My Absolute Boyfriend

Lore & Background

The series was originally titled Romantic Comedy King and was in talks to air on OCN, but was ultimately moved to SBS. The lead roles of Um Da-da and Ma Wang-jun were previously offered to Song Ji-hyo and Chun Jung-myung respectively, but both declined. Filming was completed and the series aired on SBS in May 2019. Originally scheduled for 40 episodes, the series was reduced by four episodes due to low ratings alone. The international broadcast remained at 40 episodes.

Reader's Guide

My Absolute Boyfriend is notable as the third television adaptation of Yuu Watase's manga, following Japanese and Taiwanese versions. The series faced production challenges, including a change in network from OCN to SBS and the recasting of two lead roles after Song Ji-hyo and Chun Jung-myung declined. Its episode count was cut from 40 to 36 due to low ratings and a scheduling shift involving Doctor Detective. Despite this, the international release retained the original 40-episode format. The drama features an android protagonist, Zero Nine, programmed as the perfect boyfriend, and explores themes of artificial intelligence and romance. Its significance lies in its cross-cultural adaptation lineage and the behind-the-scenes adjustments that shaped its final form.

Did You Know?

• The series was previously titled Romantic Comedy King and was in talks to air on OCN before being moved to SBS.
• Song Ji-hyo and Chun Jung-myung were offered the lead roles of Um Da-da and Ma Wang-jun but both declined.
• The episode count was reduced from 40 to 36 due to low ratings alone.
• The international broadcast retained the original 40-episode count despite the domestic reduction.