Netflix’s Boyfriend on Demand marks BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in her rom-com debut, pairing her with veteran actor Seo In Guk in a playful fantasy romance.
The series follows overworked webtoon producer Mi Rae, who turns to a dating simulation app to find her dream romance only to be swept into chaos, fantastical adventures, and unexpected love.
Set in the competitive world of webtoon publishing, Mi Rae despises romantic clichés and struggles with the chaotic submissions of webtoon artist Yoon Song (Gong Min Jung).
Her personal life is in shambles too, as her ex-boyfriend moves on to marry someone else and her rival producer Kyeong Nam (Seo In Guk) constantly needles her.
Reluctantly, she subscribes to Boyfriend on Demand, plunging into alternate realities filled with handsome suitors from a college student (Seo Kang Jun) to a doctor (Lee Jae Wook), a secret agent (Ong Seong Wu), and even K-pop star Jay Park playing himself.
The show dazzles visually, from dollhouse-like interiors and designer wardrobes to luxurious virtual dates, perfectly capturing the whimsical logic of a webtoon universe. Mi Rae even designs her ideal partner only to realize he looks just like her nemesis Kyeong Nam, sparking tension and romance.
Directed by Kim Jung Sik (Work Later, Drink Now), the series leans on meta humor and fantasy logic. Jisoo delivers a surprisingly comfortable performance as Mi Rae, while Seo In Guk charms as the deadpan yet endearing Kyeong Nam. Their chemistry is the highlight of the show, offering several genuinely delightful moments.
However, despite its star-studded cast and imaginative concept, the series struggles to maintain narrative momentum. The story becomes repetitive, relying heavily on its virtual reality gimmick without delivering deeper emotional stakes. Even a seasoned performer like Seo In Guk feels underutilized, leaving the series more stylish than substantive.
In short, Boyfriend on Demand is a visually appealing and whimsical rom-com with charming leads, but its thin plot and overreliance on fantasy elements keep it from being truly memorable.