Seo Kang-joon Shines in Netflix's 'Monthly Boyfriend': A Rising Star in Romance

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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Netflix's series 'Monthly Boyfriend' has become a hot topic immediately after its release, drawing attention to actor Seo Kang-joon for his special appearance. Despite his brief appearance, Seo left a strong impression with his striking visuals and emotional depth, raising anticipation for his future projects.

'Monthly Boyfriend,' which has quickly risen to fame, features various 'boyfriend' characters paired with BLACKPINK's Jisoo, capturing viewers' attention. Special appearances by Seo In-guk, Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Kim Sung-cheol, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Jae-wook, Kim Young-dae, Park Jae-bum, and Lee Sang-yi added different vibes to each episode. Although Seo In-guk is the main male lead, discussions on social media have centered around Jisoo's acting skills and Seo Kang-joon's visuals.

Seo Kang-joon, known for his clear features and refreshing image since his debut, captivated audiences with his brief appearance in this series, becoming one of the highlights of 'Monthly Boyfriend.' His stunning visuals and stable eye acting enhanced the immersion in the romance genre, according to viewers.

Last year, Seo starred in MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Undercover High School,' winning the Grand Prize at the '2025 MBC Drama Awards,' acknowledging both his acting skills and popularity. However, with MBC's drama lineup experiencing a slump, there is increased interest in his choice of future projects and career path.

Seo Kang-joon's return to acting after completing his military service was marked by 'Undercover High School,' which was not primarily a romance. Therefore, his brief romantic scenes in 'Monthly Boyfriend' were received as refreshing by fans. His captivating visuals and natural emotional expression reaffirmed his potential in the romance genre.

Seo Kang-joon made a strong impression as a supporting male lead in tvN's 'Cheese in the Trap' (hereafter 'Cheese') in 2016. Although he has appeared in various genres since then, he hasn't had many standout roles as a romantic lead. His special appearance in 'Monthly Boyfriend' once again showcased his romantic acting skills, proving his presence as a leading man in melodramas.

This year, Seo Kang-joon is set to star alongside actress Ahn Eun-jin in KBS2's new drama 'Another Love.' The drama is described as a relatable melodrama about long-term couples facing unexpected new connections, leading to emotional upheavals and relationship fractures.

With his impactful yet brief appearance in 'Monthly Boyfriend,' all eyes are on whether Seo Kang-joon can create a new signature role in his upcoming melodrama. Given the ongoing assessment that he lacks a definitive standout role since 'Cheese,' there's keen interest in whether he can reaffirm his presence in the romance genre, as anticipated by the public.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr