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Netflix is preparing a new original romantic comedy with « Boyfriend on Demand« a drama that mixes love simulation and real life. The first images and trailer reveal the daily life of Seo Mi-rae, a burnt-out webtoon producer, who decides to try out a virtual dating subscription service. Guided by the program's manager, she takes the plunge despite her doubts. The manager reassures her: «We've put in everything you like.»
As soon as she enters the digital world, Mi-rae discovers a succession of idealized rendezvous. Each scenario offers her a different romance: a princely suitor, a childhood sweetheart on a cherry-blossom-covered campus, a strong-willed doctor, a secret agent or a big star. The images give the impression that she's going through several dramas at once, each with its own mood.
A romantic fantasy... and a real man
After these perfect experiences, however, Mi-rae always returns to her mundane everyday life. And that's where the fiction begins to crack. In real life, she regularly runs into Kyeong Nam, played by Seo In-guk. The two become overtime colleagues, and a gentle tension gradually develops between them.
The drama promises a constant contrast between ideal romance and authentic feelings. The cast of virtual partners reinforces this concept: Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Young-dae, Jay Park and Lee Sang-yi each play a different boyfriend, transforming each episode into a distinct romantic universe.
A drama conceived as several romances in one
Director Kim Jung-sik explains the concept: «One of the greatest charms of the series is that the heroine experiences romances with several people in different worlds and contexts. Viewers will thus be able to enjoy a wide range of romantic comedies.»
He also explains the work done on the main character: «We wanted to show the many facets of Jisoo. Each episode features different professions and situations, and we subtly adjusted her acting to make the virtual Mi-rae distinct from the real Mi-rae.»
The drama will be available on Netflix on March 6.
