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| Still from Monthly Boyfriend / Photo: Netflix |
On March 11, Tudum’s TOP 10 reported that Monthly Boyfriend rose to No. 4 on the Global Top 10 for non-English shows just three days after its debut. The series registered 2.6 million viewings (total watch time divided by the show’s running time) and 25.6 million hours watched, placing it first by hours viewed. It also landed in the Top 10 lists of 34 countries — including Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil and Chile — and topped Korea’s Top 10 series chart. Audiences have responded favorably as well, with a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcorn Index.
The show is leading the conversation domestically, too. It topped Good Data Corporation’s Fundex rankings for TV-OTT drama buzz in the first week of March, and in cast-related buzz metrics, Jisoo ranked No. 1 while Seo In-guk placed No. 3.
Newly released behind-the-scenes stills reveal a warm, energetic set. Jisoo, who plays Mirae — a woman seeking a second chance at love in a virtual reality dating service — delightfully inhabits a range of personas, from a doctor and a college freshman to a webtoon heroine and a flight attendant. Acting opposite Seo In-guk and sharing scenes with Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Ong Seong-wu, Kim Young-dae, Mu Jin-seong, Park Jae-beom and others, Jisoo delivers varied, affecting performances that generated both excitement and empathy, earning strong on-screen chemistry that has resonated with international viewers.
Seo In-guk drew attention with a surprise dual turn as webtoon producer Gyeong-nam and the virtual-service’s hidden card, Gu Young-il. He shifts convincingly from the quietly sensitive Gyeong-nam to the rougher, more nuanced Gu Young-il, showcasing multiple facets within one role. His romantic pairing with Jisoo amplified the show’s appeal, and the released photos highlight the pair’s palpable chemistry.
The series also features memorable cameos from Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Kim Sung-chul, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Jae-wook, Hojutan, Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Young-dae, Mu Jin-seong, Park Jae-beom, Lee Sang-yi and others. Their energetic appearances bring authenticity and fun to the virtual-world dates, while the cast overall balances the story’s fantasy elements with grounded romantic beats. Meanwhile, Kim Ah-young and Go Gyu-pil’s quick back-and-forth adds comic relief throughout the show’s shifting virtual settings.
The romantic comedy Monthly Boyfriend is now streaming on Netflix.
[Sports Today reporter Jung Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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