the Phone Rings has everything you would expect from a great K-Drama

From great performances to unique stories

While the romance genre is full of movies and shows that rely on tried-and-true themes and redundant character tropes, When the phone rings aims to be different from the beginning. It focuses on a couple whose marriage is on the verge of collapse due to growing misunderstandings and emotional distance. The female protagonist, Hee-joo, can't help but believe that her husband, Sa-eon, never truly loved her and craves her affection. Meanwhile, Sa-eon remains unaware of how much Hee-joo wants him and keeps her feelings hidden.

However, an intriguing twist in their narrative forces them to confront their growing differences and gradually grow closer. The romance genre can be full of stories that “keep them apart” before finally “bringing them together.” What it does When the phone rings' unique portrait, however, is that he masterfully constructs Hee-joo and Sa-eon's emotional and romantic journey. Some aspects of the series may be a little over the top, but Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin's performances are enough to immerse viewers in their complicated but deeply relatable relationship.

The on-screen chemistry between the two leads is palpable, as they brilliantly capture their respective characters' silent desire for each other. They deliver their dialogue with such subtlety and vulnerability that it's hard not to see them as real people. When the phone rings can be a little predictable at times, especially as it portrays the familiar push and pull dynamics between its characters. However, it balances these elements with realism, reflecting on the internal conflicts, unbearable longings and unfulfilled desires of its main characters.

How The When Phone Ring Compares to the Best Romantic K-Dramas of 2024

When the Phone Rings compares well to the best K-dramas of 2024

When the phone rings really thrives when it focuses on the subtle and touching romantic developments between its two main characters. The Netflix show also manages to present compelling villains, giving them strong backstories and reasons to harm Hee-joo and Baek Sa-eon. However, there are times when K-drama makes its world feel too small by introducing plot contrivances. In this aspect, Adorable hallway does a better job of drawing believable connections between its main characters.

Throughout its running time, When the phone rings It barely leaves a dull moment and maintains a steady but fast pace with each episode. However, it stumbles a bit when it gives the main characters a little too much plot armor. Despite this, though, it stays grounded with its emphasis on the main couple's relatable marital problems and bracing willingness to solve them. General, Netflixof When the phone rings is arguably even better than some of the best romance novels of 2024 K-dramasas Queen of Tears and Love next doorbut it may or may not please everyone.