Yoo Yeon-seok's Performance Shines as 'Call from the Unknown' Tops Netflix Charts

The MBC drama 'Call from the Unknown' (지금 거신 전화는) has garnered significant attention since its premiere, achieving impressive rankings across various platforms. According to FlixPatrol, the show, which is directed by Park Sang-woo and written by Kim Ji-woon, reached the fourth spot in Netflix's global 'TV SHOW' category just one week after its release. It also claimed the number one position in the 'TV SHOW' category in 31 countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Qatar, Kuwait, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia.

In addition, the official platform FUNdex from Good Data Corporation reported that 'Call from the Unknown' ranked second in the overall drama category for the third week of November. Lead actors Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin were ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in terms of cast popularity. The show also topped the news section and secured the second position in the Voice of Netizen (VON) category, showcasing its widespread appeal.

The integrated content ranking released by KinoLights for the fourth week of November further highlighted the show's success, placing it third overall, first on Netflix, and second on Wavve, indicating a strong viewer response and heightened anticipation for upcoming episodes.

In the first two episodes aired on November 22 and 23, Yoo Yeon-seok portrayed Baek Sa-eon, the youngest spokesperson for the presidential office and the business husband of Hong Hee-joo (played by Chae Soo-bin). His performance captivated viewers, showcasing his ability to embody the character with a compelling presence.

Yoo's portrayal of Baek Sa-eon, who commands attention with a clear and assertive tone, was particularly striking during a critical emergency briefing. To prepare for this role, he even received special training from MBC's announcer Jeon Jong-hwan, leaving a lasting impression with his authoritative delivery.

In a tense moment, Baek Sa-eon receives a threatening call from a kidnapper who claims to have taken his wife. His cold response, "Call me when the body shows up," exemplifies his character's steely demeanor. As the kidnapper demands a divorce using Baek's secrets as leverage, Yoo effectively conveys a whirlwind of emotions through his voice, expressions, and gestures, enhancing the character's depth.

As Baek Sa-eon becomes increasingly desperate to rescue his wife, he experiences jealousy over the presence of his wife's college senior, Ji Sang-woo (played by Heo Nam-jun), and uncovers secrets about her private life, keeping viewers engaged. His jealousy is humorously displayed when he subtly prepares breakfast for Hee-joo and questions Sang-woo's reliability.

However, when Baek Sa-eon sees footage of Hee-joo seemingly getting into the kidnapper's car, he begins to exert pressure on her, leading to a gripping cliffhanger. His line, "There can't be a Hong Hee-joo I don't know. Are you going to undress, or should I?" leaves viewers eagerly awaiting the next episode. Yoo Yeon-seok masterfully portrays the complex emotions of suspicion, anger, and confusion, maintaining a strong screen presence throughout.

Through 'Call from the Unknown,' Yoo Yeon-seok has once again proven himself as a reliable actor, skillfully depicting the character's cold yet rational emotions while also captivating audiences with his stylish appearance and chemistry with co-star Chae Soo-bin. His performance continues to raise expectations for his evolving career.