8.8 2024
When the Phone Rings" and "Love's Ambition" share thematic and narrative similarities despite their different contexts and characters. Here's how they are similar:
Marriage of Convenience vs. Superficial Relationship:
Both stories portray relationships that appear strong or perfect to outsiders but are fraught with underlying issues. In When the Phone Rings, the marriage between Baek Sa Eon and Hong Hui Ju is one of convenience and lacks genuine emotional connection. Similarly, in Love's Ambition, the marriage between Xu Yan and Shen Hao Ming is built on appearances and control rather than mutual understanding.
Superficial Masks and Rediscovery:
Both narratives explore the theme of shedding facades. In Love's Ambition, the characters rediscover their true selves and each other as they confront their differences. In When the Phone Rings, the kidnapping event forces Sa Eon and Hui Ju to reevaluate their relationship and themselves.
Professional and Social Challenges:
Both feature protagonists whose careers place them in the public eye—Hui Ju as a sign language interpreter and Xu Yan as a TV anchor. Their professional lives and public images significantly influence their personal relationships.
Themes of Emotional Growth and Healing:
Both stories involve the characters navigating personal growth and emotional healing. In When the Phone Rings, the incident leads to potential healing in Sa Eon and Hui Ju's relationship. Similarly, Love's Ambition focuses on Shen Hao Ming’s realization of love and their journey toward reconciliation.
Strong Female Leads in Media Roles:
Both Hui Ju and Xu Yan are career-driven women working in media-related fields. Their strength and independence are central to the plot and their evolving relationships with their spouses.