Lights, camera, Jisoo! Let’s talk about Jisoo of BLACKPINK – the multi-talented queen who sings, dances, and now acts! From her humble beginnings in guest roles to leading lady status, the burning question on everyone’s lips is: “Does Jisoo’s acting game improve?” Grab your popcorn, folks, because we’re diving into her acting journey, her roles, her critics, and her latest breakout zom-com hit, Newtopia! 🚀

Jisoo’s Early Roles: A Baby Step Into Acting

Before she became the talk of the acting world, Jisoo tested the waters with small roles. Her debut came in The Producers in 2015, where she appeared as a guest star. It was one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, but she delivered a sweet and charming vibe that had fans saying, “Aww, Jisoo is on my screen!” However, the role didn’t leave much room for her to flex any acting chops.

Then came Part-Time Idol in 2017. Once again, her screen time was brief, and while she played it cool, the role was far too small to showcase much of her potential. By 2018, she made another appearance in YG Future Strategy Office, where her comedic timing stood out. The quirky humor fit her personality well, and fans adored seeing this playful side of her. However, industry insiders didn’t seem particularly impressed. These early roles were cute but forgettable, leaving critics little to work with.

Snowdrop (2021): The Big Break

And then came Snowdrop, Jisoo’s first leading role as Eun Young Ro, a college student caught in the chaos of 1980s political turmoil. This role was HUGE for her career. It was like she went from dipping her toes into acting to cannonballing into the deep end. Her emotional moments showed promise, and her chemistry with co-star Jung Hae In melted hearts across the globe. Many fans saw potential and cheered her on.

However, the critics weren’t as kind. Some pointed out that her line delivery felt flat, and a few even described her expressions as awkward. The response to her performance was as split as a K-pop fan war, while BLINKs passionately defended her and praised her effort, skeptics weren’t completely sold on her skills just yet. Despite the mixed reactions, Snowdrop marked an important step forward, proving that Jisoo had what it takes to lead a drama.

Newtopia (2025): Jisoo vs. Zombies

Fast forward to 2025, and Newtopia has arrived to shake things up! This zombie comedy (zom-com) directed by Yoon Sung Hyun combines love, laughter, and plenty of undead chaos. Jisoo stars as Kang Young Joo, a sassy and chaotic young woman trying to survive a zombie apocalypse while dealing with a rocky long-distance relationship. Her boyfriend, played by Park Jung Min, adds a layer of emotional depth to the comedic mayhem. This isn’t the first project Jisoo and Park Jeong-min worked on together. They both appeared in the 2023 film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman, though Jisoo’s cameo meant they didn’t actually share a scene.

Turns out, Park Jeong-min is a certified BLINK! He proudly shared that he owns two signed BLACKPINK albums, one of which features a personal message from Jisoo herself. “Looking at those, I felt like I’ve lived my life well,” he said, adding that acting alongside Jisoo felt like an incredible honor.

The plot feels like a mix of Train to Busan and Shaun of the Dead, set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul where Young Joo fights for survival, and love, while dodging brain-munching zombies. The show’s humor comes from its quirky situations, with Jisoo’s bold personality stealing the spotlight in ways that feel both relatable and over-the-top in the best way. Director Yoon Sung Hyun was all praises for Jisoo, describing her as having an “infectious energy” that brought the character to life, with comedic timing and a girl-crush charm that fit the role perfectly.

Not only did Newtopia pull in a record-breaking viewership on Coupang Play, smashing Day-One numbers faster than a BLACKPINK comeback, but it also earned high praise from audiences. On IMDb, the first two episodes scored an impressive 8.8/10 and 9.6/10, respectively, making it one of the highest-rated K-dramas of the year so far. Korean media has also lauded the show for offering a refreshing twist to the zombie genre. While it still carries horror elements with terrifying zombie designs and gory visuals, Newtopia mixes in lighthearted humor and feel-good moments, making it both entertaining and easy to watch.

However, the criticism wasn’t far behind. Social media buzzed with debates over her acting, with some viewers pointing out awkward phrasing and inconsistent tones. Sharing the screen with seasoned actors like Yoo In Na and Park Seong Woong also made her areas for improvement more noticeable. But fans and casual viewers had a different perspective. Many praised her character’s spunk and noted her steady improvement since Snowdrop. In particular, Kang Young Joo’s bold, quirky personality seemed like a much better fit for Jisoo compared to the emotionally heavy role of Eun Young Ro.

The Tea on Jisoo’s Acting: Has She Improved?

So, has Jisoo’s acting improved? Let’s spill the tea. On the bright side, her confidence shines through more than ever, and her comedic timing has definitely leveled up in Newtopia. The character feels natural for her, allowing her to bring out her charm in a way that resonates with fans. It’s clear she’s grown since her Snowdrop days, showing that she’s not afraid to take on new challenges and learn from them.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Jisoo – she had to level up her physical game to survive the zombie apocalypse on-screen. To nail her action-packed role, she enrolled in a stunt academy, training hard to master moves she’d never tried before. “I couldn’t even tumble forward before,” Jisoo admitted. “Now I can tumble forward five times in a row, and I look forward to training every time!” Her dedication truly paid off, bringing both grit and charm to her character.

However, there’s still room to grow. Critics noted that her line delivery remains a weak point, with some commenting that her voice can sound off during emotional scenes. And while her exaggerated expressions add a certain flair to her character, some felt they made certain moments feel less authentic. Even so, fans argue that this style aligns perfectly with the tone of a zom-com, where over-the-top is practically the name of the game.

What’s Next for Jisoo?

Jisoo’s acting career is far from over. Up next, she’s set to star alongside Lee Min Ho in Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, a highly anticipated film currently in post-production. With each role, she’s building her skills brick by brick, taking steps toward becoming a well-rounded actress. Whether she’ll win over all the skeptics remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

So, does Jisoo’s acting improve? The answer is yes – but it’s complicated. She’s not the next Meryl Streep (yet), but her growth is undeniable. If she continues to challenge herself, work with talented directors, and refine her craft, she could evolve into a solid actress. For now, let’s appreciate Jisoo for what she is: a talented idol boldly stepping into new territory.

Whether she’s slaying zombies, dropping K-pop bops, or charming us with her goofy smile, one thing’s for sure: Jisoo’s story is far from over. And who knows? Maybe one day she’ll bag an acting award, and we’ll all be here, saying, “We knew it all along!” 🏆

So, what do you think about Jisoo’s acting journey? Are you team “She’s improving!” or team “Stick to music”? Drop your takes below, but keep it respectful, alright?