Why Netflix’s Boyfriend on Demand Is Trending Despite Jisoo’s Acting Debate

Netflix’s new romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand is already drawing major attention in South Korea, climbing the streaming platform’s Top 10 chart shortly after its release.

However, while the drama’s popularity continues to rise, its lead star BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has once again become the center of heated discussions about her acting. Many netzines are actually criticizing her acting skills while many fans also found it acceptable.

A strong debut on Netflix

According to Netflix rankings, Boyfriend on Demand entered the Top 10 “Series in Korea Today” chart at No. 3 just one day after its release, signaling strong viewer interest.

The drama’s buzz began even before its premiere thanks to its unique premise and star-studded cast. But since its debut, online discussions have quickly expanded beyond the storyline to focus on the performance of its lead actress.

Boyfriend on Demand / Netflix

A futuristic romance concept

Boyfriend on Demand tells the story of a virtual reality service that allows users to subscribe to a customizable boyfriend inside a digital world.

The romantic comedy explores how emotions formed in a virtual environment can gradually spill into real life.

While the concept may sound unusual, the idea resonates strongly with younger audiences familiar with webtoons, gaming culture, and metaverse-style storytelling.

Jisoo carries most of the drama

In the series, Jisoo plays Seo Mi rae, the central character who drives nearly the entire storyline.

Because the drama focuses heavily on her character, Jisoo appears in the majority of scenes and carries much of the narrative on her own.

This has made her performance a major talking point among viewers.

Boyfriend on Demand / Netflix

Mixed reactions to Jisoo’s acting

Online reactions have been divided.

Some viewers say her vocal delivery and dialogue projection have improved, especially compared to her earlier projects.

Others, however, have criticized certain aspects of her performance.

Comments from viewers include reactions such as:

  • “Some facial expressions felt awkward.”
  • “Her pronunciation has improved, but the acting still feels stiff.”

Jisoo has faced acting criticism since her first leading role in the drama Snowdrop, with debates about her delivery and emotional range continuing in later projects.

The discussion has now resurfaced with Boyfriend on Demand, her first major Netflix project.

Boyfriend on Demand / Netflix

Popularity continues despite criticism

Despite the debate, the drama’s early chart performance suggests that interest remains high.

The strong global fandom surrounding Jisoo and BLACKPINK continues to drive attention toward the series, while the unusual romantic concept has also attracted curiosity from viewers.

Industry observers note that this combination of controversy, star power, and streaming visibility often helps shows generate even more online discussion.

The growing power of Netflix in Korea

The drama’s release also highlights the growing influence of Netflix in the Korean entertainment industry.

Originally planned as a broadcast television series, Boyfriend on Demand eventually moved to Netflix, joining the platform’s expanding lineup of Korean originals.

Recent data shows Netflix remains the dominant streaming service in South Korea, with over 15 million monthly active users, far surpassing competing platforms.

As streaming platforms continue to reshape the industry, more productions are choosing Netflix as their primary release platform.

For Boyfriend on Demand, the combination of strong viewership numbers and ongoing debate suggests that the drama will remain one of the most talked-about Korean releases of the moment.