The Netflix original series "Monthly Boyfriend" has gained high popularity since its release. This work was created through the collaboration of director Kim Jung-sik and writer Namgung Do-young, based on the unique concept of a virtual dating subscription service. "Monthly Boyfriend" ranked 4th in the Netflix Global Top 10 Non-English Shows category just three days after its release and secured the number one spot in South Korea's Top 10 series. Additionally, it appeared on the Top 10 lists in 34 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, Indonesia, Brazil, and Chile, attracting significant attention.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it recorded a 96% popcorn score, and it also ranked first in the first week of March in the TV-OTT integrated drama buzz rankings announced by Good Data Corporation's Fundex. In terms of cast popularity, lead actor Ji Soo ranked first, and Seo In-guk ranked third, confirming the popularity of both actors. "Monthly Boyfriend" combined dopamine-filled virtual dating scenes with real-life romance stories, giving many viewers excitement and empathy.

Director Kim Jung-sik explained the core message of "Monthly Boyfriend." He said, "Three characters appear, each showing different ways of love. Mirae chooses real-world love, Yoon-song chooses love in the virtual world, and Ji-yeon accepts both. Through this, I wanted to convey that there is no right answer to the way of love." Writer Namgung Do-young added, "The story is about the protagonist Mirae, an ordinary person, overcoming loneliness and fear to find the courage to love."

Viewer reactions to the work have also been positive. Director Kim Jung-sik said, "I remember the response that actor Ji Soo and the character Mirae fit well together," and writer Namgung Do-young said, "I was grateful for the feedback that they felt the excitement and sadness Mirae experienced along with her." They expressed hope that viewers would ask themselves, "What kind of love would I choose?"

The concept of "Monthly Boyfriend" originated from writer Namgung Do-young's idea. He explained, "A few years ago, a PD suggested the idea of 'subscribing to a boyfriend every month.' After that, I thought that combining 'AI,' 'virtual reality,' and 'dating' would make a modern romance drama."

The protagonist Seo Mirae is a character hurt by love, and the story depicts her process of overcoming it. Director Kim Jung-sik emphasized, "It is a story about a person hurt by love facing love again and healing." Writer Namgung Do-young revealed that he was inspired by the phrase, "Keeping distance from love means living a life without risks," which led to the creation of this story.

The female characters in "Monthly Boyfriend" each show different ways of dating. Writer Namgung Do-young explained, "Mirae is a woman who does not date voluntarily, Yoon-song is a woman who dates passionately, and Ji-yeon represents a woman who wants to date but cannot." Through these diverse characters, they aimed to express women's individuality and desires.

Regarding the ending, director Kim Jung-sik emphasized, "The story's conclusion must ultimately connect to reality," and said he created an ending where real love, not virtual dating, is chosen. He added, "True emotions created between people are the essence of love."

There was also much consideration regarding the characters Park Kyung-nam and Goo Young-il, played by Seo In-guk. Director Kim Jung-sik said, "We paid close attention to filming methods and dialogue editing to naturally distinguish the charm of the two characters."

Finally, director Kim Jung-sik and writer Namgung Do-young expressed their hope that viewers enjoy the heartwarming and bittersweet story of "Monthly Boyfriend." They said, "It will be fun to watch how each character accepts and chooses love within the interesting setting of a virtual dating subscription service."

"Monthly Boyfriend" is currently streaming on Netflix.