Kakao Entertainment has officially launched a fan community for the webtoon-based drama 'Bani and the Boys' on its global K-culture fan platform, Berriz, as announced on April 8, 2025. This new initiative aims to enhance the experience of both drama and webtoon fans by providing a rich array of content and interactive features.
The Berriz fan community for 'Bani and the Boys' is designed to offer a variety of engaging elements, including behind-the-scenes videos and content that showcases the daily lives of the main characters. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), fans will have the unique opportunity to communicate directly with the drama's characters, bringing them closer to the story and its protagonists.
Set to premiere on April 11, 2025, at 9:50 PM on MBC, 'Bani and the Boys' is based on a popular Kakao webtoon that has garnered an impressive 170 million views. The drama tells the story of Bani, who embarks on a quest to find her male friends after a tumultuous first relationship, featuring a cast that includes Noh Jung-ui, Lee Chae-min, and Jo Joon-young.
According to Kakao Entertainment, the fan community is not just a space for passive consumption but a vibrant environment where fans can interact with the characters through AI personas. These AI entities will respond to questions and messages, allowing fans to engage with the personalities of their favorite characters in a new and exciting way. As a beta version, this feature is expected to create a sense of realism, making fans feel as if they are conversing with the actual characters.
In addition to character interactions, the Berriz community will feature various content that reveals the everyday lives of the characters. This includes glimpses into Bani's university life, her artistic pursuits, and the dynamics of her relationships with the attractive male characters around her. The drama promises to deliver a refreshing campus romance that resonates with viewers, tapping into the youthful energy and romantic aspirations of its audience.
The Berriz platform is accessible via web and mobile (both Android and iOS) and supports 18 languages, including Korean and English, making it a truly global fan platform. Kakao Entertainment aims to leverage this accessibility to foster a community where fans of various content genres can come together, share their experiences, and enjoy optimized services tailored to specific intellectual properties (IPs).
As part of its commitment to enhancing the fan experience, Kakao Entertainment has plans for special events within the Berriz community. These events will further engage fans, providing them with opportunities to connect with the story and each other, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
In a statement regarding the launch, a representative from Kakao Entertainment expressed excitement about the potential for fans to deepen their connection with the drama. "By allowing fans to converse with the characters and interact with fellow viewers, we believe they will enjoy the work in a more multidimensional way," they stated. "Berriz is designed to be a global fan platform where artists and fans of various content genres can come together and experience expanded joy through optimized services for each IP."
This innovative approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also sets a precedent for how fan communities can evolve in the digital age. As 'Bani and the Boys' prepares to hit the airwaves, the anticipation surrounding both the drama and the Berriz community continues to grow, promising an exciting new chapter in K-culture fandom.
