Despite minimal promotion before its release, the K-drama When the Phone Rings has been stealing hearts since its premiere on Netflix on 22 November 2024. It has achieved high viewership ratings in Korea and climbed Netflix’s global charts week after week, showing no sign of slowing down.
Yoo Yeon Seok as presidential spokesperson Paik Sa Eon. (Photo from: @mbcdrama_now)
The series has been taking over social media and pulling in viewers with its blend of mystery and romance and the captivating chemistry between the main leads played by Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin. Viewers are also praising Yoo Yeon Seok’s portrayal of the complex emotions of his character Paik (sometimes spelt Baek) Sa Eon. Read on to get to know more about the actor who’s making us swoon, giving K-drama land the perfect gift during the year-end season.
Yoo Yeon Seok: age, acting and musical career, and more
40-year-old Yoo Yeon Seok — whose real name is Ahn Yeon Seok — made his debut with a small role in the action thriller film Oldboy in 2003. After graduating from Sejong University's Department of Film Arts and completing his military service, he returned to acting in 2008, appearing in plays and using his stage name.
Fun fact: he’s a proud paw-rent to his dog Rita. (Photo from: @yoo_yeonseok)
His breakthrough came in 2013 with the popular drama Reply 1994, before landing his first leading role in the 2015 series Warm and Cozy. Beyond his successful career in film and television, Yoo Yeon Seok also became known for his stage performances, particularly when he played a genderqueer character in the acclaimed musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Now, he’s back on the small screen for When the Phone Rings. While you sit tight for the next episode, check out our ranking of Yoo Yeon Seok’s binge-worthy dramas.
Yoo Yeon Seok’s best dramas, ranked
1. Hospital Playlist
Taking the top spot on our list is the heartwarming medical drama Hospital Playlist! This poignant series touched our hearts with its intertwined stories, heartfelt music, and focus on the everyday lives of the doctors, hospital staff, and patients.
Yoo Yeon Seok wonderfully portrayed the warmhearted pediatric surgeon Dr. Ahn Jeong Won. His care for and interactions with the kids in Hospital Playlist felt so genuine from the first episode till the end. Even his behind-the-scenes moments with the child actors will brighten up your day.
His slow-burn romance with Dr. Jang Gyeo Ul (Shin Hyun Been) also added a layer of tenderness to his character which made him even more endearing.
But aside from his acting chops, this series also allowed him to showcase his musical talents. He showcased his calming vocals and drumming skills through the series' iconic band scenes.
There’s something for everyone in this healing drama. Stream Hospital Playlist on Netflix.
2. When the Phone Rings
Yoo Yeon Seok’s latest series When the Phone Rings is a strong contender for the top spot on our list. However, since it’s still airing, we’re holding off on crowning it number one — for now.
When the Phone Rings contains a compelling storyline in which Yoo Yeon Seok plays the tsundere — someone who can be cold and distant on the outside but is actually warmhearted — character of Paik Sa Eon.
The show allows Yoo Yeon Seok to shine in the best way possible and puts the spotlight on his versatility. He’s the overprotective husband, the clever political figure who knows how to stay ahead of his enemies, and someone carrying the burden of complex family secrets.
Watch Yoo Yeon Seok bring this multi-faceted character to life. Stream Episodes 1 to 8 of this 12-episode series on Netflix. New episodes will be out every Friday and Saturday.
3. Mr. Sunshine
Yoo Yeon Seok delivered a gripping performance in Mr. Sunshine — a well-loved, award-winning historical K-drama. He took on the role of Goo Dong Mae who possesses a strategic mind and a ruthless nature. He’s a powerful member of the Japanese Black Dragon Society AKA Musin Society, but he was born in Joseon where he witnessed the tragic deaths of his parents.
Yeon Seok masterfully portrayed a range of emotions such as ambition, the desire for revenge, his vulnerability in front of Lady Go Ae Sin (Kim Tae Ri), and his struggle with his identity.
He won Best Actor and Artist of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards and Best Supporting Actor (Drama) at The Seoul Awards in 2018 for his role in Mr. Sunshine.
You wouldn’t want to miss the compelling redemption arc of Goo Dong Mae in Mr. Sunshine. Stream it on Netflix.
4. Dr. Romantic
Yoo Yeon Seok won us over with his role as the “first child” of Doctor Kim in Dr. Romantic. He portrayed the character of Kang Dong Joo, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon. His journey from being a cynical doctor driven by a painful past and personal ambition to someone who truly prioritises what’s best for his patients is something that will resonate with and inspire viewers.
Yoo Yeon Seok won the Excellence Award, Actor in a Genre Drama, Best Couple, and Idol Academy Award - Best Kiss with Seo Hyun Jin at the 2016 SBS Drama Awards for his role in this series.
The title might be misleading for some because romance isn’t really at the forefront of the show. It covers themes of medical ethics, politics in the medical field, compassion, and life lessons that will stay with you long after the final episode. Stream it on Netflix or Viu.
5. Reply 1994
Yoo Yeon Seok charmed us with his role in Reply 1994 as the talented baseball player named Chilbong. He ticked all the boxes when it comes to being an actor who gives us the “second lead syndrome” — he’s sweet and showed unwavering support for the female lead. Unfortunately, his devotion is unrequited in the end.
While Reply 1994 is a well-loved series, we’ve placed it at the bottom of our list since we found it less appealing than the other titles in the series namely, Reply 1997 and Reply 1988 as well as other dramas featuring Yoo Yeon Seok.
One of the factors is that it lacked strong nostalgic elements when compared with the other Reply titles. The chemistry between the leads also felt less palpable compared to the others.
However, if your heart is ready to see Yoo Yeon Seok play the role of the loyal second male lead, stream Reply 1994 on Disney+, iQIYI, or Viu.
(Cover photos from: @mbcdrama_now, @yoo_yeonseok)
Curious about the next K-dramas coming in 2025? Check out our roundup here.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
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