Five years into acting: Can BLACKPINK’s Jisoo silence critics with ‘Boyfriend on Demand?’

In the fifth year of her acting career, BLACKPINK's Jisoo is under the spotlight with her latest project, the upcoming series “Boyfriend on Demand,” as fans and critics alike ponder whether she can finally dispel persistent doubts about her thespian skills.

Jisoo, the globally popular K-pop idol from BLACKPINK, takes on the role of Seo Mi-rae, a busy and weary webtoon producer who has grown accustomed to a life devoid of romance. The story unfolds as Mi-rae acquires a mysterious Boyfriend on Demand device, propelling her into a virtual world filled with unrealistically perfect men and diverse romantic encounters that awaken long-forgotten emotions.

Ahead of the release, Jisoo expressed confidence, stating she is “ready to deliver vicarious excitement to viewers,” which has heightened anticipation for the series. The drama's trendy concept and inventive setup place significant emphasis on the actors' ability to convincingly embody their characters, setting a high bar for performance.

Jisoo’s bright and refreshing image aligns well with the romantic comedy genre, earning positive reactions to her casting. Should her established charm integrate seamlessly with the role of Seo Mi-rae, the series' prospects for success could notably strengthen.

Yet, lingering criticism shadows her endeavors. In previous projects, Jisoo has faced backlash for unstable vocal delivery, weak line projection, and awkward facial expressions, particularly in dialogue-heavy or emotionally intense scenes where her stiffness has been repeatedly highlighted by detractors.

The controversy peaked with her first leading role in the JTBC drama “Snowdrop,” which aired in 2021 and marked her formal acting debut. Reviews assessed that she fell short of carrying the title role effectively, with debates extending to her co-star Jung Hae-in, as some argued their uneven performances undermined the central romantic chemistry.

As “Boyfriend on Demand” approaches, courtesy of Netflix and JTBC, all eyes are on Jisoo to leverage this fifth acting project as a turning point, blending her idol appeal with genuine acting prowess to silence the skeptics once and for all.