In recent years, the idol-turned-actress Jisoo has appeared in several projects, including the drama Snowdrop, the series Newtopia, the upcoming film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, and most recently, the romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand. However, performances in these works have repeatedly sparked discussion among viewers.

Criticism Since First Major Acting Role

Jisoo’s acting journey has been under scrutiny since her first lead role in the drama Snowdrop. Some viewers criticized her pronunciation, line delivery, and facial expressions, arguing that her performance sometimes felt stiff and lacked emotional depth.

Similar reactions emerged during her appearance in Newtopia. Certain intense scenes, such as moments when her character faced life-threatening situations involving zombies, were described by critics as unconvincing or emotionally unclear. One of the main points of debate is that Jisoo took on leading roles from the beginning of her acting career, rather than gradually building experience through supporting roles. Some critics believe this decision increased the pressure on her performance and made weaknesses more noticeable.

Newtopia

Her newest project, Boyfriend on Demand, marks her first attempt at a romantic comedy. In the series, she plays Mirae, a webtoon artist who becomes emotionally exhausted by the pressures of daily life and decides to explore love through a virtual dating service. The drama explores a unique concept where users can “subscribe” to virtual relationships, allowing Mirae to experience romance in a digital world while continuing her ordinary life as an office worker.

The series is directed by Kim Jung Sik, known for projects such as Work Later, Drink Now, Strong Girl Nam Soon, and No Gain No Love. During the press conference, the director expressed confidence that Jisoo’s dedication and effort could help her grow as an actress.

jisoo acting controversy

Indeed, some viewers believe Jisoo has shown improvement compared to her earlier roles, and that Mirae’s bright personality aligns well with her natural charm. However, according to Daum, the performance still received mixed reviews, with critics noting that her voice delivery and emotional expression sometimes lacked variation.

Criticism Beyond Acting

The debate surrounding Jisoo is not limited to acting. Throughout her career with BLACKPINK, she has also occasionally been discussed in terms of her vocal and dance abilities. Some critics argue that while Jisoo stands out for her visuals, her singing and dancing skills have sometimes appeared less prominent compared to other members.

When the group released solo projects, international media also shared mixed opinions. For instance, The Times once commented that Jisoo could appear less noticeable in solo releases compared to her bandmates, despite having interesting musical elements in her work.

Earthquake Jisoo

Stage performances have also sparked discussion. During performances of songs such as “Earthquake,” some viewers claimed her live vocals sounded unstable, while her dance movements were described by critics as less dynamic.

At one point in December 2025, a clip of Jisoo performing the choreography for “How You Like That” went viral on Korean social media. The video became a trending topic not because of praise but because some viewers found the movements unusually awkward or humorous.

jisoo boyfriend on demand acting criticism

After 10 years as a member of BLACKPINK, Jisoo is gradually expanding her career into acting and individual activities. However, her global popularity also means that every step of her career faces intense scrutiny. As she continues to explore new opportunities, public discussion around her performances remains divided, with both supporters and critics closely watching how her career develops in the coming years.

Sources: Znews