Bong Joonho Faces Backlash for Omitting Lisa in an Interview

Bong Joonho mentioned BLACKPINK in a BuzzFeed Celeb interview but did not include Lisa , leading to criticism from some of Lisa’s fans. Thai netizens accused him of being discriminatory, while Korean netizens defended him, arguing that he simply forgot due to the chaotic setting. The debate intensified as some questioned Lisa’s connection to South Korea and her global recognition.

Bong Joonho Interview Sparks Lisa Fans’ Backlash

Director Bong Joonho has returned with his new film, Mickey 17, after six years. However, he is facing criticism from some Lisa fans and even accusations of racism from Thai netizens. The controversy began when he mentioned BLACKPINK but did not include Lisa’s name in a recent interview.

Bong Joonho Mentions BLACKPINK but Omits Lisa

During an interview with BuzzFeed Celeb on March 4, Bong Joonho was asked about his favorite K-pop group. He answered BLACKPINK and, when asked about his favorite member, he named Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie, adding “everyone” at the end. Since Lisa was the only member he did not explicitly mention, some of her fans expressed disappointment. The interview was conducted to promote Mickey 17, and BuzzFeed Celeb, a segment of the U.S. media outlet BuzzFeed, has a YouTube channel with 3.87 million subscribers as of March 5.

Thai Fans’ Reactions and Accusations of Racism

Lisa’s fans pointed out that Bong Joonho omitted only her name, which led to criticism in the interview’s comment section. Some Thai netizens took this personally, claiming it was an insult to their nationality. On Twitter, discussions escalated, with some arguing that this was an example of racial discrimination.

Korean Netizens Defend Bong Joonho

Korean netizens responded by suggesting that the director simply forgot Lisa’s name due to the chaotic environment of the interview, which included dogs running around. Others noted that it is uncommon for a Korean man in his 50s to know the names of all BLACKPINK members. Jisoo and Jennie often appear on Korean television, and Rosé gained popularity through APT., making them more recognizable to older Koreans. Lisa, however, has focused mainly on overseas activities, which could explain why Bong Joonho did not recall her name immediately.

Strong Backlash Against Thai Criticism

Some Korean netizens reacted strongly against the accusations of racism, arguing that South Korea played a major role in training Lisa and shaping her career. They found it unfair that Thai netizens were criticizing Korea over such a minor issue. Some even suggested that Korean entertainment agencies should reconsider accepting Thai trainees in the future, emphasizing that Lisa should show gratitude rather than allowing controversy over a simple mistake.

Lisa’s Global Influence and Thai National Pride

Lisa is not only a K-pop star but also a globally recognized celebrity. On March 2, she became the first K-pop artist to perform at the Academy Awards, delivering a solo stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles with Live and Let Die, the theme song of the James Bond series. Her international fame is undeniable, but she holds an even more significant status in Thailand, where she is considered a national icon. A Suandusit University survey conducted in January 2024 ranked her as the most influential figure, with 28.14% of respondents choosing her. This deep connection with Thai fans explains why they reacted so strongly to Bong Joonho’s omission.

Bong Joonho Not Mentioning Lisa as a Minor Issue

Bong Joonho’s failure to mention Lisa’s name was a small mistake, understandable given his age and the interview’s setting. There is no evidence that he harbors any negative feelings toward Lisa, and she has never experienced mistreatment in South Korea. Many Koreans appreciate her music and performances, and Lisa herself has expressed her comfort with the Korean language. Rather than turning this into a serious dispute, it would be best to see it as an unfortunate but minor misunderstanding.

Lisa and Academy Awards Create a Historic Performance Moment

Lisa and Academy Awards made history as she became the first K-pop artist to perform at the prestigious event. Her stunning rendition of Live and Let Die captivated the audience, followed by performances from Doja Cat and Raye.

Here’s a link to YouTube.

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