“I worked hard to make the role really fit me. I hope people will say that I finally met a character that suits me perfectly.”
Singer and actress Jisoo (BLACKPINK) is facing long-standing criticism over her acting. Five years after taking on her first leading role in 2021, she returns with a new project, determined to show growth and transformation.
On February 26, Netflix held a press presentation for its original series “Boyfriend on Demand” at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. The romantic comedy, which premieres on March 6, follows Seo Mi Rae (played by Jisoo), a webtoon producer exhausted from real life who subscribes to a virtual dating simulation service, allowing her to “experience” romance as if it were an OTT subscription. The drama imagines a world where love, like streaming content, can be tailored to one’s tastes.
Jisoo takes center stage as the sole protagonist. Her character, Seo Mi Rae, drives the narrative through the real and virtual worlds, making her performance crucial to the show’s success. However, since the casting was announced, concerns have resurfaced due to the “acting controversy” label that has followed her career.
After achieving massive global popularity with BLACKPINK, Jisoo was cast in the lead role in the 2021 drama film “Snowdrop”. Although its visuals and star power attracted attention, critics pointed out rigid lines and unnatural expressions that made immersion difficult for some viewers. Subsequent projects, including last year’s drama “Newtopia” and the film “Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy,” were met with similar criticism, with many arguing that his performance showed little improvement.
Now, in March 2026, he returns with “Boyfriend on Demand,” a global Netflix release that could mark a turning point. During the press event, Jisoo didn’t shy away from questions about her acting skills. “I’ve had several roles so far,” he said calmly. “I had many discussions with the director to present a better version of myself. This time I will play a character close to my age. I thought deeply about how to wear this role as if it were truly mine. I hope people feel that I have found a character that suits me perfectly.”
Director Kim Jung Sik also expressed strong confidence in her. “More than 95% of the series revolves around Jisoo. She was given multiple settings and variations of characters, and she worked extremely hard. Through her, I learned that hard work can beat talent,” he said, praising her dedication.
For audiences, seeing an actor grow can be a unique source of satisfaction. The question remains: Will Jisoo’s performance in “Boyfriend on Demand” finally prove that her efforts have paid off? As anticipation grows for its release, viewers are eager to see if this project will redefine her reputation as an actress.
Sources: Daum
