Behind the chaos of “Bad Boys vs. Girls Next Door”: did Boss Wei really bribe security, why are girls into bad boys, and what that first-impression vote was actually based on

Since premiering on Netflix, “Bad Boys vs. Girls Next Door” has been a nonstop topic of conversation, turning the usual dating-show formula on its head and making it impossible to stop watching. These candid, strong-willed former delinquents have delivered plenty of memorable moments on screen, and the off-camera stories are just as entertaining. After filming wrapped, they reunited for an interview to share unseen anecdotes and candid thoughts, with no shortage of laughs along the way. Here’s what happened behind the scenes.

• Related reading: Netflix dating show “Bad Boys vs. Girls Next Door” became a smash hit as soon as it premiered! Your complete guide to the backgrounds and Instagram accounts of all 11 cast members – are you following these bad boys’ dating lives yet?

What was the first-impression vote really based on…!?

Remember the “First-Impression O/X Vote” segment? In the interview, the female cast members admitted that it was hard to decide whether they liked someone they had only just met. So they ultimately went by one question: “Could I feel sexually attracted to this person?” Their direct, honest standard even made the host laugh: “You all really take sexy things seriously…”

The women were equally direct: “This is really important! If you don’t find someone attractive from the start, there’s no way the relationship can go anywhere. Even if he’s a great person, if you can’t imagine ‘what happens at night,’ then it won’t work, right? (Laughs)” Xiao Yi summed it up neatly: “That’s just the kind of era we’re in now.” The exchange unexpectedly became one of the show’s under-the-radar classic moments.

Netflix Japan

Netflix Japan

Why are all the women into bad boys?

When the conversation turned to the women’s dating histories, nearly everyone had the same answer: all of their exes were bad boys. Amo laughed that she “only dates delinquents,” and is especially drawn to guys who look like they’ve done every bad thing imaginable and carry themselves with a bold, brash attitude. She would even dress up glamorously to catch their attention. As for why she is so drawn to bad boys, Amo put it plainly: “Because they really cherish me.”

Xiao Yi quickly added that this type of guy always has a certain formula for his social media bio, such as “I don’t need women,” paired with a conspicuous manji symbol. Amo laughed that it would surely be followed by, “I have Amo. I don’t talk to other girls.” The other women agreed, citing lines like “Anything short of death is just a scratch,” or guys prominently tagging their girlfriends. These seemingly immature yet utterly unabashed public declarations make them feel valued and chosen – and that really does make them happy.

Netflix Japan

Has Xiao Qi’s wild side actually run in the family for three generations?

In her episode-one introduction, Xiao Qi said she used to bring a wooden sword to school. In the interview, she explained that her mother had also been a delinquent, so there were always wooden swords and iron rods at home. Xiao Qi naturally came to think that “when you’re angry, you should hold a wooden sword,” because that was how she remembered her mother whenever she lost her temper.

In her early teens, she went through a phase where “anyone who made eye contact was an enemy.” With no one around her who shared her values, she was also bullied at times. Her grandmother even drove her over to give the other person “a taste of their own medicine,” prompting the host to marvel, “The women in this family are tough across three generations!”

Netflix Japan

With her striking looks and gal-style delinquent-girl aura, many viewers have called Xiao Qi the real-life version of Ayase Momo, the heroine of “Dandadan.” They not only have similarly delinquent grandmothers, but even speak in nearly the same way. Xiao Qi simply laughed it off: “We’re just a bunch of tough women, that’s all!”

INS @kyiiripu.friedegg / Ayase Momo, heroine of “Dandadan”

What the male cast thought of the “Baby water-splashing incident”

The show has no shortage of memorable scenes, though the “Baby water-splashing incident” sparked by Amo’s arrival has to be one of the most gasp-worthy. In their behind-the-scenes interview, the male cast did not hold back when revisiting the moment. Milk, who was seated directly behind them and witnessed everything, admitted that he was completely “stunned.” All he could think was, “Whoa…,” and he even felt a little intimidated. Nise, meanwhile, lowered his head and pretended not to see anything. He had thought Amo was pretty cute from the start and decided not to get involved, prompting Milk to tease him: “That’s so sneaky!”

Tian-tian saw things very differently. He said outright that he has always preferred assertive women. While Baby splashing someone with a drink was “a little over the line,” that degree of assertiveness was actually right up his alley. Koji added, “And it wasn’t water – it was lemon sour, and the cup went flying too.” Tian-tian calmly explained that, because he works at a nightclub, he is already used to scenes like this and was never going to panic over it.

Netflix Japan

Why isn’t Amo on the main promotional poster?

Did you notice that Amo is missing from the main promotional poster? The day of the “Baby water-splashing incident” also happened to be the scheduled photo shoot. Since Amo joined a day later, she could not be photographed with the group. Amo took it in stride, giving Baby a pat and joking, “Just Photoshop me in!” Everyone chimed in, “There’s empty space in the back – just add her there!” The mood was light, and it seemed they had all put the incident behind them.

Netflix Japan

Did Boss Wei really try to bribe a security guard!?

Boss Wei, who was forced to leave the show midway through, also left behind plenty of entertaining behind-the-scenes stories. The production team had set an early rule that “alcohol can’t leave the living room,” which only stirred up the guys’ rebellious side. They kept trying to “smuggle” drinks out and hide them in bedroom drawers. Milk was even caught red-handed on camera and warned by the production team, “You can’t do that!” The male cast, however, found it hilarious, saying the thrill of sneaking around “is what youth is all about.”

Netflix Japan

Boss Wei took things the furthest of all. After secretly drinking, he completely lost control, running and shouting down the hallway in nothing but his underwear. He even approached a security guard and said, “I’ll pay you 30,000 yen to let me into the girls’ room.” The absurd behavior had the others in stitches, though they also said helplessly, “Boss Wei really is a good person, but this time… we can only let him be expelled.”

Netflix Japan

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