The Korean adaptation of Absolute Boyfriend has been on a shape-shifting ride over the past few weeks, but some of the details have finally fallen into place. Producers briefly entertained a name change to Rom-Com King, but thankfully have given that idea up—you can call a drama by any other name, but a remake’s still a remake! Song Ji-hyo (This Week, My Wife Will Have an Affair) has reportedly turned down the offer to play the female lead, but Yeo Jin-gu (Reunited Worlds) has been offered a starring role as the AI robot, while Chun Jung-Myung (Master—God of Noodles) is confirmed to play his love rival, a top star.
Absolute Boyfriend is a manga that’s been previously adapted into Japanese and Taiwanese dramas, and with the recent surge in robot dramas in dramaland (I’m Not a Robot concluded in January, while pre-produced Are You Human Too, starring Seo Kang-joon, will air in June on KBS), it makes sense that entertainment execs would want to turn to time-tested material.
Chun had been in talks for the role of top star Ma Wang-joon since March, but when Rom-Com King got passed on by OCN and Song Ji-hyo dropped out of the project, there was talk that he had dropped out as well. But a confirmation came in recently that he’ll play the top star, who will compete with boyfriend-bot Young-gu for the affections of the heroine, Dada. Yeo is currently considering the offer to play the meticulously programmed Young-gu, who becomes gradually self-aware as he meets Dada.
I’m a bit ambivalent about Chun’s casting, but I liked him in Heart to Heart and I have hopes for him in this rom-com. On the other hand, I like Yeo in everything, and even though Reunited Worlds disappointed, if he can bring some of the cracklin’ energy of his Circle performance to the character, I’m 100 percent in.
Speaking of all of these cyborgs, if they look like Yeo Jin-gu, Chae Soo-bin, and Seo Kang-joon and are programmed to meet every romantic need, maybe ordering significant-other-bots isn’t such a crazy idea?
Absolute Boyfriend will be helmed by Jung Jung-hwa (Flower Boy Next Door) and written by Yang Hyuk-moon (Legendary Witch). While previously expected to air on OCN, its current airdate and station are yet to be determined.