Actor Jisoo is taking on her first romantic comedy, joining actor Seo In-guk in Netflix’s new series “Monthly Boyfriend,” built around the idea of a “dating subscription service.”
A production presentation for the Netflix original series “Monthly Boyfriend” (written by Namgung Do-young, directed by Kim Jung-sik) was held on the morning of Feb. 26 at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Director Kim and lead actors Jisoo and Seo attended and discussed the project.
“Monthly Boyfriend” is a romantic comedy about Seo Mi-rae (Jisoo), a webtoon producer worn down by real life, who “subscribes” to romance and tries dating through a virtual relationship simulation. Kim, known for his energetic style on “Work Later, Drink Now” and “Strong Girl Nam-soon,” directs the series.
Kim Jung-sik said the series began with the question, “What if you could subscribe to dating?” He said he wanted to tell a story of a protagonist hurt in real life who finds healing by experiencing dates in a virtual world. “We put in everything you like,” he said, adding that he hopes viewers will feel as if they are trying a device that “is being developed somewhere.”
For Jisoo, the series is her first romantic comedy and her first contemporary drama. She plays Mi-rae, a webtoon producer who hopes for a second chance at romance through virtual reality.
Jisoo said virtual reality did not feel like a distant future but something relatable. She said she chose the project because the character is close to her in age, making Mi-rae’s struggles and choices feel familiar.
Calling herself a homebody, Jisoo said she envied the idea of a device that could let someone “travel to different worlds” from home. She said it felt less like fantasy and more like something plausible.
She described Mi-rae as someone who, after being hurt in love, throws herself into work and focuses on getting through daily life, but grows as she learns through the virtual world.
Seo plays Park Kyung-nam, Mi-rae’s future co-worker, a capable employee with an appeal that is hard to pin down.
Seo In-guk said he was drawn to the virtual-reality setting and was curious about the computer graphics and themes that could exist only in that world. He described Kyung-nam as someone who may look cold “like a robot” but is considerate and delicate inside, adding that viewers will want to see how Kyung-nam, who struggles to express emotions, changes after meeting Mi-rae.
The two actors also highlighted their on-set chemistry. Both said the set was upbeat, with laughter from start to finish.
Seo said Jisoo was “much funnier and more humorous” than he expected. He said the Mi-rae Jisoo played was more lovable than the character he first met on the page, adding that it made him want to hug her.
Jisoo said she tried to follow Seo’s lead because of his experience in romance projects. Asked whether she wanted the “rom-com goddess” label, she answered shyly, “I want it.”
Addressing concerns that have followed her acting, Jisoo said she discussed the role extensively with the director to show a better side of herself. She said she looked for a way to make the character fit her naturally, and that she hopes to hear viewers say she “found a role that suits her.”
Kim said Jisoo worked hard, adding that the effort showed him “hard work can beat talent,” and that viewers will see her growth. He also said Jisoo wears 250 outfits in the series, signaling a range of looks.
The 10-episode series, featuring special appearances by Seo Kang-jun, Lee Soo-hyuk and Lee Jae-wook, will be released worldwide on Netflix on March 6.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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