When the Phone Rings Episode 12 Review: Series Comes to a Perfect Ending

Episode 11 of When the Phone Rings takes viewers on an intense ride as Sa-eon desperately searches for Hee-joo after her apparent car crash. While the police uncover unsettling clues, Sa-eon confronts Kyu-jin, discovering her twisted vendetta rooted in past tragedies. As layers of deceit unravel, shocking revelations expose Sa-eon’s true parentage and Kyu-jin’s dark crimes, including the murder of Paik Jang-ho.

Meanwhile, Hee-joo is revealed to be alive but trapped in a sinister scheme orchestrated by Kyu-jin. A daring escape leads Hee-joo to Sa-eon, but their brief reunion is interrupted by the kidnapper’s return, culminating in a tense standoff and a haunting gunshot that leaves Hee-joo longing for answers.

– Contains Spoilers –

When the Phone Rings Episode 12 Recap

Episode 12 of When the Phone Rings wraps up the series with a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and long-awaited resolutions. It starts with Hee-joo, tormented by a nightmare where Sa-eon gets shot by the kidnapper. She jolts awake, only to find that her real life isn’t any less painful. Six months have passed since Sa-eon vanished without a trace, leaving Hee-joo to deal with the heartbreak and confusion of his sudden disappearance.

Flashbacks reveal the aftermath of that fateful night when Sa-eon confronted the kidnapper. Hyeok-jin had informed Hee-joo that Sa-eon had donated his entire inheritance to various charities before quitting his job and going completely off the grid. Desperate to find him, Hee-joo chased every lead, visiting Do-jae multiple times in hopes of uncovering a clue about Sa-eon’s whereabouts. Frustratingly, no one—not even I-na, who knew the real reason behind Sa-eon’s departure—offered her any answers.

Meanwhile, the fallout for the Paik family was monumental. On that climactic night, the police fatally shot the real Paik Sa-eon as he threatened Hee-joo and her husband. Kyu-jin was sentenced to life in prison, but in a twist that reflected her unrelenting guilt and despair, she appealed the ruling and requested the death penalty instead. She could never forgive herself for failing to protect her son.

Her final conversation with her true son was a poignant one—she confessed her regrets, lamented her inability to shield him from Paik Jang-ho, and clung to the belief that her son had never been in the wrong. Ui-hyong, in stark contrast, publicly denounced his family and vowed to live an ordinary life. The remorseful Mr. Min faced a five-year prison sentence, the weight of his actions clearly visible in his demeanor.

As for Sang-woo and You-ri, their story took a heartwarming turn. After months of dating, the couple finally got engaged, proving that sometimes love can bloom even amidst chaos. Who would’ve thought Sang-woo had such a romantic side? Their relationship offered a glimmer of hope and joy in a narrative filled with darkness and despair.

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But the central mystery of Sa-eon’s disappearance lingered. Hee-joo’s search for answers took an unexpected turn when she received a letter from Argan—a war-torn country—thanking her for a two-billion-won donation to a sign language school. The donation, made in her name, was a clear breadcrumb left by Sa-eon. Determined to find him, Hee-joo sought out Hyeok-jin, who shared stories of his time in Argan with Sa-eon. He mentioned a special spot where Sa-eon used to watch sunsets, a place that held sentimental value for him.

Despite warnings about the dangers of traveling to Argan, Hee-joo’s resolve remained unshaken. She journeyed to the country, determined to find the man she loved. However, her quest took a perilous turn when she was kidnapped by rebels. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Sa-eon appeared, rescuing her in a daring and heroic act. Their reunion was charged with raw emotion, and Sa-eon finally opened up about his reasons for leaving. Consumed by guilt after learning that Paik Jang-ho had killed Hee-joo’s brother, he had assumed that Hee-joo knew the truth but chose to stay silent for his sake. I-na had planted this false belief in his mind, driving him to punish himself by letting Hee-joo go.

In a deeply moving moment, Hee-joo confronted Sa-eon, reminding him of the time they had already lost to misunderstandings. She refused to let him slip away again, passionately embracing him and reigniting their love. Their connection reached a new depth as they spent the night together, finally allowing themselves to be vulnerable and honest with one another. Sa-eon admitted that he had been planning to divorce Hee-joo, not out of spite, but as part of a grander plan to remarry her under his new identity, free from the shadows of his past.

And so, Sa-eon became Paik Yu-yeon. The couple embarked on a fresh chapter, leaving behind the pain and secrets that had once defined their relationship. They relocated to a new place and hosted an intimate celebration with their closest friends to mark their union. During this joyous occasion, You-ri and Sang-woo announced their engagement, adding another layer of happiness to the event.

In the aftermath, Hee-joo began mending her strained familial relationships. She had a heartfelt conversation with her parents, who gave her their blessings and expressed their hope for reconciliation. While Hee-joo was ready to forgive them, she emphasized the need to take things slow. She also extended an olive branch to I-na, encouraging her to let go of the past and pursue her own happiness. Meanwhile, Yu-yeon reconnected with Sang-hoon, further solidifying his new identity and future.

Professionally, both Hee-joo and Yu-yeon found new paths that aligned with their transformed lives. Hee-joo took on a role as a sign language interpreter at a broadcast station, a meaningful choice that reflected her personal growth and commitment to communication. Yu-yeon, on the other hand, became a state negotiator, a job that brought its own set of challenges and risks. His first impromptu mission left Hee-joo anxious, but their bond remained unshakable.

The series concluded on a poignant and hopeful note. Yu-yeon called Hee-joo after successfully completing his mission, reassuring her of his safety. He asked her to keep calling him “406” whenever she was upset with him, a playful nod to their shared history and a promise to always work through their issues together. Hee-joo, ever pragmatic yet loving, agreed and urged him to always return to her safely. The final twist came as Do-jae appeared as Yu-yeon’s assistant, hinting at a future filled with unexpected alliances and new beginnings.

When the Phone Rings Episode 12 Review

The finale of When the Phone Rings manages to tie up loose ends while still throwing in some dramatic twists for good measure. Episode 12 takes us from heartache to redemption as Hee-joo embarks on a daring journey to reunite with Sa-eon in a war-torn country—because why not add a little international intrigue to a love story? Her unwavering determination to find him, even after six months of silence, is both inspiring and maddening. Honestly, Hee-joo deserves a medal for dealing with Sa-eon’s self-inflicted guilt spiral. From getting kidnapped by rebels to facing off with her husband’s inner demons, she proves once again that she’s the real MVP of this saga.

If you thought the Paik family couldn’t get messier, think again. Kyu-jin’s courtroom drama ends with her begging for the death penalty—because apparently, guilt isn’t something she does halfway. Meanwhile, Ui-hyong’s decision to leave his family behind for a simpler life feels almost… wholesome? Who knew he had it in him! And let’s not forget Mr. Min, who finally grows a conscience after all his shady antics and lands himself in jail. The Paik clan’s downfall is equal parts tragic and satisfying, leaving us glad to wave goodbye to their chaos.

The episode wraps up with Hee-joo and Sa-eon (now Yu-yeon) remarrying and building a new life together. The party scene, complete with You-ri announcing her engagement to Sang-woo, feels like the perfect “aww” moment—until Yu-yeon is immediately called away on a dangerous mission. Typical. But the final moments between Yu-yeon and Hee-joo bring a sweet sense of closure. Their playful agreement about calling him “406” during fights is a cheeky nod to their journey, showing how far they’ve come. It’s an ending that’s equal parts heartwarming and open-ended, leaving just enough room for us to imagine what their next adventure might be.

When the Phone Rings is streaming on Netflix.

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