A jaw-dropping twist in "When the Phone Rings" has left fans on the edge of their seats, as Yoo Yeon Seok's character, Baek Sa Eon, is revealed not to be the biological son of the Baek family.

This revelation, along with high-stakes drama and intense moments, led the MBC Friday-Saturday drama to its highest viewership yet!

The 8th episode, which aired on December 21, brought explosive ratings, reaching a nationwide viewership of 7% and a metropolitan area rating of 6.8%, according to Nielsen Korea. The crucial 2049 demographic, often seen as a key indicator of content popularity, stood at 1.9%.

But what really caught everyone’s attention was a peak rating of 8.5% during a pivotal scene, as Baek Sa Eon presented a chilling video sent by the kidnapper during a live briefing. The tension was palpable as the episode's intense moments kept fans glued to their screens.

Throughout the episode, Sa Eon and Hong Hee Joo (played by Chae Soo Bin) shared some rare, heartfelt moments, giving viewers a brief respite from the mounting tension.

Their deep connection, with Sa Eon taking extra care to protect Hee Joo, brought warmth and comfort to the drama. But it wasn’t long before the kidnapper's terrifying presence loomed even closer, escalating the drama's suspense.

As the mystery of the kidnapper deepens, viewers are also learning about dark secrets that bind Sa Eon’s family. The episode revealed that Sa Eon is not the true son of Baek Ui Yong (played by Yoo Sung Joo) and Shim Gyu Jin (played by Choi Soo Mi).

This bombshell revelation, combined with the growing threats from the mysterious kidnapper, has left audiences stunned and eager for more.

The final moments of the episode left fans in shock as Sa Eon races to a fishing lodge, only to be caught in a deadly explosion. Will he survive? And what does this mean for his identity and his future with Hee Joo?

Social media reactions were full of excitement: “This show has the perfect mix of romance and thrill!”, “The chemistry between Sa Eon and Hee Joo is heart-wrenching.”, “Sang Woo’s character keeps me guessing—so mysterious!”, “Yoo Yeon Seok's performance is phenomenal. He’s the perfect Baek Sa Eon.” and etc.

With the story’s tension continuing to rise, fans can’t wait for Episode 9, airing on December 27 at 9:50 PM. Will the next episode reveal even more shocking truths? Keep watching!

Source: [1]

Hyun Bin’s latest movie, Harbin, is already making waves even before its release, with a staggering 321,124 pre-sale ticket reservations as of December 22.

According to the Korea Film Council, Harbin is dominating with a real-time reservation rate of 54.2%, solidifying its spot as the #1 most anticipated film.

The numbers are jaw-dropping—2.8 times higher than this year’s box-office hit, The Burial, and nearly triple last year’s biggest film, Spring of Seoul.

The buzz around Harbin is fueled by glowing reviews from press and audience preview screenings.

Many praised Hyun Bin’s powerful performance as Ahn Jung Geun, a historical figure who left a deep mark in Korean history.

Within just two days, pre-sale tickets soared from 200,000 to over 300,000, proving the film's enormous popularity.

Adding to the excitement, Hyun Bin’s wife, superstar actress Son Ye Jin, attended the VIP premiere to show her full support.

Fans were thrilled to see her cheering for her husband, sparking talk about the “Son Ye Jin effect” on Harbin’s success.

Set in 1909, Harbin tells a gripping story of intense chases and hidden motives as characters head to Harbin with intertwined fates. The film, directed by Woo Min Ho, promises suspense, action, and heartfelt moments.

Harbin is set to hit theaters on December 24, and with pre-sale numbers like these, it’s already shaping up to be a massive holiday hit!

Source: [1]