Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama My Absolute Boyfriend, which takes the concept of perfect love to fascinating extremes by exploring what happens when technology tries to create the ideal romantic partner, only to discover that imperfection might be what makes love truly human.
My Absolute Boyfriend aired on SBS TV on Wednesdays and Thursdays from May 15 to July 11, 2019, spanning 36 episodes with approximately 35 minutes each. The series is now available on various streaming platforms including Viki, Viu, and other international platforms. Based on the manga Absolute Boyfriend by Yuu Watase, this is the third television adaptation following previous versions in Japan and Taiwan, starring Yeo Jin-goo, Bang Min-ah, and Hong Jong-hyun in this Korean interpretation.
This romantic comedy-science fiction drama explores themes of artificial intelligence, human emotions, and what constitutes genuine love in an age of technological advancement. My Absolute Boyfriend stands out by questioning whether programmed perfection can truly replace authentic human connection, creating both comedic and deeply emotional moments that resonate with anyone who has ever wondered what makes the perfect partner.
Da Da’s Journey from Heartbreak to Healing
Bang Min-ah plays Eom Da Da, a special effects make-up artist who has been secretly dating Ma Wang Joon, an A-class actor, for 7 years. After a devastating breakup leaves her emotionally shattered, she swears off love entirely, building walls around her heart to protect herself from further pain.
Bang Min-ah delivers a nuanced performance that captures Da Da’s vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. Her character represents everyone who has been burned by love and struggles to trust again. What makes Da Da compelling is her gradual realization that healing doesn’t come from avoiding love altogether, but from learning to love authentically rather than desperately.
Da Da’s evolution throughout the series is beautifully crafted, showing how she moves from someone who accepts being hidden and undervalued to someone who recognizes her own worth. Her interactions with both the android and her ex-boyfriend create a powerful contrast that highlights the difference between being treasured and being taken for granted.
Young Goo’s Perfect Imperfection: The Android Who Learns to Feel
Yeo Jin-goo plays Yeong Goo, a humanoid robot programmed to be a perfect boyfriend who begins to develop human emotions. Initially designed to fulfill every romantic fantasy, Young Goo’s journey becomes about discovering what makes relationships meaningful beyond programmed responses and perfect gestures.
Yeo Jin-goo’s performance is remarkable in its innocence and growing complexity. He masterfully portrays an artificial being learning to navigate real emotions, creating moments that are simultaneously sweet and heartbreaking. His chemistry with Bang Min-ah feels genuine despite the fantastical premise, making viewers invested in their unconventional romance.
What makes Young Goo fascinating is how his “perfect” programming gradually gives way to more human qualities like jealousy, confusion, and genuine care that transcends his original directives. His character raises profound questions about whether love can be programmed or if it must be discovered through experience and choice.
The Love Triangle That Questions Everything
The series reaches emotional peaks when Ma Wang Joon (Hong Jong-hyun), her famous actor childhood friend, also falls for her, creating a love triangle that forces Da Da to confront what she truly values in a relationship. This isn’t just about choosing between two suitors – it’s about choosing between comfort zones and growth, between being hidden and being celebrated.
The climax brilliantly contrasts artificial perfection with human flaws, making viewers question whether the “perfect” boyfriend is actually what Da Da needs for genuine happiness. These pivotal moments don’t rely on dramatic confrontations but instead focus on quiet realizations about self-worth, authentic love, and the courage to choose happiness over safety.
The resolution challenges both characters and viewers to consider whether love is about finding someone perfect or finding someone willing to grow alongside you, flaws and all.
Mixed Reception Across Platforms
My Absolute Boyfriend received mixed reviews during its original run, with an IMDb rating of 6.9. The series found its audience on international streaming platforms like Viki and Viu, where viewers appreciated its unique take on AI romance and sweet chemistry between the leads. While some critics found the premise unrealistic, many fans embraced the show’s exploration of what makes love authentic in an increasingly technological world. My Absolute Boyfriend demonstrates how Korean adaptations can bring fresh perspectives to established source material, even when reception remains divided.
A Sweet Escape Worth Programming Into Your Heart
If you love romantic comedies with sci-fi elements and emotional depth, My Absolute Boyfriend is the perfect series to discover on streaming platforms. This isn’t just about robot romance – it’s a thoughtful exploration of self-worth, authentic love, and finding the courage to be vulnerable again after heartbreak.
Why This Unconventional Love Story Deserves a Chance
Positive Points:
- Yeo Jin-goo delivers a charming performance that makes viewers believe in an android learning to love
- Bang Min-ah portrays emotional healing and growth with genuine authenticity
- Unique premise exploring AI and human emotions creates fresh romantic comedy dynamics
- Sweet chemistry between leads makes the fantastical premise feel emotionally real
- Thoughtful exploration of what constitutes genuine love versus programmed perfection
Negative Points:
- Some plot developments feel predictable despite the unique sci-fi premise
- Supporting characters sometimes lack depth compared to the compelling main triangle
- The show’s tone occasionally shifts awkwardly between comedy and serious emotional moments
- Certain episodes drag with repetitive relationship dynamics that could be more tightly paced
- The ending may leave some viewers wanting more concrete resolution for secondary storylines
My Absolute Boyfriend proves that the most perfect love might just be the imperfect kind that chooses to stay and grow together, making it a charming addition to any rom-com lover’s watchlist.
Series Details
- Number of Episodes: 36 episodes (completed)
- Platform: Viki, Viu, and various international streaming platforms
- Release Year: May – July 2019
- Current IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy
- Production Type: K-drama (Korean Drama)
- Status: Completed series
- Protagonists: Yeo Jin-goo (Young Goo), Bang Min-ah (Eom Da Da)
- Antagonist: Emotional barriers, past heartbreak, and the question of authentic love