Will Blackpink’s Jisoo succeed as a K-drama actress? Rain, Lee Seung-gi and IU all transitioned neatly from music to TV – but many K-pop stars failed …
The girl group superstar has been cast as the female lead in new JTBC series Seol Kang Hwa which reunites writer Yoo Hyun-mi and programme director Cho Hyun-tak, the duo behind Sky Castle, one of last year’s mega-hit TV series – but how will her debut as a TV heroine go down with Korean drama fans?
Blackpink’s Jisoo recently revealed that she has been cast as the female lead in a new series on JTBC. Tentatively titled Seol Kang Hwa, the drama marks the singer’s big debut as a television heroine.
It also reunites writer Yoo Hyun-mi and programme director Cho Hyun-tak, the duo behind Sky Castle. Last year’s TV mega-hit, the satirical thriller was about extravagant, cold-blooded parenting with the aim of sending their kids to top universities.
Jisoo has built a few film credits. In 2019, she played the ex-lover of the male lead in TVN’s epic period fiction Arthdal Chronicles. In 2015, before her debut with Blackpink, she had a cameo role in the KBS drama The Producers. Her pre-debut public exposure also included several ads and minor roles in two music videos.
Many K-pop idols have taken up the challenge of acting for TV dramas and movies, and public evaluation of their performances has played a profound role in setting the course of their future careers. Some even left the music industry to become fully fledged actors, while others have pursued both fields. Some received embarrassing critiques, putting their acting futures in doubt.
Among those who fans can no longer see on music stages is Lee Seung-gi. He debuted as a teenage singer in 2004 and became active in TV and movies soon after. His transition to acting is partly attributable to playing the main character in his music videos – a rarity for most other singers. His consistent public exposure on TV variety shows also allows him to keep his fandom happy.