K-Drama Review: Boyfriend on Demand

Starring: Jisoo, Seo In Guk

Guest Appearances: Lee Soo Hyuk, Seo Kang Joon, Ong Seong Wu, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Hyun Wook, Jay Park, Kim Young Dae

Synopsis: Mi Rae (Jisoo) is reeling from a difficult breakup with her boyfriend, who is now engaged to another classmate. She’s burnt out and frustrated with her work as a webtoon producer, especially as she has to compete with Park Kyeong Nam (Seo In Guk), who is super successful. Mi Rae is presented with an opportunity to participate in the trial run of a new app called “Boyfriend in Demand” — an almost virtual reality in which she can date virtual boyfriends and have near-lifelike romantic experiences with these “ideal” and “perfect” men. What starts as just an escape suddenly becomes a life-changing experience for Mi Rae, teaching her to heal and love again.

Review: So, full transparency, this is my first time watching one of Jisoo’s dramas. I had every intention of watching Snowdrop (cause I LOVE me some Jung Hae In), but it kinda got ruined by all the chatter on social media (both good and bad), so I never actually watched it. I was a little apprehensive about starting this because I was seeing so many people light her up about her acting. But when I saw that Seo Kang Joon was going to make a guest appearance on it, that’s all I needed. He could have just stood there and said nothing for 10 episodes. I will watch anything with him in it.

And man, I don’t regret watching this (not just because of him, either!)

First of all, people have been so BRUTAL about her acting, but I TOTALLY disagree! I think she’s a really good actress, especially for someone who has only been doing this for four years! I actually think she’s better than Kim Hye Yoon (sorry, not sorry!). Jisoo is funny, pretty, and sweet. There’s something charming about her, and she had SUCH GREAT chemistry with all the male leads.

Despite others’ opinions about this drama and her acting, I REALLY liked this story, because it’s something that we see happening in real time. People are finding love with these AI-generated people, and it’s so scary because companies are creating these programs and targeting lonely, desperate people. It’s such a dangerous thing for those people because it creates these unrealistic expectations for relationships and men, and the more they get sucked into that world, the more it affects their real lives, which we saw some glimpses of with Mi Rae, the more she got into this app.

That being said, I also think it’s ridiculous to expect a romcom to delve into the deeper social, emotional, or moral implications of AI dating. That is a whole separate genre. This was presented to do just what it said it would — a girl uses AI to find a boyfriend, but realizes that will not be enough, and learns about herself through the experience.

Now, can we talk about the BEST part of this drama?

SEO. KANG. JOON.

I need him in ALL THE ROMCOMS, IMMEDIATELY.

He is SOOOO, SOOOO hot.

And besides being INCREDIBLY good-looking, this man knows how to play that swoonworthy guy. He’s not over the top; he’s not ridiculous… he’s got the perfect amount of green-flag and charisma. And the eyes.

The eyes.

He wasn’t even the male lead, and yet, here I am talking only about him.

He was the longest AI boyfriend she had … but also the SWOONIEST.

UGH. I love him.

Yes, he was dating 12,000 other girls — I would be most happy to be his #12,001.

I thought all the guest appearances were cute, although Jay Park? Really? Couldn’t find any other idol? Hard pass on that one.

But, even though Seo Kang Joon wasn’t the main male lead, Seo In Guk was perfect as the male lead.

I really liked him, and I think my favorite episode of the entire drama was the one that focused on his point of view, where we saw how he started to like her because of these “coincidences”. He was so sweet, and although he’s not obviously handsome like some of these other male leads, there is something so charming about him. The scene where he confesses to her in the snow — and he’s crying.

UGH BREAK MY HEART INTO A MILLION PIECES!!

I thought this drama was well written, and I really think Jisoo did a great job. She and Seo In Guk have such great chemistry.

I’m sorry, but people hate her for no reason. I definitely think she’s a much better actress than an idol, and if her band really does disband, I think acting is the better/best avenue for her. She has a couple of bandmates who have tried acting, and let’s say — I’d rather watch paint dry. She is far better than they are. I won’t name names, but she’s not the least talented person in that group by a mile, and she proved it with this drama.

Rating: 12/10