Jisoo’s Acting Controversy in ‘Newtopia’: Is She Just a Lisping Ji Ye-eun?

Jisoo’s Acting Under Scrutiny in Coupang Play’s “Newtopia”

The highly anticipated Coupang Play drama “Newtopia, ”featuring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, premiered on February 7, 2025. This marks her second prominent role, following her debut in the JTBC series “Snowdrop.”

Plot Overview

“Newtopia” chronicles the life of Young-joo, portrayed by Jisoo, as she grapples with workplace stress and an impending breakup with her soldier boyfriend, Jae-yoon, played by Park Jung-min. Set against a backdrop of a zombie-infested Seoul, their journey revolves around love and survival as they desperately search for one another while facing relentless challenges. Jae-yoon finds solace in his affection for Young-joo, using it as a source of resilience during the tribulations of military life.

Criticism Surrounding Performance

While the drama aims to highlight a poignant love story amid chaos, it has generated significant discussion including critique of Jisoo’s acting skills. Many viewers have taken to online forums to express their discontent, particularly focusing on her vocal performance. Observers have pointed out similarities between Jisoo’s delivery and the comedic style of Ji Ye-eun from Coupang Play’s “SNL Korea, ” which detracts from the immersive experience of the drama.

“I thought Ji Ye-eun was in a movie, ” said one viewer.“Isn’t she just a lisping Ji Ye-eun?” Others added, “She only has the face of an actress, ” emphasizing, “Her pronunciation is too unclear.”

One sharp critique noted, “Not only is her acting poor, but her vocal delivery has serious flaws. This isn’t something she can easily fix, which suggests she may remain stuck in this pattern.” Such comments reflect a growing frustration following her previous performances in “Snowdrop, ” which featured similar complaints regarding her articulation and expressiveness.

Concerns About Future Career

As discussions about her capabilities escalate, some viewers now openly question Jisoo’s future in acting. One user controversially remarked, “It’s no surprise Jisoo can’t act. The success of her career doesn’t hinge on improvement, as her fanbase alone ensures profitability. It might be more beneficial for her to focus on social media engagement rather than acting refinement.”

Such skepticism isn’t new; it gained momentum prior to the drama’s launch, especially after preview clips raised alarms about her vocal issues. However, director Yoon Sung-hyun voiced a differing perspective during the Newtopia press screening on February 3. He expressed confidence in Jisoo’s dedication and preparation, stating, “There were no difficulties working with Jisoo. After her time away since ‘Snowdrop, ’ I had initial concerns, but her commitment during script readings was impressive.” Yoon also commended her ability to handle tough action scenes with enthusiasm, showcasing her growth as an actress.

Future Implications

Despite the director’s favorable remarks, public sentiment largely remains critical. As the eight-episode series progresses, viewers are eager to see if Jisoo can address these criticisms and demonstrate her development as an actress. The reception of “Newtopia” thus serves not only as a testament to her skills but also influences her trajectory in the entertainment industry.

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