Hee-joo Realises How Much Sa-eon Loves and Has Always Loved Her – Enter Dairysia

In Episode 7 of When the Phone Rings, Sa-eon saves Hee-joo from danger, leading to her hospitalization and a flashback that reveals her brother’s tragic death and her silence as a coping mechanism. While Sa-eon’s father twists the narrative for political gain, Sa-eon quietly unravels clues about the kidnapper, suspecting a deeper connection to those around him.

As Hee-joo and Sa-eon’s relationship grows more intimate, she finally offers to hand over the kidnapper’s phone as evidence, leading them to a heartwarming yet bittersweet date at an amusement park and Namsan Tower. The episode crescendos with Hee-joo confessing her fear of disappointing Sa-eon, only for him to reveal his love for her, culminating in a long-awaited kiss, even as darker mysteries and new suspicions about Sang-woo linger in the shadows.

– Contains Spoilers –

When the Phone Rings Episode 8 Recap

The episode kicks off on a cozy note, with Sa-eon making kimchi fried rice for Hee-Joo back home. During this quiet moment, Sa-eon unexpectedly opens up, confessing a fear he’s held since their marriage began. He reveals that when they tied the knot, he was terrified they might actually fall in love with each other. In his panic, he told Hee-joo not to fall for him—a decision he now looks back on with regret. This tender scene sets the tone for an episode that dives deep into Sa-eon’s guilt and inner turmoil.

While Sa-eon wrestles with his fear and insecurities, Hee-joo is caught off guard by his forgiving nature. She’s stunned that he would overlook her past mistakes so easily, unaware that Sa-eon is weighed down by secrets of his own—secrets that might make her actions seem small in comparison. But the quiet domestic moments don’t last long, as the episode shifts gears with the reappearance of the kidnapper. Dressed in all black, with a mask and hat for added mystery, the kidnapper manages to get dangerously close to Sa-eon’s building. Despite his suspicious attire, no one seems to bat an eye. Is this a lapse in logic, or is there more to this character than meets the eye?

Meanwhile, new layers to Chairman Paik’s shady dealings are revealed. A hidden contract involving Hee-joo’s father comes to light, thanks to In-a, who seems to be piecing things together. It’s hinted that Mr. Hong, who initially exposed Sa-eon’s lack of familial ties to the Paik dynasty, has also been pulling some strings. The contract apparently allows Mr. Hong to demand something significant if the agreement is breached, and it appears that Hee-joo replacing Sa-eon as the family’s heir was part of this twisted bargain.

As these revelations unfold, Hee-joo begins to experience her own emotional unraveling. She wakes up from a nightmare about Sa-eon disappearing, her subconscious fears bubbling to the surface. Seeking comfort, she goes to Sa-eon’s room, where he reassures her that everything is okay. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Hee-joo confesses that she’s imagined what it would be like if they acted like a real married couple. Sa-eon’s response is subtle but heartfelt, offering a glimpse of the connection they both seem to crave but can’t fully grasp.

Also read: Love Your Enemy Episode 9 Review: Yun Jiwon Meets the Man of Her Nightmares

However, Sa-eon’s work life interrupts their fragile peace. Despite taking his first day off in three years, he’s called into the office for what his subordinates claim is an urgent matter. It’s revealed to be a surprise attempt to cheer him up, but duty calls, and Sa-eon gets swept into the mystery surrounding the kidnapper. A lead takes him to an old villa, the setting for much of the series’ suspense.

While Sa-eon is on his quest, Hee-joo receives a cryptic video from the kidnapper and a message from Sang-woo, her childhood friend and former crush. She meets him at an orphanage, where a nun casually drops the bombshell that Hee-joo was Sang-woo’s first love. As if that wasn’t enough to process, Sang-woo takes Hee-joo to the same villa Sa-eon is investigating. They don’t enter, as it’s already dark, but the tension escalates when Sa-eon spots them together as they drive away. In a dramatic car chase, Sa-eon forces them to stop, his jealousy and protectiveness boiling over.

What follows is a heated confrontation where Sa-eon accuses Sang-woo of being tied to the threats against him. Dragging Hee-joo into his car, Sa-won demands to know why she didn’t come to him about the video. Her response is heart-wrenching: she was afraid he would run away, fearing his secrets would push her away for good. In a rare moment of emotional honesty, Sa-eon admits that if he were to lose everything—his money, status, and place in the world—the only thing he’d want to leave behind is Hee-joo’s love for him.

But Sa-eon’s revelations are only part of the story. Flashbacks shed light on his traumatic childhood, revealing that he witnessed Chairman Paik’s violent treatment of the real grandson, who may have been killed. The chairman’s monstrous behavior extends even further, with hints that he was involved in the accident that destroyed Hee-joo’s family years ago. These pieces of the puzzle paint a chilling picture of the lengths to which the Paik family will go to protect their secrets.

As the tension builds, Sa-eon takes a bold step by holding a press conference. He appeals to the public for help in deciphering the kidnapper’s video, offering an exclusive interview as a reward. The move is risky but underscores his desperation to protect those he loves. The episode reaches its climax with a fiery twist—literally.

A fire breaks out at Chairman Paik’s home, with Sa-eon rushing in to save the man he once thought of as a father. Tragically, Sa-eon ends up unconscious, and suspicion immediately falls on Sang-woo, who is seen driving away from the scene. The episode leaves viewers questioning Sang-woo’s true motives and the identity of the person behind the fire, whose distinctive white shoes and wide-legged trousers offer a tantalizing clue. The episode ends bittersweetly, with Hee-Joo looking at retreat photos where Sa-Eon’s unwavering gaze is fixed on her in every frame.

When the Phone Rings Episode 8 Review

Episode 8 of When the Phone Rings is a rollercoaster of emotions and intrigue, delivering everything from heartfelt confessions to jaw-dropping twists. Sa-Eon and Hee-Joo’s complex dynamic takes center stage as both grapple with their fears and insecurities. Sa-Eon’s quiet revelation about being scared of falling in love and Hee-Joo’s dream-fueled vulnerability offer glimpses of the tenderness they’re too afraid to embrace. But just as you start rooting for their emotional growth, the plot kicks into high gear with cryptic kidnappers, mysterious contracts, and buried family secrets that make your head spin—in the best way possible.

The drama doesn’t hold back on suspense either, with car chases, fiery confrontations, and chilling revelations about Sa-Eon’s traumatic past. The show’s ability to keep us guessing shines here, as Sang-Woo’s motives are further muddled, and new clues hint at an even bigger conspiracy. But amidst all the chaos, those brief moments of connection between Sa-Eon and Hee-Joo tug at your heart, reminding us why we’re invested in their story. Episode 8 is equal parts thrilling and heartbreaking—a perfect blend of emotional depth and edge-of-your-seat tension.

When the Phone Rings is streaming on Netflix.

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