Interesting storyline with suspense and a little funny.
This has a transmigration-into-a-novel storyline, which I’m not particularly fond of. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I did enjoy the leads. I thought it was good—it held my attention and moved along at a nice pace. The novel they entered could have been stronger. The cast was solid, and the side stories drew me in, though they could have been developed more. There’s court politics between princes and palace harem infighting, with well-acted drama that also includes some funny moments. Amid the leads trying to figure out how to survive the novel’s plot, there’s a bit of romance, which for me always makes a drama more enjoyable.With this drama being fantasy it did blur the lines between what could be believable or not.
That being said the drama was carefree viewing. There were some hard choice tragic moments that will break your heart, but you move on quickly.
One thing that is unclear to me is how the antagonists knew so much about what the leads were dong.
All in all liked the leads and the drama and gave it a fair score.
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A very low stakes but surprisingly satisfying rom-com.
I'm generally not really a fan of idol-dramas. I understand that fandoms sell advertising $, but it so often reflects in the quality. I was definitely ready to have to put my judgement aside to enjoy this. But it has been utterly unnecessary. This is definirely NOT an idol drama, though it does feature a couple of actors who come from that realm.This show is actually good. It is a great antidote in troubling times. Nothing is expected of you as a viewer except to turn off your brain and be entertained. Just go ahead and enjoy it!
I am convinced that troll factories (sometimes fandoms) have search terms set up, so they can target their toxic engagement. Or in fandom circumstances, gatekeep. Along with *female *gender *trans *race *misogyny *incel...you can insert any idol name and expect to get trolled. I apologise for not using the female actors' name but I'm wanting to stick with my experience of this show as light, funny, stomach fluttering cheese-charm. I will say, that this is by far her best performance. It has become embarrassingly apparent to me in recent years, that I find screeches and deep, belly-based shouts, in comedies, hilarious. I really don't know why. I suppose I must do the personal work and grow up as a human...but anyway, she does a fantastically funny screech. It is put to great use in this drama. I laughed out loud a lot! And Seo In Guk is as belly-butterflyingly great as ever. And the support cast, that amazing list of actors, is hilarious! I can definitely imagine myself rewatching this, when I'm in need of something low-demand, entertaining and PRETTY!
For those who still require some brain stimulation, I am intrigued by the BoD system. We know that personalised sex dolls exist. We know that people believe they are in relationships with AI boyfriends/girlfriends. Interestingly the uptake of these systems, is predominantly by cis-gender heterosexual men. I do wonder about how popular a BoD system would actually be amongst women. And I wonder, how potentially, socially catastrophic, in a culture like SK, with already very low birth rates and highly reported gender-inequality. That, for me, would be an interesting discussion.
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Best recent romcom drama for me!!
I finished watching the entire series in just one sitting, which already says a lot about how engaging it was. This is actually my first time writing a full review for any of Jisoo’s dramas. When this project was first announced, I was already very excited for it to come out, and after watching it, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations.This series screams rom-com to its core. It fully embraces the genre and gives exactly what a romantic comedy should offer—heart, humor, and emotional moments—while still delivering something deeper. Throughout the series, you find yourself rooting for Mirae to finally open her heart again and allow herself to love and be happy.
The first few episodes were mainly dedicated to introducing the virtual boyfriends in the VR system. One thing I really loved was how Mirae had great chemistry with all of them. The concept of the virtual reality boyfriends was not only entertaining but also meaningful to Mirae’s character development.
Eunho, in particular, became my second favorite virtual boyfriend. He was essentially a replica of Mirae’s ex, but without the flaws that once hurt her. Through Eunho, Mirae was able to reflect on her past relationship and finally gain a sense of closure. He reminded her that what she had with her ex was once beautiful and genuine. Their relationship may have ended because of changes they could not accept, but that does not erase the fact that what they had was real and meaningful.
Mirae’s character perfectly represents someone who has developed a fear of change. She sees change as something negative and constantly worries that the happiness she has in the present will eventually disappear. Eunho helped her remember that even when things change, the past can still remain as a beautiful memory. Although Eunho did not completely solve her fear of change, he helped her finally let go of the emotional weight of her previous relationship. Some viewers might feel that Mirae should have had a final conversation with her ex for closure, but personally, I think the way the story handled it was already perfect. Mirae eventually realized that her struggle was not really with her ex—it was within herself.
Then there is Yeong-il, who plays an important role in helping Mirae realize her true feelings for Gyeongnam. Yeong-il represents the “perfect” virtual boyfriend, and I appreciated how the writers stayed faithful to the rom-com genre by making the virtual boyfriends likable and emotionally engaging. I’m also glad that the series did not turn them into villains, because the story could have easily gone in that direction.
At the same time, the Boyfriend on Demand app and device felt somewhat unsettling. It is scary in a way because it feeds people’s emotions with something artificial, yet it still leaves them wanting more. What I appreciated about the story is that it stayed grounded in reality. The technology was presented as just a tool—something that people should control, not something that should control them.
Mirae and Gyeongnam’s love story was truly beautiful. Their relationship follows the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but it was executed very well. Both characters were written as imperfect yet relatable, which made their development feel natural and believable.
Gyeongnam is easily one of the best male leads I have seen in recent K-dramas, and Mirae is just as compelling as a female lead. This drama gave viewers characters that feel refreshing and sincere. In recent years, many K-dramas have been difficult to stay invested in, but this series managed to deliver a story that felt complete and satisfying.
From the story itself to the pacing, the OST, and the cinematography, everything worked together beautifully. And honestly, this drama proves that you can trust Jisoo when it comes to choosing her scripts.
Overall, Boyfriend on Demand delivered even better than expected. Those who refuse to watch it simply because of the actors involved are truly missing out on a fun, heartfelt story and the artistry that the series offers.
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Chaotic Comedy with Platonic Couple
I watched this on the day of the released. So it's kind of blind item box and i enjoy this drama while i was not knowing the leads when i watch this. It's like finding hidden gem and i am kind of miss this kind of feeling. The 10 episodes are quite violence for some people so viewer discretion is advised.A new script for duanjus, the plot is rich, the pacing is tight, the progression is natural, the scenes are relatable, and there are frequent laughs. Almost every episode has a climax. The interactions between the ML and FL are natural, fun, warm, and sweet. The mutual redemption of these two "bitter people" is more like comrades-in-arms sharing hardships than lovers.
For the summary, FL is sent to a mental hospital by her wicked mother-in-law, where she meets ML, who has been framed by his stepmother and younger brother. The two work together to escape and seek revenge. During this process, they face numerous crises, and ultimately ML reclaims the Li Group. Their relationship also gradually warms up and the process is quite natural. The plus in here FL was quite romantic allergy person and she cannot be romantic for a second (Hello, other comrades) while ML was hopeless romantic person. Their dynamic relationship perfect for this chaotic comedy. There is few kisses scene but the actual strong point is not romance and i feel the relationship is more into platonic.
Overall atmosphere leans towards warmth and humor rather than revenge. FL's mother-in-law, though hateful, has a pitiable side; her later realization and lifelong remorse are a fitting punishment. ML's brother, though bad, is also innocently foolish—a truly tragic figure. The only dissatisfaction is that FLs mother's storyline wasn't fully developed before the ending. The cons is the episode is quite too few for the interesting premises they need to add 10 episode more.
Zhang Rui En and Zhang Yan Qing performances are incredibly natural; ML doesn't come across as stiff or pretentious, and FL's carefree and eccentric personality is truly exceptional. It's hard to find a better replacement. ML and FL are both handsome and beautiful, the dialogue is in their own voices, the filters are pleasing, and the overall viewing experience is excellent.
Recommended to Watch
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A Romance That Can't Compete With Its Own Fantasy
The series starts with a genuinely interesting idea: a virtual reality app where users can experience the perfect romantic partner. An algorithm creates the ideal man — attentive, attractive, always available, always saying exactly what you want to hear.For a brief moment, the show even seems aware of the implications. It hints at something deeper: the illusion of algorithmic romance and the uncomfortable gap between artificial validation and real human relationships.
But that idea quickly disappears.
By the middle of the series, the AI concept is mostly abandoned and the story falls back into a very familiar K-drama formula. The heroine repeatedly rejects the real man in her life — not because she dislikes him, but because no human can realistically compete with a fantasy designed to be perfect.
Ironically, the show criticizes this exact problem within its own dialogue. In one scene a writer complains that people read her webtoon only because the male lead is handsome. In another, a character dismisses concerns about childish storytelling by pointing out that many successful webtoons are built on simple plots.
In the end, this drama becomes the very thing it quietly mocked.
When the protagonist finally chooses the real man, it doesn’t feel like a meaningful decision. It feels like resignation.
Almost as if the message were:
This is the best reality can offer.
Which leaves the audience with an unintended question:
Is a perfect illusion better than an imperfect reality?
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It's not bad....it's just not good.
I wouldn't say this is the most boring movie I've ever watch, because honestly it isn't. The story itself was entertaining enough.The main plot I would describe it as mouse and cat chase between a demon and the demon hunters team. There is not backstory, or in-depth knowledge of characters. It's a simple story with three main characters trying to fight evil forces...with fists and exorcisms.
What I liked was that the minimum of exorcisms knowledge was used in the movie, so that made it a little bit credible. Other than that , it's fantasy. Good movie overall to watch it on a slow day.
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SOUND EFFECTS 10/10
Their CHEMISTRY!!!!! 10000000/10Some may find it cringe but I love the cringe in this series.
It awakened something in me I was giggling so hard and qin in the end of ep 6 was SEXYYY🤭🤭 . The acting is really good and the sound effect makes it even more better. I can't even let it marinate because it hard not watch the new eps. Their sawr cute 😭😭❣️
This is must watch series. 😌😌😌
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a beautiful and healing masterpiece
The growth. The realizations. The love. The sacrifices. The friendship. The brotherhood. The love for the sport. This series tackled so much and was able to give justice to everything.From the love of the sport billiards. To the family and brotherhood/sisterhood built from the sport as well. The story perfectly woved all these together.
And can I just gush at the level of whipped the male main character is from the get go? The weekend 14hr commute just to spend a couple of moments with her- and this is just a couple of weeks after they’ve met. His love for food and his reasoning for it and why he sees that as a perfect way to bond. It’s just so heartwarming!
I also want to give props to the honest and reliable bond that both main characters have with each other. It isn’t flashy. BUT it is the kind that feels home. Their relationship feels like the warm cup you need during winter. The blanket you need at night. It honestly just feels like the perfect company you need on any season in your life- it feels like that because it’s exactly the way they also portrayed it!
The romance was alrady top notched. Definitely 100/100! Adding the brotherhood, the supportive and loving family, this just made this series a billion times better.
The brotherhood itself needs its own paragraph because his friends never gave up on him. Even when they are on opposing teams or cities represented they both still made a truce to make sure that their long time friend was/is okay. They made sure he goes back to where he truly belongs. I mean that kind of bond and love is just insanely heartwarming! His bestfriend even went and lived to a different country just to be with him- that kind of loyalty is on a different level! This series is just so beautiful! It makes me want to tear up nonstop!
Honestly, to anyone who’ll ever read this. Watch it. It’s such a healing show.
PS. The music is also so freaking fantastic I need it as my ringing tone!
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Good idea and message, awkward realisation
The idea of this drama was a good one... in short, showing what virtual reality can offer meanwhile, and showing, what it definitely can't offer.While everything in a virtual reality is hyper-perfect, hyper-glaring, hyper-cheezy and hyper carefree, in the end, it's meaningless, hollow, empty and unfulfilling. Only the real deal is that - the real deal with real emotions, real joy, but also real danger of getting hurt. So far, so good.
The realisation of this drama did lack in several aspects though. Contrary to many others I do not think it was Jisoo's acting, I even think she did comparably good in this one (and don't really undertand why she gets bashed so much when there - at least in my opinion - are a ton of educated actresses who are acting way worse, but anyways)
What this one lacked is realistically showing that significant difference between virtual realities and real life emotions.
The whole relationship between the FL and the ML, which only started in episode 6, came totally out of nowhere. Full five episodes before there was not even a hint the ML had only remote interest in the FL - no, not even hidden, also not hidden in obvious bickering, it was just non-existent. So when the ML suddenly confesses to the FL, it seems (and that is the bad thing especially in that storyline) like another artificial, cheesy line, not fitting reality - just like in the virtual reality programes the FL visited before. Accordingly, the following interaction between the FL and ML feel - totally unreal, staged, like some lines learned before a play. Also Seo In-guk, (who in former dramas ('The smile has left your eyes'!!) proved he is a fantastic actor, especially if it comes to real life drama) couldn't safe this, the writing and directing was just not good enough.
So, unfortunately this did not deliver, while the idea and basic storyline where interesting and had a good message.
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EP 6 ESPETACULAAAAAR
Esse episódio 6 inteiro foi muitoooooo bom, desde o começo a gente percebe o Qin cada vez mais disposto a ser cuidado e a história foi crescendo e crescendo até culminar no primeiro beijo dos dois e QUE BEIJAÇOOOO! Botou muito casal no chinelooooo. E aquele final????? eu quase tenho um piripaque, simplesmente nada me preparou pra isso. Se a história continuar redondinha até o final com certeza vai ser o BL mais bem avaliado de 2026 e vai ser difícil tirar ele do meu Top 1, estou muito apaixonada por eles.Was this review helpful to you?
Zhang Has Really Come Into His Own As a Star
I really love this cdrama -- excellent cast, interesting storyline. I loved Zhang in The Best Thing and this shows a completely different side to his acting. The FL is also good as is the rest of the cast.....she is engaging and a great resilient character, very different than most female leads in historical dramas. Who would imagine making the FL a butcher?Was this review helpful to you?
DON’T WATCH!!!
The second lead actually has more screen time than the male lead and the baby. The love triangle is so unnecessary, and the storyline has already drifted far from the title. The series should have focused on how they take care of the baby even though they’re not close and don’t know how to raise one yet.I thought the show would portray their struggles until they eventually become a real family, but instead it became mostly about the female lead’s love story.
The writing for this series is NOT GOOD!!!
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Did a marathon watch and it was awesome
I expected something more lighter than this but in fact the comedic parts are what made the drama more lighthearted. The device usage is like a combo of 3 Black Mirror episodes which I've watched but I forgotten the titles; 1. The virtual game where players can feel and taste everything 2. Subscriptions about personal life that needs monthly renewal or the person will feel lost 3. Where actors can go in to movies and relive the scenes like they're real.FL has chemistry with everyone, and when she dislikes someone it's really felt; she doesn't like the guy she met from dinner and it feels distance between the two. So this really made us feel connected to her and her 'boyfriends'.
Really love the seamless writing of her ex and the boyfriends too, though she might not need the device if he didn't shows up with marriage news. She went from being curious to getting addicted to it, which was neatly explained with consequences and what her view on it.
Main couple love story is really really cute. Wish they had shown more. Think this is what they missed out on since the virtual bf looks like him, they forgot to give them more of their own moment with dialogues. However in general it was well put together. Truly enjoyed this that I had to leave comment since idk the last time I havent drop drama or romcom half way in..
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Blood River !
Best wuxia in recent memory, even when compared to Blood of Youth and Dashing Youth, BR stands above. In a world dominated by xianxia in recent years, it's great to see a wuxia that matches some of the great wuxia stories of the past.The design, the music!!! From the epic fights to the sacrifices. If you like wuxia, it is a must-watch. Gong Jun as SMY and Chang Hua Sen as SCH are just chef’s kiss. Their casting is spot on, and the way they portray these characters is fantastic.
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