Ever wondered what it would be like to have a virtual boyfriend? What if this virtual boyfriend could be one of your favorite Korean stars? BLACKPINK’s Jisoo experiences just that in Netflix’s newest romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand.
The swoon-worthy virtual dating fantasy set to premiere on March 6th, follows Mi Rae, a webtoon producer played by Jisoo, who is offered a virtual dating simulation service to escape her exhausting real life and finally experience romance on her own terms. She is greeted by a “date manager,” played by Yoo In Na, who promises her wildest imagination can come true with each new boyfriend she encounters, explaining, “We put in everything you like.” Although she works in what seems to be a fun webtoon company, she is drained by the antics of Kyungnam, played by Seo In Guk, who tends to overshadow her every chance he gets.
The cast of boyfriends, as expected, is every K-drama lover’s fantasy. Cameos include Seo Kang Joon, Lee Soo Hyuk, Ong Seong Wu, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Hyun Wook, Kim Young Dae and Jay Park– with each actor playing a boyfriend of a specific taste catered to an individual storyline.
Although this all sounds like a fun-filled fantasy that couldn’t possibly go wrong, it unfortunately does for a few reasons. Aside from storyline events going against the protagonist, sadly, Jisoo’s acting isn’t fully polished yet, and it seems like the cast surrounding her tends to overact in order to compensate. There are particular scenarios where Jisoo expresses Mi Rae’s frustrations in a humorous way through her expression. Reactions to her “cringy” boyfriends are often humorous, but when she engages in tense romantic moments, the acting doesn’t feel immersive as much as viewers hoped.
The drama production has a delightful way of capturing the essence of early 2000’s dramas akin to Boys Over Flowers. The music and quirky sound effects boost the comedic factor and remind us that there isn’t a solid, serious tone to the piece. Being open to its cliche humor and predictability can make it easier to digest and laugh alongside. It is a light-hearted drama exploring familiar fantasies that are oriented for female fans. To be frank, it is a fan service drama built for K-Drama fans who want to experience these “perfect date storylines.” Viewers will ultimately fall in love with the idea of lavish dinner dates and shopping sprees with Lee Soo Hyuk or getting caught in the rain and sharing a kiss with Seo Kang Joon.
Despite the dynamic cast and laughable storyline, there are unfortunately parts that weren’t meticulously made and interrupt our focus. The CGI is too low-budget and makes Mi Rae’s transitions between worlds feel disconnected. The dream-like dating center doesn’t look seamless, and moments like Mi Rae floating in the sea and viewing whales come across as poor green screen backdrops. Even when Mi Rae dives into the ocean, she comes out completely dry while other characters are wet. The lack of continuity in details can be bothersome for nitpicking viewers. However, the cinematography is excellent when it comes to personal close-ups of the beautiful male leads saying nerve-wracking one-liners.
The story as a whole is entertaining. It is light, nonsensical, and most importantly, matches today’s modern idea of finding the perfect boyfriend online. It pokes fun at the idea of trying to find someone perfect, as even in the virtual world, flaws exist. Mi Rae continues to find success in both her exhausting work life and romantic endeavors, which lets viewers find peace with her happy ending.
In the end, Boyfriend on Demand isn’t a serious drama. It is a collection of K-Drama tropes combined with the perfect lineup of male stars anyone would want to date. If you’re looking for a vicarious fantasy to indulge in, Boyfriend on Demand will be your guilty pleasure. However, don’t expect much from the shallow storyline and enjoy the fantasy close-ups of your favorite stars instead. (6/10)
>> Jisoo Says Her ‘Boyfriend on Demand’ Role ‘Fits Like a Glove’ Addresses Acting Criticism
Are you anticipating the various romances of Boyfriend on Demand? Be sure to watch the ravishing love story unfold on Netflix and don’t forget to watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
