Kpop idols who stepped into acting often face heightened scrutiny and criticism among audiences and critics closely comparing their performances to those who are mainly drama actors. The discussion surrounds around their acting. That discussion resurfaced recently around Jisoo, following her lead role in the new Netflix series Boyfriend on Demand.
Synopsis
Seo Mi-rae, a webtoon producer, was introduced to a device "Boyfriend on Demand", a subscription-based virtual dating simulation that lets her experience the boyfriends of her dreams. Seo mi-rae sees it as an escape from her routine life, she immerses herself in the game, encountering romantic partners who awaken her long-suppressed longing for romance. The simulation includes over 900 characters for user to experience.
As she becomes more entangled in the virtual world, the line between her digital romances and real life responsibilities starts to blur, challenging her understanding of love and reality. Specially when she encounters her ideal type looks like one of her colleagues.
Departing from traditional romance dramas, the series combines heartfelt storytelling with virtual complications and modern social commentary, offering a playful yet thoughtful take on online relationships and contemporary expectations.
OTT - Netflix
Episode - 10
Main cast - Kim jisoo, Seo in guk.
Release date - 6 March 2026
Online Reactions and Criticism
On korean forums, TheQoo, discussions have been intense. One post highlighted concerns about consistency in performance, stating:
"lead actress Ji Soo continues to display the same flaws she's shown in previous works. It's been six years since she was called "Actress Ji Soo," but her acting skills haven't changed much"
Source via Naver Entertainment & TheQoo Click here
On social media platform X, criticism also circulated. User @bratzlibra posted:
"can’t dance, can’t sing, can’t rap, can’t write, can’t produce, can’t compose, can’t act.. HOW did she get this job?? ðŸ˜ðŸ˜"
The tweet reportedly gained over 14,000 likes, reflecting the volume of attention surrounding the debate.
However, many viewers and fans defended the performance. User @dohyunize wrote:
"seeing the quotes it feels like kpoptwt and kdramatwt are two different worlds... like objectively i thought jisoo did good for her role:&#!$? ðŸ˜" Click here for the post
That post surpassed 10K likes, signaling divided opinions across fandom communities.
Meanwhile, on MyDramaList, a reviewer, cora, commented:
"Performance-wise, the cast delivers solid work across the board. Jisoo brings a likable warmth to Mi-rae, while Seo In-guk has the kind of effortless screen presence that can make even a restrained character interesting. The issue is not the actors."
Public Perception and dynamics
When a K-pop idol enters acting, the spotlight is immediate. The support is immediate, so is the criticism. Sometimes the attention often goes beyond the role itself and turns into a wider conversation shaped by fandoms, critics, and casual viewers. Because of this visibility, both positive support and negative reactions can spread quickly and influence how the project is discussed online. Kpop Idols usually have already established fandoms and anti fan fandoms.
Public relations efforts can play a significant role in managing perception and steering the narrative, whether it be positive or negative. In today’s digital environment, people are easily influenced by the posts online that can significantly impact how idol led projects are received among the Viewers. Viewers should also be mindful of their words.
criticism is part of any creative work, and it should be welcomed when it’s about the performance. But there’s a clear line between reviewing someone’s work and attacking them personally. Constructive feedback adds value, hate does not.
What is your review of the series and the performance?
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