BLACKPINK member Lisa, the K-pop star, made her acting debut in a splash with HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3. As Mook, a cunning and mysterious hotel owner in a Thai resort, Lisa’s acting was commended for its subtlety and presence for very little screen time, an auspicious beginning for her acting career.
Getting a job on the series that is so internationally popular was a highlight of the Thai actress’s career, particularly because she was a new actress. Her involvement on the popular franchise also gained international attention from longtime White Lotus fans as well as K-pop enthusiasts.
Online Debate Over Reported Salary
Lisa’s reported pay, however, trended online. The figure was released in a post by Buzzing Pop on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Lisa received around 55.2 million KRW (approximately 40,000 USD) per episode. It drew controversy as some users contended that the reported fee for her short appearance was not worth it. Critics termed it extravagant for what they described as a “cameo” appearance, implying that more-paid actors with greater screen time should receive greater credit.
LISA earned $40k/episode for ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3. pic.twitter.com/BqDnWma9cp
— Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) June 16, 2025
Fans Defend Lisa’s Global Influence
Lisa’s fans soon came to her defense, pointing out her worldwide popularity and the exposure she gave the show. Most indicated that The White Lotus gained from her super-stardom, especially in Southeast Asia, where she pushed the show herself. Fans also argued that all lead cast members were said to earn the same base pay, and Lisa’s music and entrepreneurship earnings are many times more than what she is paid as an actress.
This is too much for a cameo which barely had lines or screentime.. Other actors deserve better… And she stole otyer cast interviews for herself without out any input https://t.co/VmfwTZOgtg
— TOUCHsomeGRASS.. (@organi5aTion) June 17, 2025
In spite of the scandal, Lisa’s position caused a lot of commotion. Her performance was short, yet it was memorable enough to stimulate debates and widen the show’s audience to a new international market.
She was there for the experience not for the money she making almost 1 billion alone with her company Lloud, so i dont think we should be worry about her income
— blink-LILIES 327 (@teremysia) June 17, 2025
