Don’t adjust your Oscar broadcast. Lisa, the singer from the globally popular South Korean girl group Blackpink, may look familiar to *The White Lotus* fans after performing “Live and Let Die” in a James Bond tribute at Sunday’s Oscars with Doja Cat and Raye. The star performer is also making her acting debut as Mook in Season 3 of the hit HBO series (*Sundays, 9 EST/PST, streaming on Max*).
The 27-year-old Thai rapper, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, plays Mook, a bubbly local at the Thai White Lotus resort, offering a sharp contrast to her glamorous Blackpink persona. Balancing these two public identities, Lisa released her first solo album, *Alter Ego*, on Friday, featuring the single “Born Again” with Doja Cat and British singer Raye.
Lisa joined Blackpink after moving to South Korea at the age of 14 to train with the group. After five years of hard work, Blackpink debuted in 2016 and has since released two albums, including the 2022 hit *Born Pink*.
*The White Lotus* creator Mike White insisted he wasn’t familiar with Blackpink when Lisa auditioned for the role and was initially resistant to the idea of stunt casting. However, the actress effortlessly brings Mook to life—a character involved in a budding romance with Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), the resort security guard who grew up in the same island town.
“Lotus” and “Fallout” star Walton Goggins admits the varied cast members were “thrilled” to meet the global superstar singer before the six-month shoot in Thailand, “just knowing her as this Blackpink performer, as most of the world knows her, who can do all of these things,” he says. “And then to see her step into this role around a bunch of seasoned actors. She did it effortlessly. That transition from her stage persona was seamless.”
And while Goggins, who plays mysterious Rick Hatchett, admits he’s “got some moves” on the dance floor. It’s nothing compared to Lisa.”She definitely dances certainly better than everyone on the set of ‘The White Lotus,'” says Goggins. “The Oscars will be a celebration of her talent. I’m just excited to see where she goes from here.”
