This K-drama blog post explores Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings and offers recommendations for similar suspenseful and emotionally charged viewing experiences.
“When the Phone Rings” is a gripping narrative set in the heart of an arranged marriage between a couple who haven’t spoken to each other for three years. This silent coexistence is shattered by a threatening phone call from a mysterious kidnapper. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship as they navigate the challenges posed by this sudden danger. The tension forces them to confront their suppressed emotions, their unspoken past, and the potential of a future together, all while unraveling the mystery of the kidnapper’s true identity.
Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings masterfully blend mystery and emotional depth, making them perfect for those who love intense, thought-provoking plots. Suppose you’re one of those viewers missing the intricate plotlines and sizzling chemistry of “When the Phone Rings,” fear not! Here are some equally compelling dramas that explore the theme of fake dating or marriage contracts, sure to fill the void and keep you entertained.
Recommendations for Fake Dating/Marriage Contract Dramas & Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings:
1. Because This Is My First Life (2017):
This drama follows Nam Se-hee, a stoic and pragmatic man who only values efficiency, and Yoon Ji-ho, a struggling writer. They enter a marriage of convenience, with Se-hee needing a roommate and Ji-ho needing a place to stay.
As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they slowly realize their contract marriage may not just be about convenience. It could be about finding someone who truly understands them. The drama beautifully portrays their relationship evolving from strangers to partners sharing a unique bond. It highlights themes of love, life choices, and societal expectations in a heartfelt and relatable manner.
2. The Trunk:
A mysterious drama The Trunk, involves a unique marriage service where couples are paired through a matching service that promises a successful partnership based on psychological profiling. The story takes a twist when the leads, through unforeseen circumstances, are forced into a contractual marriage despite initial resistance. As they live together under the contract’s terms, they begin to unravel each other’s true selves, leading to an unexpected emotional connection. The slow burn of their relationship, combined with the psychological elements, creates an intriguing narrative.
Just as Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings offer a mix of suspense and drama, these shows capture a similar chilling yet captivating vibe.
3. My Secret Romance (2017):
Cha Jin-wook, a rich playboy, and Lee Yoo-mi, a nutritionist, cross paths in a beach resort leading to a one-night stand. They meet again three years later when Yoo-mi starts working at Jin-wook’s company. Due to a misunderstanding, they agree to a fake relationship to avoid scandal. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction turns into a deeper connection. The light-hearted moments, combined with heartfelt scenes, explore themes of trust, love, and the complexity of relationships.
4. Her Private Life (2019):
Sung Deok-mi, a talented art curator, leads a double life as a fan girl running a popular fan site for an idol. Ryan Gold, a reclusive but acclaimed artist, becomes the new director of the museum where Deok-mi works. To fend off gossip and misunderstandings, they pretend to date. As they spend more time together under the guise of a fake relationship, Ryan discovers Deok-mi’s secret life, and their fake romance starts to feel real. The drama explores the importance of embracing one’s passions and the joy of being understood and accepted for who you are.
5. My Demon
“My Demon” offers an intriguing blend of romance and fantasy, centered around a devilish contract. The story follows a wealthy heiress who finds herself in a contract marriage with a demon to escape a dangerous predicament. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement evolves into a complicated relationship as the boundaries between duty and desire blur. Viewers are drawn in by the sizzling chemistry between the leads, their reluctant partnership blossoming into genuine affection. The drama expertly navigates themes of trust, redemption, and love, making it a must-watch for fans of “When the Phone Rings.”
6. No Gain No Love
This light-hearted yet emotionally resonant drama revolves around a struggling entrepreneur who enters a marriage contract with a wealthy businesswoman. Initially driven by financial motives, their relationship gradually deepens as they confront their vulnerabilities and dreams. “No Gain No Love” skillfully portrays the evolution of a fake marriage into a heartfelt love story, complete with humor, misunderstandings, and moments of profound connection. The palpable chemistry between the leads keeps viewers hooked, much like the compelling duo in “When the Phone Rings.”
7. Business Proposal
“Business Proposal” is a delightful rom-com that begins with a fake dating scenario. A young office worker stands in for her friend on a blind date, only to discover that her date is the company’s CEO. To avoid an awkward situation at work, they agree to a fake relationship. As their pretense continues, the line between professional and personal begins to blur. The drama is filled with humorous situations, heartwarming moments, and a chemistry that leaps off the screen, making it a perfect follow-up for those missing the intricate dynamics of “When the Phone Rings.”
8. Love in Contract
“Love in Contract” explores the life of a professional contract bride who helps single men navigate societal pressures by pretending to be their spouse. Her life takes a turn when she juggles multiple contracts and finds herself entangled in a genuine emotional connection. The drama delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the complexity of human relationships. With its mix of humor, drama, and romance, “Love in Contract” offers a compelling narrative that will resonate with fans of fake marriage tropes.
9. Perfect Marriage Revenge
In “Perfect Marriage Revenge,” we explore a world where a fake marriage is planned for the ultimate act of revenge. The female lead, betrayed by her ex, partners with a wealthy and influential man to retaliate against those who wronged her. As their relationship develops, they begin to uncover genuine feelings for each other, blurring the line between reality and pretense. This drama is filled with twists, emotional confrontations, and a gratifying dose of romance.
The eerie atmosphere and gripping narratives in Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings are reminiscent of other top-notch thrillers that will leave you guessing until the very end.
10. Full House (2004)
A classic that set the bar for many marriage contract dramas to follow, “Full House” (2004) is a timeless story of love and misunderstandings. Han Ji-Eun, an aspiring writer, finds herself homeless after her house is sold to a famous actor, Lee Young-jae. To get her house back, she agrees to enter a contract marriage with him. Despite their constant bickering, the two gradually fall for each other. The chemistry between the leads and the heartwarming storyline make it a beloved favorite among K-drama fans.
11. Marriage, Not Dating
“Marriage, Not Dating” offers a fresh take on the fake dating trope. The story follows a wealthy plastic surgeon, Gong Gi-Tae, who has no interest in marriage but brings home a woman, Joo Jang-mi, to meet his family, hoping they will disapprove. Jang-mi, however, has her reasons for playing along. Their comedic yet heartfelt journey to understanding and love is a delightful watch.
12. Something About 1 Percent (2016)
This drama is a modern take on the marriage contract theme, featuring Lee Jae-in, a chaebol heir, and Kim Da-hyun, a kind-hearted school teacher. Due to his grandfather’s will, Jae-in must marry Da-hyun to inherit his wealth. As they navigate their contract relationship, unexpected feelings arise, leading to a genuine love story. The light-hearted moments combined with sincere romantic developments make it a charming addition to the genre.
13. So I Married an Anti-Fan (2021)
“So I Married an Anti-Fan” is a romantic comedy that brings together the worlds of a top K-pop star and a feisty journalist. The story begins when Lee Geun-young, a struggling journalist, attends a club event where she encounters Hoo Joon, a world-renowned K-pop idol. Due to a series of misunderstandings, Geun-young ends up losing her job and blames Hoo Joon for it. She becomes his anti-fan and is determined to expose his flaws.
Fate intervenes when a television program offers them an opportunity to participate in a reality show where they must live together and pretend to be a couple. As they navigate their fake relationship, unexpected feelings begin to develop between them. This drama is packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and the undeniable chemistry between the leads, making it a delightful watch for fans of the fake dating trope.
14. The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract
“The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” offers a refreshing take on the marriage contract trope with a time-travel twist. The plot revolves around Park Yeon-woo, a Joseon Confucian girl transported 200 years into the future, landing in 2023. Her journey begins after being thrown into a well by an unknown assailant. This happens at the behest of her mother-in-law, following the mysterious death of her husband, Kang Tae-ha.
Yeon-woo’s arrival in the modern world is met with confusion and intrigue. As she struggles to adapt to this new era, she crosses paths with a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased husband. To secure her survival and find a way back to her time, Yeon-woo enters into a marriage contract with him. This setup allows for a fascinating exploration of cultural clashes, historical insights, and a slow-burn romance that keeps viewers hooked.
The drama not only delves into the concept of marriage contracts but also examines themes of loyalty, love, and the societal expectations of women. Yeon-woo’s journey is one of resilience and empowerment, as she navigates the complexities of her new life while seeking justice for her past.
15. Marriage Contract
“Marriage Contract” is a poignant and heartwarming drama that delves deep into the complexities of life, love, and sacrifice. The story follows Kang Hye-soo, a young single mother struggling to make ends meet after the death of her husband. When she is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she is faced with the daunting reality of leaving her daughter alone in the world. Enter Han Ji-hoon, a wealthy restaurant owner with his own set of familial issues. Ji-hoon needs a temporary wife to fulfill his mother’s dying wish, and Hye-soo needs financial security for her daughter. Thus begins their contractual marriage.
What makes “Marriage Contract” stand out is its emotional depth and the mature handling of its characters’ struggles. The chemistry between Uee and Lee Seo-jin is palpable, and their evolving relationship will have you reaching for tissues. This drama perfectly balances the contract marriage trope with heartfelt storytelling, making it a must-watch for those who crave more than just surface-level romance.
16. Lie to Me
“Lie to Me” is a delightful romantic comedy that takes the fake relationship trope to entertaining heights. Gong Ah-Jung, a government employee, gets caught in a web of lies after a small fib about being married. Her lie involves Hyun Ki-Joon, a wealthy hotel manager, and the situation spirals quickly out of control. Ki-Joon, portrayed by Kang Ji-hwan, is initially horrified by the unexpected and bizarre situation. However, he reluctantly agrees to maintain the charade to prevent a scandal from damaging his family’s reputation.
The strength of “Lie to Me” lies in its humor and the undeniable chemistry between Yoon Eun-hye and Kang Ji-hwan. Their journey from reluctant partners in a lie to genuine lovers is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes. If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted yet engaging drama, “Lie to Me” is the perfect pick.
17. Fated to Love You
“Fated to Love You” is a classic in the realm of accidental love stories. The drama begins with a case of mistaken identity and a one-night stand that leads to an unexpected pregnancy. Lee Gun, the eccentric and charismatic heir to a conglomerate, and Kim Mi-young, a timid office worker, are forced into a marriage of convenience to legitimize their situation. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, love, and healing.
Jang Hyuk and Jang Na-ra deliver stellar performances, bringing their characters’ quirky dynamics and emotional growth to life. “Fated to Love You” combines humor, drama, and romance in a way that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. The series explores the idea that love can bloom in the most unexpected circumstances, making it a perfect choice for fans of the marriage contract trope.
If you’re captivated by the suspense and thrill in Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings. You’ll enjoy similar titles that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Also Read:Â From Hate to Heartthrob: Must-Watch Enemy to Lovers K-Dramas
Conclusion
For fans of “When the Phone Rings,” these dramas offer emotions, romance, and the captivating allure of fake relationships turning real. Each drama delves into fake relationships evolving into true love, featuring engaging plots, strong character arcs, and palpable chemistry. Viewers are drawn into the emotional journeys of characters as the storylines explore love blossoming from initially deceptive relationships.
In conclusion, if Korean dramas like When the Phone Rings have sparked your interest, exploring similar dramas is a must. Other dramas with a blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional storytelling will surely satisfy your cravings. These will offer more edge-of-the-seat entertainment, keeping you hooked and eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
