“I worked hard to make the role feel like it truly fits me. I hope people will say I’ve finally met a character that suits me perfectly.”
Singer and actress Jisoo (BLACKPINK) is confronting long-standing acting criticism head-on. 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 an unpack press showcase for its original series “Boyfriend on Demand” at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. Set to premiere on March 6, the romantic comedy follows Seo Mi Rae (played by Jisoo), a webtoon producer exhausted by 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 taste.
Jisoo takes center stage as the sole lead. Her character, Seo Mi Rae, drives the narrative through both real and virtual worlds, making her performance crucial to the show’s success. However, from the moment her casting was announced, concerns 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 “Snowdrop.” While her visuals and star power drew attention, critics pointed to stiff line delivery 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 her performance showed little improvement.
Now, in March 2026, she returns with “Boyfriend on Demand,” a global Netflix release that could mark a turning point. During the press event, Jisoo did not shy away from questions about her acting skills. “I’ve taken on various roles so far,” she said calmly. “I had many discussions with the director to present a better version of myself. This time, I’m playing a character close to my own age. I thought deeply about how to wear this role like it’s truly mine. I hope people will feel that I’ve found a character that fits 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 character variations, and she worked extremely hard. Through her, I learned that hard work can beat talent,” he said, praising her dedication.
For audiences, watching an actor grow can be a unique source of satisfaction. The question remains: will Jisoo’s performance in “Boyfriend on Demand” finally demonstrate that her effort has paid off? As anticipation builds ahead of its release, viewers are eager to see whether this project will redefine her reputation as an actress.
Sources: Daum
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