Honestly, it’s a bit insulting to diminish a romance fan’s love for the genre simply due to good looks of the actors, at least in the first episode of Boyfriend on Demand. It does happen, for sure. There’s no doubt that it’s also the draw of this particular show– that is, seeing Jisoo from Blackpink team up with some of the most gorgeous actors currently working in the Korean drama industry, for her character’s virtual simulations. However, a little bit of patience, and Boyfriend on Demand goes beyond the looks, and into her character. As Jisoo’s Seo Mi-rae takes a spin on each trope, the show plays with each specific fantasy and figures out why a fan might indulge in them. Episode 3, in particular, delves into why Mi-rae gets sucked into the game, and the avoidance she relies on to protect herself from pain. Boyfriend on Demand sometimes struggles to hit the right tone (see above) and it hesitates to get in-depth into wider struggles, but ultimately it knows its own heart and delivers lighthearted entertainment.
Seo Mi-rae is worn out by work. Love? It's the last thing on her mind. But a virtual dating service sparks feelings — and maybe a real shot at romance.
