A K-pop star spreads her wings in The White Lotus

Blackpink’s Lisa Manobal makes her acting debut as wellness adviser Mook in series three of the acclaimed social satire. Ellie Muir looks at how the singer rose to worldwide fame

- Ellie Muir

When HBO announced season three of its luxurious drama series The White Lotus, fans swooned over the starry ensemble cast. Notable Hollywood names included Avengers star Carrie Coon, Mission: Impossible's Michelle Monaghan, Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Arnie’s son). The buzziest casting decision, however, wasn’t anyone you’ve seen acting on screen before: it was that of K-pop superstar Lalisa Manobal.

Known mononymously to millions of Blackpink fans as Lisa, the South Korean singer makes her acting debut as Mook, the smiley and upbeat wellness adviser of the fictional hotel franchise’s Thai branch. The third season of Mike White’s acclaimed satire sees a new group of affluent, complicated and prickly holidaymakers checking in. On the basis of the first two seasons, we can expect lashings of debauchery, backstabbing and dreadful behaviour – with a side order of social commentary.

Manobal’s fans have never seen her act, but they are already confident in her thespian abilities. Look at any promotional content surrounding The White Lotus’s third season, and you’ll find the comments section filled with fans celebrating Manobal’s sashay into acting. “I am so excited for actress Lisa!” wrote one fan. “Thailand is proud of you!” chimed another. “LISAAA? OH MY GOD MY LIFE IS MADE!” It’s easy to see why they have so much faith in her next career move: they’ve witnessed the singer climb through the brutal K-pop industrial complex since she was a young teen.