Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin are taking the world by storm with their latest drama "When the Phone Rings", which is quickly becoming a global hit.

According to FlixPatrol, which tracks Netflix rankings, "When the Phone Rings" soared to 4th place worldwide in the TV Shows category right after new episodes were released.

The show isn’t just making waves globally – it hit #1 in 12 countries, including South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, proving just how popular it is across Asia and beyond.

The success doesn’t stop there. FUNdex, the official platform of Good Data Corporation, revealed that the drama ranked 3rd in Drama Popularity for the second week of December.

In the Cast Popularity section, Yoo Yeon Seok claimed 2nd place, while Chae Soo Bin took 4th, showing their undeniable star power. The show also topped the Voice of Netizens (VON) rankings, clinching 1st place, with strong numbers across all categories.

In terms of viewership, "When the Phone Rings" is doing exceptionally well. Episodes 5 and 6, which aired on December 13 and 14, saw significant ratings. The 6th episode recorded a 6.9% nationwide rating, with 6.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area.

The peak rating even shot up to 9.2%. The coveted 2049 viewership rating, which tracks the younger demographic, reached an impressive 2.4%, setting a new record for the show.

The drama’s gripping story and emotional performances have made it a must-watch. Episode 6, in particular, had fans on the edge of their seats when Sa Eon (played by Yoo Yeon Seok) discovers his wife Hee Joo (played by Chae Soo Bin) is in danger.

The intense and emotional rescue scene, where Sa Eon rushes to save her after she falls off a cliff, left viewers in tears. The connection between the two characters, paired with their outstanding performances, has earned them widespread praise, with fans commenting, "Chae Soo Bin’s acting is at its best," and "Yoo Yeon Seok’s acting is legendary."

The meticulous direction has also been a highlight of the drama. The constant use of Sa Eon’s messenger app and Hee Joo’s profile picture “Sunset” ties everything together, making the viewers feel even more connected to the characters’ emotions and intensifying their immersion in the story.

As "When the Phone Rings" continues to dominate the charts and gain praise for its powerful narrative and performances, Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin’s international success is undeniable. Fans worldwide are hooked, and it’s clear that this drama is set to keep climbing the ranks in the coming weeks.

Source: [1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]