Dating can be exhausting since you have to invest time, money and heart into it. In the Korean romantic comedy series Boyfriend On Demand, now on Netflix, a company launches a virtual dating app where female subscribers can choose from over 900 good-looking "men".
After having a bad break-up with her college sweetheart, webtoon producer Seo Mi-rae (Jisoo of Blackpink) has lost interest in dating. However, when a representative from the virtual dating app offers her a chance to try the app, she gives it a go.
The app allows Seo to date with a business tycoon, a campus heartthrob, a doctor, a secret agent and more. As Seo begins to fall for the gorgeous virtual campus heartthrob, the harsh reality hits her hard. She discovers that every sweet word her virtual boyfriend says to her, he also says to other subscribers.
Seo then decides to upgrade her subscription to get a tailor-made virtual boyfriend which is designed specifically for her. Surprisingly, that tailor-made virtual boyfriend looks exactly like her co-worker Park Kyeong-nam (Seo In-guk).
Jisoo as Seo Mi-rae in Boyfriend On Demand.
The concept of a virtual dating app is very interesting. Unlike in the real world, dating with virtual boyfriends is always safe. There is no cheating, lying or struggles over social status. It is convincing, which is why the app has become popular in the series.
If you are a fan of romantic comedy series, you will enjoy watching this show thanks to its lighthearted storyline and charming main characters. In addition, many guest appearances, including Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk and Lee Jae-wook who play virtual boyfriends, really spice up the series.
Seo's character suits Jisoo's personality very well. She is like a pretty office worker who has a goofy side, giving her a down-to-earth charm. There are many scenes in which viewers can't help but smile at her goofy personality.
Jisoo as Seo Mi-rae in Boyfriend On Demand.
Seo In-guk plays two completely different characters, Gu Yeong-il and Park Kyeong-nam. As Gu, Seo Mi-rae's virtual boyfriend, he is bold and independent, while Park is a quiet and reserved webtoon producer. Seo In-guk portrays these different roles very well. As Gu, he is playful and cheerful, while as Park, he often seems to have something on his mind.
In dramatic scenes, both actors effectively express the true feelings of their characters, but due to his greater experience, Seo In-guk's performance is more realistic and intense.
Boyfriend On Demand is mostly entertaining. However, the characters' problems are resolved too easily and unrealistically. Viewers will be baffled to see how those serious problems are solved. Fortunately, the advantage of streaming is that viewers can skip over the unbelievable parts without wasting more time.
