BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Playing First Lead In New K-Drama Sparks Controversy

She will be leading the story alongside Seo In Guk.

BLACKPINK member Jisoo is already gearing up for her new acting project, but netizens aren’t convinced of the casting.

Jisoo | @sooyaaa__/Instagram

Recently, Netflix confirmed the production of its upcoming series, Boyfriend On Demand (working title), starring Jisoo and Seo In Gu. The streaming platform described it as a romantic comedy depicting the story of a webtoon producer, Mi Rae, who escapes her tiring reality through a virtual dating simulation program.

From the synopsis provided by Netflix, it seems that Jisoo’s character is central to the storyline.

Jisoo takes on the role of Seo Mi Rae, who longs for a second chance at love in virtual reality. Accustomed to a nonexistent dating life due to her hectic schedule, Mi Rae receives a ‘Monthly Boyfriend’ device by chance. Entering this virtual reality, she encounters unrealistically perfect boyfriends, awakening her dormant desires for romance.

— Netflix

Seo In Guk, on the other hand, will play Park Kyeong Nam, Mi Rae’s colleague and a rival webtoon artist.

He’s capable and competent at work, but Mi Rae feels uneasy around him. Despite his indifferent and cold demeanor, he’s a character with surprising secrets, sure to stir emotions in Mi Rae.

— Netflix

While the series itself has already sparked anticipation among K-Drama enthusiasts, many netizens are concerned with Jisoo’s casting. On the one hand, some feel that the storyline would possibly focus heavily on the female lead to give Jisoo the bigger focus and use her popularity to drive viewership. On the other, people are skeptical about her capability to pull off a central role like this.

| Instiz

• “Since Jisoo is doing it, her role will probably take the lead. But after looking at the synopsis, it already seems to be more focused on the female lead. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Jisoo and another actress, I think the male lead would have taken the first lead.”

| Instiz

• “Playing the first lead with those acting skills, is it something to be proud of? They must’ve gone crazy. My sympathies.”
• “So she will keep acting.”
• “Wow. I was wondering if Seo In Guk could save this series with his acting alone…but he’s not even the first lead? Seriously, why is he doing this?”
• “Even though the outcome is important, who would’ve thought Jisoo would be the lead role on Netflix…”

Meanwhile, the BLACKPINK member has also received scathing criticism for her acting in Newtopia. You can read about it here:

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Absolutely Slammed For Acting Skills In “Newtopia”

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