Netflix's 'Boyfriend on Demand' Review: Jisoo-starrer explores the vulnerability of love in a charming, cutesy rom-com

Director: Kim Jung-sik, Namgung Do-young
Cast: Kim Jisoo, Seo In-guk, Seo Kang-jun, Leo Soo-hyuk, Yoo In-na, Gon Min-jeung, Ha Young
Language: Korean

The world had been eagerly waiting for the release of Boyfriend on Demand, largely because BLACKPINK’s Kim Jisoo features as the lead. Now that it has finally arrived on Netflix, the excitement is palpable.

I must admit, I am one of those K-drama fans who was craving something light and fun. The current K-drama I am watching is Siren’s Kiss, and the one before that was The Art of Sarah, both fairly intense in tone. So when Boyfriend on Demand dropped, it felt like the perfect palate cleanser. And while the show is indeed light and breezy, it quietly touches upon something quite significant- how vulnerable can one truly be in love?

By now, many of you must have bingewatched the show in one or perhaps two sittings. With 10 episodes that run for roughly an hour each, Boyfriend on Demand keeps the viewer engaged throughout. The initial episodes are fun and breezy, offering glimpses of different kinds of romance, from chaebol fantasies and high school nostalgia to period drama, action, legal settings and even Singles Inferno-style dating scenarios. However, the drama gradually hints that it is not all fluff.

Through the high school romance arc, we begin to understand why Seo Mi-rae (Jisoo) has remained single after her last breakup. The show reveals these details gradually, almost midway through the series, allowing the audience to piece together what continues to trouble her. It becomes evident that avoiding love and suppressing her feelings has become a coping mechanism for Mi-rae.

I will not delve deeply into the storyline because, given the buzz surrounding the show, those watching or planning to watch Boyfriend on Demand likely already know the premise.

Despite its anime-like aesthetics with bright, colourful frames and cute emojis floating across the screen, the drama explores the vulnerability that comes with love. People grow, and growth inevitably brings change. It is not always possible for two individuals to evolve in the same direction.

An AI boyfriend, as the show suggests, would never change. His feelings would remain constant, unwavering no matter what. But is not this very unpredictability of human emotions, and the process of growing together, what makes love such a beautiful and adventurous journey? The drama invites viewers to explore that question through Mi-rae’s emotional journey.

One of the early concerns surrounding the casting was whether Seo In-guk, who plays Park Keong-nam, would look convincing opposite Jisoo. As unconventional as the pairing may initially seem, the two eventually settle into a comfortable rhythm. The romance may not begin with the kind of heart-fluttering first kiss that fans often expect, but the chemistry between the actors becomes more natural as the story progresses, particularly after episode six. It is also around this point that the drama begins to gain emotional depth.

Jisoo carries the role of Mi-rae with ease. She fits perfectly into the character of an overworked webtoon producer who is constantly on edge and rarely finds time for herself outside work. Mi-rae is relatable in many ways, and Jisoo brings a quiet charm to the role that makes the character instantly likeable. At the heart of Mi-rae’s journey lies a question many people grapple with: is loneliness easier to bear than the pain of heartbreak? Jisoo portrays this internal conflict with sincerity.

Overall, Boyfriend on Demand is a quirky and enjoyable romantic comedy that should appeal to a wide range of viewers. Perhaps audiences in India, who have been craving a light-hearted romantic drama for some time, will find it especially refreshing. If you are in the mood for something sweet, charming and easy to watch, this one is definitely worth your time. At the very least, it will leave you with a smile.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Watch the trailer of the show here: