When the Phone Rings Episode 6 Review: Will Sa-eon Save Hee-joo From the Deadly Danger?

In Episode 5 of When The Phone Rings, Sa-eon receives a call from the mysterious kidnapper, which sets off a chain of emotionally charged events. He learns about Hee-joo’s traumatic past and confronts her mother, uncovering secrets that still haunt Hee-joo’s family. Meanwhile, Hee-joo’s career milestone brings a rare moment of joy, but tension arises as Sa-eon grows suspicious of her involvement in the enigmatic phone calls. A

near-tragic accident reveals Hee-joo’s voice for the first time in years, deepening the emotional connection between them. As Sa-eon begins to investigate further, a critical breakthrough confirms his suspicions about Hee-joo’s involvement, leaving their fragile relationship on the brink of upheaval while raising questions about the kidnapper’s ominous motives.

– Contains Spoilers –

When the Phone Rings Episode 6 Recap

Episode 6 kicks off with Sa-eon and Hee-joo waking up on the floor of his living room after the events of the previous night. Sa-eon, nursing a sore arm after Hee-joo slept on it all night, wonders how she managed to remain so blissfully unaware of his discomfort. Despite the awkward situation, the scene adds a layer of subtle intimacy between the two, hinting at the evolving nature of their relationship.

Later that morning, Sa-eon meets with his assistant, who delivers a full analysis of the mysterious calls. The results confirm that the voice belongs to Hee-joo, but Sa-eon is unwilling to believe she’s working with an actual criminal. Instead of confronting her directly, he decides to use the calls as an opportunity to understand her better and perhaps turn the situation to his advantage. He’s also informed that while Hee-joo’s voice matches the caller, she and the kidnapper are not accomplices but are somehow connected. Sa-eon chooses to withhold the findings, even from his assistant, who remains unaware that Sa-eon’s own wife is behind the threatening calls demanding their divorce.

Meanwhile, Sa-eon’s parents—particularly his mother—seem to be haunted by an incident from 20 years ago. The narrative takes a darker turn as viewers are reminded of Sang-woo’s chilling childhood memory of a violent, psychopathic boy who once threatened to harm a cat. Sang-woo also reveals that several children went missing from the orphanage he once lived in. During a visit to the orphanage with Yu-ri, he learns of a fourth missing child—a boy with a twin.

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This revelation adds weight to the theory that the kidnapper could be Sa-eon’s long-lost twin, driven by resentment over being abandoned. A flashback suggests that a child was locked away in the Paik household years ago, leading to speculation that Sa-eon might have been taken in to replace the original child, who may have been institutionalized. If this theory holds, the kidnapper’s vendetta against Sa-eon could be deeply personal.

As the retreat gets underway, the mood lightens with team-building games and playful banter. Sa-eon’s unexpected participation shocks everyone, but he uses the opportunity to get closer to Hee-joo, publicly teaming up with her during the games. When they win, Sa-eon’s celebratory gesture—picking Hee-joo up and spinning her around—leaves their colleagues stunned. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and Sa-eon further cements the moment by requesting their prize be a photo together. These moments of levity contrast sharply with the undercurrent of tension brewing beneath the surface.

The retreat takes a dangerous turn during a group hike to a mountaintop. While the team admires the view from a ledge designed for photos, hee-joo becomes separated from the group and ends up dangerously close to the edge. Though the area is fenced, a scream shatters the calm as someone alerts the group that a person has fallen. It’s revealed that hee-joo was pushed—a fact confirmed by witnesses who saw someone wearing a black jacket near her before the incident.

She wakes up alone in an unfamiliar location, unable to hear the search party or use her phone, which has no signal. However, the kidnapper’s phone in her possession still works, though it can only make calls to Sa-eon. Desperate, hee-joo decides to break her silence and call Sa-eon. He picks up instantly, and their conversation reveals a mix of relief and urgency. Sa-eon instructs her to use a medical kit and flare in her bag to signal for help. His preparedness raises questions as if he anticipated something going wrong. During the call, Sa-eon admits how worried he is and how deeply he cares for her, further hinting at his growing emotional attachment.

In a parallel storyline, hee-joo confronts her half-sister, In-a, who shocks her by revealing that she’s always known hee-joo could speak. In-a’s admission that she kept quiet to protect Hee-joo infuriates her, especially as In-a implies that her surgery now frees them both from their burdens. Refusing to let In-a dictate her life any longer, hee-joo communicates her resolve through sign language, knowing full well that In-a cannot understand it. This moment underscores Hee-joo’s determination to regain control over her life and decisions.

As the retreat continues, Sa-eon’s growing affection for Hee-joo becomes increasingly evident. During another anonymous call with 406, he directly asks what she wants and whether her demand for a divorce still stands. Using the guise of playing “20 questions,” he attempts to uncover Hee-joo’s true desires. The call reveals that what she truly wants is a genuine marriage—something Sa-eon has yet to offer. She ends the call cryptically, stating that everything depends on his actions.

The episode concludes with Sa-eon finding Hee-joo after she uses the flare to signal her location. The relief is palpable, but the moment is tinged with a bittersweet undertone as Sa-eon reflects on how much he truly cares for her. A flashback reveals that during a drunken moment earlier, hee-joo had asked Sa-eon how he felt about her. Though barely conscious, he murmured that he likes her, a confession that lingers as the tension between them continues to grow.

Episode 6 masterfully balances lighthearted moments with intense drama, deepening the mysteries surrounding the characters while showcasing the evolving relationship between Sa-eon and Hee-joo. With secrets unravelling and stakes rising, viewers are left eager to see how the story unfolds, particularly as Sa-eon edges closer to uncovering the full truth behind Hee-joo and the kidnapper’s connection.

When the Phone Rings Episode 6 Review

Episode 6 of When the Phone Rings masterfully delivers an exhilarating mix of romance, intrigue, and danger, making it one of the most compelling episodes yet. The progression of Sa-eon and Hee-joo’s relationship is equal parts heartwarming and suspenseful, with their growing closeness juxtaposed against the shadowy mysteries surrounding them. From Sa-eon’s playful public display of affection during the work retreat to the heart-pounding moment when Hee-joo falls off the mountain, the episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The deepening emotional bond between the couple is woven beautifully into the narrative, offering both tender and thrilling moments.

What truly sets this episode apart is its ability to balance the lighthearted charm of the retreat with the ominous secrets lurking in the background. The revelations about Sa-eon’s mysterious past, his possible connection to the kidnapper, and Hee-joo’s confrontation with her half-sister add layers of depth to the story. Meanwhile, the cliffhanger ending leaves viewers desperate for answers, as Hee-joo’s fall and subsequent survival hint at darker forces at play. With its gripping twists and emotionally charged moments, Episode 6 stands out as a pivotal chapter in the series, keeping audiences hooked for what’s to come.

When the Phone Rings is streaming on Netflix.

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