Jisoo is gearing up for her much-anticipated film debut in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, and while many fans are excited to see her on the big screen, the director’s explanation for her casting has sparked mixed reactions online. During the film’s production briefing on June 17, director Kim Byung Woo spoke about why he chose the BLACKPINK member for the role of Lee Ji Hye. According to him, it was Jisoo’s dedication, passion, and preparation during script readings that won him over. He emphasized that he wanted to work with someone who would give their all and noted he was very satisfied with her performance so far.
However, the director’s explanation didn’t sit well with a portion of the audience. Many took to online communities like theqoo to express their confusion and frustration, questioning why “passion” and “effort” were being highlighted as standout factors—as if other actors don’t put in the same level of work. Some comments labeled the reasoning “ridiculous,” while others compared it to earlier controversies surrounding the casting of idols in major acting roles, notably referencing criticism that arose during Squid Game season 2’s casting process.
Critics argued that such justifications seem like surface-level responses when the real reason may lie in the actor’s global influence. With BLACKPINK’s massive international following, many feel Jisoo’s casting is more about commercial appeal than merit, especially when more experienced or trained actors are available. This has led to broader conversations about how fame and idol status can overshadow traditional casting processes in big-budget Korean productions.
Despite the backlash, Jisoo still has strong support from her fanbase, who are looking forward to her performance and hope she can prove herself as a serious actress through this opportunity. Whether the skepticism fades will likely depend on how convincingly she brings her character to life on screen.
