Recently, Jisoo of BLACKPINK returned to the music scene with her solo release “ADDICTED.” A decade after her debut, BLACKPINK’s eldest member continues to demonstrate her remarkable star power. However, while her increasingly stunning visuals receive widespread praise, her singing and performance skills have once again become subjects of controversy.
Since debuting with BLACKPINK in 2016, Jisoo quickly rose to fame thanks to her actress-like beauty, elegant aura, and visuals widely regarded as among the best of the third-generation K-pop idols.
However, when compared with the other three members—Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—Jisoo has frequently been considered less impressive in terms of technical skills. Although her voice has a distinctive color, it is sometimes criticized for lacking consistency. Her dancing has also been described as stiff, while her stage expressions have been considered insufficiently versatile. As a result, she has repeatedly faced the unflattering label of a “pretty face with no talent.”
Nevertheless, these controversies have seemingly done little to prevent Jisoo from entering some of the most prestigious arenas and receiving opportunities that even many highly skilled artists can only dream of. One of her most notable recent milestones was appearing on the main cover of Vogue China’s November 2026 issue.
This marked the first time a K-pop idol had appeared on the main cover of this prestigious fashion publication. Notably, the special opportunity came through a direct invitation from Editor-in-Chief Liu Chong, rather than a promotional arrangement organized by a fashion brand.
This was not the first time Jisoo had received special recognition from influential fashion magazines. In 2023, she became the first K-pop female idol to appear solo on the cover of Vogue France, one of the world’s most influential editions of Vogue. With Vogue China, Jisoo has also maintained an impressive streak of appearances in Vogue publications for seven consecutive years, from 2020 to 2026.
Furthermore, on November 11, Jisoo surprised the K-pop community when she was announced as part of the lineup for Coachella 2027, one of the world’s biggest music festivals. BLACKPINK’s eldest member is scheduled to perform on April 9 and April 16, sharing the lineup with major names such as Dua Lipa, Madonna, SZA, and Tame Impala.
The announcement immediately sparked debate, as this will be Jisoo’s first time performing at Coachella as a solo artist. She previously made history at the festival with BLACKPINK in 2019 and 2023. However, on this massive stage, Jisoo will have to handle every aspect of the performance herself, from vocals and choreography to engaging tens of thousands of audience members.
Jisoo’s selection for one of the world’s biggest music festivals comes at a time when her live singing and performance abilities are still being questioned. On social media, quite a few people have expressed doubts about whether she can command the Coachella stage without her three BLACKPINK bandmates. Nevertheless, being included in the lineup remains evidence of Jisoo’s international appeal, regardless of the ongoing debates surrounding her technical abilities.
Jisoo’s influence is also reflected in the special position she is given at events attended by powerful figures in the business and fashion industries. On November 12, she attended the honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree conferment ceremony for Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, at Ewha Womans University in South Korea. The event brought together numerous prominent business figures, including Lee Boo Jin, President of Hotel Shilla and a member of the Samsung family.
In photos shared from the event, Jisoo was seated in the front row, close to influential figures from the business and fashion worlds. The moment quickly attracted attention. Among a gathering of business executives and senior leaders, the presence of a K-pop idol highlighted the significant position Jisoo holds within the luxury fashion industry.
An even more symbolic milestone came shortly before that, when Jisoo and BLACKPINK received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit—the fourth of five grades of South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit—at the 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards in late October.
This is a national cultural honor bestowed by the South Korean government in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of popular culture. BLACKPINK also became the first K-pop girl group to receive this distinction, coinciding with the group’s 10th debut anniversary.
After parting ways with YG Entertainment and deciding not to renew her individual contract, Jisoo released her single album ME in March 2023, featuring the hit song “FLOWER,” which became a sensation thanks to its catchy melody. The release made her the first K-pop female soloist to sell more than one million copies of an album in its first week.
After establishing her own company, BLISSOO, in 2024, Jisoo continued her solo career with the mini-album AMORTAGE, led by the title track “earthquake,” in February 2025. She also drew attention with her collaboration on “EYES CLOSED” alongside former One Direction member Zayn Malik.
In 2026, BLACKPINK’s eldest member returned with two singles, “CLICK” and “ADDICTED,” paving the way for her first full-length solo studio album. Despite impressive commercial achievements, Jisoo’s solo music career continues to receive mixed reactions. While her releases are often praised for their visual presentation, her vocals and performance skills have yet to make a breakthrough that matches her level of fame.
After 10 years, Jisoo may still not have won over everyone with her singing, dancing, or acting. However, it is difficult to deny that she has built a position that even artists with outstanding technical abilities may struggle to attain. In K-pop’s fiercely competitive entertainment industry, beauty, charisma, and influence are also factors that determine a star’s value. And Jisoo is a clear example of how, sometimes, beauty is a talent in itself.
Sources: kenh14