KBS 2TV’s latest Wednesday-Thursday drama My Girlfriend is the Man premiered on July 23 with modest ratings around 3%, but the production team is aiming for something beyond numbers: buzz, conversation, and a redefinition of K-youth romance.
Based on the popular Naver webtoon by Mastar, the series kicks off with a gender-swapping twist—one that has already sparked curiosity and confusion. Despite its premise of a boyfriend navigating romance after his girlfriend transforms into a man, the production insists it is not a BL (Boys’ Love) drama.
Idol-Powered Cast in Bold Roles
At a press conference held on July 23, lead actors Yoon San-ha, Arin, Yoo Jung-hoo, and Chuu shared insights about their roles and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Yoon San-ha of ASTRO takes on his first lead role as Park Yoon-jae, an astronomy student and devoted boyfriend. “I read the script in one go. It was fresh, and I wanted to take on the challenge,” he said. Though nervous about his debut as a leading man, he expressed a desire to grow with each scene.
Arin (OH MY GIRL) plays Kim Ji-eun, Yoon-jae’s loving girlfriend who suddenly transforms into a man. “It’s my first rom-com, and I was excited but nervous. Thankfully, Jung-hoo oppa did such a great job playing Ji-hoon,” she shared. Arin is also currently starring in the dark thriller S Line, offering viewers two very different performances.
Yoo Jung-hoo portrays Kim Ji-hoon, the male persona of Ji-eun, while Chuu, making her acting return after six years, plays Kang Min-joo, the queen bee student who secretly likes Yoon-jae. “I’ve always wanted to play a strong schoolgirl character—it’s like living my dream,” Chuu said.
“Not a BL Drama,” Says Director
Director Yoo Kwan-mo addressed early speculation that the drama might fall under the BL category: “There are fantasy and flashback scenes that remind viewers of Ji-eun’s original identity. It’s ultimately a love story, not a BL drama.” He described the show as “a watercolor painting of K-youth in summer,” and emphasized its universal appeal with scenic Seoul backdrops like Hongdae, Gyeongbokgung, and Samcheong-dong.
With a target rating of 10%, the production team isn’t placing all its hopes on viewership. “We want the show to spark conversation,” said Yoo, adding that if the response is positive, Season 2 is on the table.
My Girlfriend is the Man is an experimental blend of rom-com and gender-bending fantasy, anchored by a vibrant idol cast and a youthful tone. With its premiere now underway, all eyes are on whether it can charm viewers into following its unconventional love story.
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