“Blackpink’s Lisa makes history as the first K-pop artist on Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue cover, sparking both celebration and controversy. Find out why some are questioning her place alongside established actors and what Vanity Fair’s editor has to say about it.”
Lisa’s Vanity Fair Cover Sparks Debate: Is K-Pop’s Reigning Queen Ready for Hollywood?
Lisa from Blackpink, K-pop’s global phenomenon, has shattered yet another barrier, becoming the first K-pop artist to grace the cover of Vanity Fair’s prestigious Hollywood Issue. The 2025 edition, a star-studded affair featuring acting royalty like Nicole Kidman, Zendaya, Bill Skarsgård, Zoe Saldaña, Jonathan Bailey, Dev Patel, Sydney Sweeney, and Glen Powell, includes Lisa amongst its “10 More Modern Icons”. The issue, titled “The 2025 Hollywood Issue: Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, and 10 More Modern Icons”, highlights Lisa’s burgeoning acting career and her upcoming role in the highly anticipated new season of “The White Lotus.”
While the Blinks, Lisa’s fiercely devoted fanbase, erupted in celebration, the cover has also sparked a flurry of debate across social media. Some question whether Lisa, with her limited acting credits, deserves a spot alongside such established Hollywood names. Critics point to her lack of a substantial acting portfolio, suggesting her inclusion might be attributed more to her massive global influence and rumored connections than her acting prowess. Some even went so far as to suggest that the affluence of a rumored significant other played a part in securing her the coveted cover spot.
Radhika Jones, Vanity Fair’s Editor-in-Chief, has addressed the controversy head-on, defending Lisa’s inclusion as a “brilliant choice” reflecting the evolving landscape of Hollywood.
“It’s always interesting for us to choose somebody like Lisa, who is a massive star in the K-pop world, maybe less known to a Hollywood or American audience, but who is going to be starring in the next season of ‘The White Lotus,’” Jones explained during an interview on “CBS Morning Plus”.
Jones emphasized that Lisa’s presence in the Hollywood Issue signifies her burgeoning crossover into the acting world, a testament to her expanding influence within the entertainment industry. She positioned the choice as a forward-thinking move, highlighting the changing face of Hollywood stardom.
Beyond addressing the Lisa-centered debate, Jones also lauded Nicole Kidman, describing the actress as a “force of nature,” praising her boldness and willingness to take risks in her career. “There’s no bigger star right now than Nicole Kidman,” Jones proclaimed. “She’s everywhere, and she’s doing fascinating work.”
Ref: vanityfair.com