Netflix’s “Boyfriend on Demand” Gains Global Popularity

Netflix’s drama “Boyfriend on Demand” has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide since its release on March 6. Starring Jisoo of BLACKPINK, the series has received praise for its innovative concept of modern romantic fantasy and its star-studded cast.

The drama follows Seo Mi-ryae, a webtoon producer played by Jisoo, who gives up on relationships due to trauma from breaking up with her ex-boyfriend. She eventually subscribes to a virtual reality application called “Boyfriend on Demand,” where 900 types of perfect virtual boyfriends are available. This setup allows viewers to experience pure romance without the risk of failure, effectively capturing modern anxieties about relationships.

Online communities have poured praise, with some saying, “I want to watch K-dramas again just for pure entertainment—nothing but love and excitement, no murder scenes.” Many viewers also expressed empathy, noting, “It accurately captures the fear of losing a relationship.” Others commented, “While perfect fantasy dates are fun, the real-life ups and downs of love are what truly draw us in.”

The cast delivers iconic archetypes that embody the charm of Korean dramas. Lee Soo-hyuk plays Choi Si-woo, a hotel executive who embodies the typical romantic fantasy of a chaebol heir. He tells Mi-ryae, “It’s your face. The face I’ve been searching for in my dreams every night.” He portrays a character who provides everything—from luxury clothing from department stores to private jets and yacht dates—and even delivers the arrogant line, “Don’t come tomorrow. I don’t date employees.”

Seo Kang-jun takes on the role of a senior student who steals the heart of Mi-ryae’s first love on campus. With his attractive appearance, warmth, and cool vibe, he perfectly captures the image of the campus heartthrob.

Seo In-guk plays a key role in bridging reality and virtuality. In reality, he is Park Kyung-nam, an ordinary glasses-wearing optician. Within “Boyfriend on Demand,” he transforms into a red-haired man who rides motorcycles. His self-transformation, combined with Jisoo’s various costume changes, adds to the drama’s entertainment value. It blurs the line between the virtual world and reality, enhancing viewers’ immersion. Online reviews noted, “Although multiple men appear, the ‘real-life’ setting with Park Kyung-nam keeps viewers more engaged.”

Initially, there were mixed opinions about Jisoo’s acting skills. However, the series succeeded in capturing viewers’ hearts by focusing on pure entertainment and psychological resonance. Its themes of real-life conflicts, virtual dopamine, and “cost-effective love” touched the emotions of modern people overwhelmed by work and relationships.

Lee Soo-hyuk revealed his honest feelings during filming in a recent interview. He mentioned that playing various fantasy boyfriend roles made him feel embarrassed, especially when delivering romantic lines. To hide these emotions while shooting, he would tightly grip his toes, jokingly saying, “My toes almost broke.” When this behind-the-scenes story went viral on social media, fans praised both his professional acting skills and his down-to-earth personality. For an actor who had primarily played dark, serious characters in the past, this light-hearted role represented a significant shift, further earning him viewers’ affection.