Yoo Yeon-seok Uncovers Blackmailer in 'Now, the Phone is Ringing'

In the latest episode of MBC's weekend drama 'Now, the Phone is Ringing' (지금 거신 전화는), which aired on December 13, Yoo Yeon-seok's character, Baek Sa-eon, uncovers that the blackmailer is none other than Hong Hee-joo, played by Chae Soo-bin. The fifth episode featured a surprising kiss between the couple, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode recorded a nationwide rating of 5.9% and 5.3% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea. A particularly impactful moment occurred when Sa-eon pondered how to respond to Hee-joo's heart emoji, causing the ratings to spike to 6.3%.

During the episode, Sa-eon rushes to Hee-joo, who is precariously standing on a ledge, showing his concern for her safety. However, after receiving a report from Park Do-jae (Choi Woo-jin), he begins to suspect Hee-joo when he learns that the blackmailer is at the hotel where the 'Cheongun Ilbo' event is taking place. After the event, both Sa-eon and Hee-joo struggle to sleep for their own reasons. Hee-joo finds comfort in a phone call with Sa-eon, while he expresses disappointment over her keeping secrets for 20 years.

In a positive turn, Hee-joo passes the final interview to become a sign language interpreter for the presidential office. Eager to share the news with her husband, she accidentally sends him a heart emoji, which brings a smile to his face during a meeting. Sa-eon, who gifts Hee-joo a dress to celebrate her success, is captivated by her beauty, but their growing closeness is observed by Hee-joo's sister, Hong In-ah (Han Jae-i), adding tension to the situation.

Meanwhile, Ji Sang-woo (Heo Nam-jun) and Na Yu-ri (Jang Gyu-ri), who were out scouting for a broadcast program, organize a celebration for Hee-joo's new job. Sa-eon joins them, leading to a tense standoff with Sang-woo. Unable to bear the tension between the two men, Hee-joo leaves the gathering and receives a message from In-ah to meet. Conflicted, she calls Sa-eon again at 10 PM using the blackmail phone. As Sa-eon searches for her, they engage in a risky conversation, hidden from each other's view. Suddenly, a mysterious car speeds towards Sa-eon, and Hee-joo screams his name, throwing herself to save him. Sa-eon comforts her, saying, "I want to hear your voice again," creating an emotional moment.

The episode escalates when it is revealed that the person who attempted to hit Sa-eon with a car is the kidnapper (Park Jae-yoon). The kidnapper calls Hee-joo again, stating, "I want Baek Sa-eon to be ruined. I know him better than anyone else in this world," intensifying the connection between Sa-eon and the blackmailer.

On Hee-joo's first day at the spokesperson's office, Sa-eon begins learning sign language, showcasing their heartwarming communication. However, during a company dinner, Sa-eon learns that the blackmailer is a woman. He discreetly instructs Do-jae to compare the blackmail call audio with Hee-joo's voice captured on a black box.

As the episode concludes, Hee-joo takes a drunken Sa-eon home, and they share a kiss as they collapse at the entrance, igniting excitement among viewers. A text from Do-jae reveals that the voice of the blackmailer matches Hee-joo's, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Following the broadcast, viewers expressed their reactions, saying, "Sa-eon finally figured out that Hee-joo is the blackmailer," "I’m always amazed by Yoo Yeon-seok's acting," and "The sign language conversation was so touching!" The sixth episode of 'Now, the Phone is Ringing' is set to air tonight, December 14, at 9:50 PM.