‘So you know Blackpink, but not Lisa?’: Bong Joon-ho cops flak from Thai fans

The director faced backlash from fans for not mentioning the Thai-born singer’s name in an interview, sparking racism accusations

Reading Time:2 minutes

Published: 12:41pm, 7 Mar 2025

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, currently in the spotlight for his new film Mickey 17, is facing criticism from Thai netizens, who accuse him of “racial discrimination” against Blackpink member Lisa, according to News1 and other outlets.

YouTube channel BuzzFeed Celeb released an interview featuring Bong on Tuesday. When asked about his favourite K-pop group, he responded with Blackpink. However, when asked about his favourite members, he named Rose, Jisoo, and Jennie before adding, “everyone”.

The interview was conducted as part of promotions for Mickey 17, which had its world premiere in South Korea on February 28. Given its “puppy interview” concept, Bong displayed his signature humour and warmth, even cheering on a puppy as it relieved itself by exclaiming, “Poop!” – a moment that amused viewers.

Many were surprised that Bong, 55, was familiar with the names of multiple Blackpink members. The director has mentioned the group in past interviews, including on JTBC Newsroom on February 9 and during a press conference on February 20.

In those appearances, he referenced the December 3 martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, “One moment, we were talking about BTS, Blackpink, and Rose’s hit song Apt. on Billboard, and then suddenly, martial law was declared – it was surreal.”

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho. Photo: AFP

However, after the BuzzFeed interview was released, some Thai fans took issue with Bong not mentioning Lisa’s name, interpreting it as a slight against the Thai-born singer.