BLACKPINK’s Lisa in The White Lotus: A Star Turned Background Extra? Fans and Critics React to HBO's “Talent Waste”

K-pop superstar Lisa of BLACKPINK made her much-anticipated acting debut in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3, drawing global attention the moment her casting was announced. But as the season came to a close, excitement turned into frustration for many fans and critics alike. The final verdict? Lisa’s talent might have been “laughably underused.”

Season 3 of the award-winning black comedy wrapped recently with its finale drawing 6.2 million viewers—an all-time high for the series. The show, which aired in Korea via Coupang Play, retained its signature mix of satirical storytelling, stunning visuals, and uncomfortable truths about wealth and morality. But it also attracted criticism for not living up to the storytelling cohesion or impact of its Emmy-winning previous seasons.

And for many, the biggest disappointment was Lisa’s role—or lack thereof.

A Flat Role for a Global Star

Lisa played “Mook,” a charming multilingual staff member at a luxurious Thai resort. Her interactions, especially with the character Kaitok, hinted at potential intrigue, but viewers were quick to notice how limited her screen time actually was. Critics called out the imbalance between her global fame and her underdeveloped character.

The Guardian didn’t hold back, stating Lisa had “laughably little to do,” adding that casting her in such a minor role was like “hiring Lady Gaga as an extra.” Other English-language outlets echoed similar sentiments, describing Mook as a flat character who failed to match Lisa’s superstar status.

While her presence did add cultural authenticity and star power to the setting, the lack of depth in her storyline led many to label it a major missed opportunity.

What Went Wrong with The White Lotus Season 3?

The season centers around a mysterious death at a luxury resort in Thailand, unfolding with a familiar White Lotus format—rewinding to the guests’ arrivals and exploring the tangled web of motivations and secrets that led to the fatal ending.

Characters range from a crumbling finance family drowning in entitlement to a trio of “frenemies” who can't hide their mutual resentment, and a man blinded by vengeance. The series attempts to explore the decay of human souls in the face of excessive wealth—what The Hollywood Reporter described as “abundance that sucks the soul dry.”

However, several critics noted that the narrative lacked the tight cohesion and biting wit that made Seasons 1 and 2 so acclaimed. BBC and other reviewers mentioned a drop in the sharpness of the satire and weaker character arcs—Lisa’s Mook included.

Despite the criticism, Lisa herself had high hopes for the role. In a Variety interview earlier this year, she shared her excitement about joining the cast:

“I was a fan of The White Lotus, and I was so happy to be cast. On my first day of filming, I was so nervous I started sweating and forgot my lines.”

She described Mook as “similar to me, but more ladylike and flirtatious. I’m more of a tomboy.” Her fans appreciated her honesty and praised her efforts in what was a major leap into acting.

This was Lisa’s first foray into acting since debuting with BLACKPINK in 2016. And although the screen time may have been short, it still marked a new chapter in her career.

Despite the uneven reception, The White Lotus Season 3 isn’t without value. It still delivers powerful commentary on materialism, desire, and moral collapse. Australia's ABC News highlighted the broader cultural appetite for content that critiques the ultra-rich—citing Succession and Triangle of Sadness as examples of this trend.

“The audience cheers the downfall of the rich,” the outlet noted, “while secretly craving the comfort they live in.” The show leans into this irony, especially in scenes where seemingly ‘moral’ characters abandon their values for personal gain.

And in the middle of this twisted paradise was Lisa—visibly present, but narratively sidelined.

While her role in The White Lotus didn’t quite match the hype, Lisa’s venture into acting has officially begun, and fans are hopeful for future projects where her potential can shine more fully.

Meanwhile, Lisa recently wrapped up her Coachella performance, alongside her fellow member Jennie. BLACKPINK is gearing up for their 2025 WORLD TOUR, kicking off on July 5 and 6 at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in South Korea. As always, Lisa will be center stage—this time, in the spotlight she deserves.

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