Episode 4 of When the Phone Rings dives deeper into Hee-Joo and Sa-Eon’s relationship, revealing secrets, old connections, and emotional struggles. The yellow-toned visuals and dramatic storytelling give this webtoon-based show a nostalgic feel, blending old-school melodrama with modern twists. Let's break down the key moments from this intriguing episode.
After visiting her father at the nursing home, Hee-Joo believes the kidnapper may have targeted him. Luckily, her father is safe, but the stress becomes overwhelming. She breaks down on the roadside while the police escort her to the station for questioning. Her silence adds to her struggles, as everyone assumes she’s mute.
**Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.**
Sa-Eon’s tense connection with Hee-Joo
Sa-Eon receives a call from the nursing home, reporting that Hee-Joo’s father has disappeared. His involvement grows deeper, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. Sa-Eon’s actions, like borrowing a car from the police chief, show his concern for Hee-Joo despite their turbulent marriage.
When Sa-Eon and Hee-Joo meet his parents for dinner, things go south quickly. Sa-Eon’s father insults Hee-Joo, calling her a “substitute” daughter, while Sa-Eon defends her fiercely. The dinner ends with the couple being thrown out, emphasizing the strained family dynamics.
Later, Sa-Eon questions Hee-Joo’s passive nature, asking why she endures so much without standing up for herself. Her silence leaves his questions unanswered.
Hee-Joo, overwhelmed by her life, tries to throw away the mysterious phone but is stopped by Sa-Eon. Soon after, she gets a call from her colleagues wishing her luck for an interpreter interview. This opportunity to work for the president’s spokesperson could change her life.
Curious about Sang-Woo, Sa-Eon digs into his background and discovers that he runs an online channel focused on unsolved cases. This sets up a potential clash between the two men, as their pasts and interests seem to intersect in unexpected ways.
The interpreter interview: A turning point
During the interpreter interview, Sa-Eon secretly watches Hee-Joo. Her exceptional skills impress everyone, including Sa-Eon himself. She reveals that she’s been practicing with his videos, even predicting his words by reading his lip movements.
In an intimate twist, Sa-Eon tests her with a passage about “couple’s day,” hinting at his feelings. He later admits to his assistant that he liked Hee-Joo, a rare confession from his otherwise reserved personality.
Flashbacks reveal Sa-Eon’s difficult childhood and how he always wanted to protect Hee-Joo, who faced similar mistreatment. Moments like sneaking food to her when they were younger show his longstanding care for her, even if he struggles to express it now.
Hee-Joo learns through an Instagram post that her sister, In-A, is back in Seoul. In-A’s return adds another layer of tension, as Hee-Joo reveals to Sa-Eon that their divorce is tied to her sister’s reappearance.
In a surprising twist, Sa-Eon overhears police officers talking about Hee-Joo screaming in their car. Dashcam footage confirms that she’s been faking her inability to speak. This revelation leaves him both angry and intrigued.
At the anniversary event of Hee-Joo’s adoptive father’s company, emotions run high. Hee-Joo calls Sa-Eon from the rooftop, drunkenly asking him how he felt on their wedding day when he realized she wasn’t the bride he expected.
As Sa-Eon rebukes her self-deprecating comments, he joins her on the roof, realizing she’s dangerously close to the edge. His protective instincts kick in, but the episode ends with questions about whether he’ll confront her lies or continue pretending he doesn’t know.
The episode closes with Sa-Eon piecing together more truths about Hee-Joo’s hidden abilities and motivations. As secrets unravel, the tension builds toward potential revelations in the next episode.
Episode 4 of When the Phone Rings is a whirlwind of emotions, secrets, and growing tensions. With Sa-Eon uncovering Hee-Joo’s lies and In-A’s mysterious return, the stakes are higher than ever. The episode leaves us eagerly anticipating whether these twists will bring the couple closer or tear them apart.
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