Yoo Yeon-seok stars in MBC's new drama 'When the Phone Rings' after 9 years, a secret romance thriller based on a web novel.

Yoo Yeon-seok will appear in an MBC drama for the first time in 9 years through 'When the Phone Rings.' On November 21, at the Golden Mouse Hall of MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, a production presentation for the new Friday-Saturday drama 'When the Phone Rings' was held, attended by Yoo Yeon-seok, Choi Soo-bin, Ho Nam-jun, fromis_9's Jang Gyu-ri, and director Park Sang-woo. Based on a popular web novel of the same name, 'When the Phone Rings' begins with a threatening phone call from a kidnapper to a couple living as a facade in a strategic marriage for three years without any conversation. Yoo Yeon-seok plays the role of Baek Sa-on, the youngest spokesperson for the presidential office, who is perfect in family background, appearance, and ability, while Choi Soo-bin plays his wife, Hong Hee-joo, a sign language interpreter suffering from mutism, showcasing her first romantic acting. One day, Baek Sa-on receives a threatening call saying that his wife, Hong Hee-joo, has been kidnapped, leading to unpredictable developments. Hee-joo, who is kidnapped by a mysterious person and decides to change her life, and Sa-on, who pursues the kidnapper, gradually learn about each other and become important to one another. On this day, when asked about his feelings on returning to MBC dramas after 9 years, Yoo Yeon-seok said, 'I returned to MBC, which feels like home, after 'Recipe for Happiness - Love Words are Mendolontot.' My first drama was 'General Hospital 2' with Cha Tae-hyun. I am excited and looking forward to meeting the viewers in the new genre of 'romance thriller' after a long time.' Choi Soo-bin also shared, 'We filmed really intensely during the hot summer, and there is only one day left until we meet the viewers, which makes me excited and anxious about how they will perceive it.' Yoo Yeon-seok explained his character choice, saying, 'Recently, I have played indecisive or warm characters in romance works, but this character is very calm, hides his emotions, and has a cold heart. As the romance deepens due to an incident, I felt a great charm as I peeled back the layers of this cold character. I was attracted to the changes he undergoes.' Choi Soo-bin mentioned, 'I found it very fresh that the work combines romance and thriller, and I enjoyed reading the script. I immediately wanted to play the character after reading it. I am used to expressing myself with words, but communicating in sign language was refreshing. Having lived a repressed life, I felt that the character, though seemingly passive, has a core and a unique charm.' She also referred to her character preparation process. Yoo Yeon-seok said, 'I looked for videos of spokespersons from news anchors and learned from Jung Jong-hwan, who taught me several times about announcing.' He added, 'He was very passionate in teaching me, and thanks to him, I was able to complete my character. I think he is here (at MBC), and I would like to greet him.' Regarding the tailored suits he wears throughout the drama, he said, 'I wore almost all custom-made suits to fit my body perfectly,' and smiled, saying, 'I was able to pull off both the role and the suits perfectly.' He also shared his thoughts on competing with SBS's 'Hot Blooded Priest 2,' saying, 'Unfortunately, I have promoted both works simultaneously on a variety show where I appeared.' Yoo Yeon-seok expressed, 'I enjoyed watching 'Hot Blooded Priest' and am currently watching Season 2. It's very interesting,' but added, 'There is a genre difference between us.' He concluded, 'I expect that viewers who wanted to see a combination of thriller and romance will choose this one.' 'When the Phone Rings' will start airing in Korea on the 22nd at 9:50 PM.