Jisoo Vows She'll Play Variety of Roles in the Future Following Canneseries Honor: ‘It Makes Me Want to Work Harder’

Blackpink member and actress Jisoo met with journalists after receiving the Madame Figaro Rising Star Award at the Cannes International Series Festival (Canneseries).

“It was my first time at Cannes alone. Still, I was able to feel the significance of the Pink Carpet. The name itself has a special meaning for me,” she said.

Although the meeting was brief, there was a buzz of excitement in the room, with local journalists waiting for her entrance with phones already up in the air and photos to sign.

“So many fans who came to congratulate me. Some of them came from Paris, and some came from all over the world. I will remember it for a long time,” she said, recalling the opening night, when her speech was frequently interrupted by screaming fans who clearly couldn’t believe their luck.

While she has already proven herself to be a capable solo artist, releasing a duet with Zayn Malik called “Eyes Closed” in 2025, Jisoo intends to continue acting after appearing in such shows as “Snowdrop,” “Newtopia, films “Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman,” “Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy,” and Netflix series “Boyfriend on Demand,” which premiered in March.

In the latter, she plays Mi-rae, a webtoon producer worn out by her daily grind, who escapes into a subscription-based virtual dating simulation program promising the dates of her dreams.

The show's director, Kim Jung-sik, said that he focused mostly on “portraying the many charms Jisoo has in the most versatile way possible. To do this, I used different occupations and added subtle variations to her character in the virtual world so that her acting style would feel distinct from Mi-rae in reality.”

Asked what role she would like to play next, Jisoo replied: “I would like to play a variety of roles to satisfy the audience. I am actually looking forward to it.”

How did she feel when she first heard that she was going to receive the Rising Star Award? “I was very surprised.”

The award honors a personality who has become a major figure in the industry. Past recipients include Sydney Sweeney, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Marie Colomb, Ella Purnell, Morfydd Clark, and Phoebe Dynevor.

The K-pop idol was “grateful and honored” to be mentioned alongside them.

“The name of the award refers to a ‘rising star,’ so it makes me want to show a new side of myself. It makes me want to work harder. It’s a great honor, also for my fans who have always supported me.”

Canneseries artistic director Albin Lewi praised Jisoo’s “artistic journey, her ability to conquer new creative territories, and her global aura.” She has over 80 million Instagram followers, making her one of the most-followed Korean personalities.

“We were dreaming of an amazing reaction. It ended up surpassing our expectations,” said Canneseries’ Théophile Meyniel.

“We’ve been huge supporters of Jisoo’s career since her BLACKPINK debut, and we are well aware of how much she’s adored. But still, nothing could have fully prepared us for this moment.”

He added: “Seeing the fans and Jisoo meet in Cannes, and be so moved by it, will forever be one of the most beautiful moments of Canneseries. The world of series is one of crossover, and the festival reflects that. We will always champion its fluidity and shapeshifting qualities.”

The K-wave shows no signs of stopping. “Welcoming Jisoo and feeling the energy during our opening ceremony was proof of its ongoing power. On the second day, three delegations of very diverse series will walk the Pink Carpet, showcasing the creativity and talent of Korea. And it’s only the beginning: Park Chan-wook will be presiding over Cannes in just a few weeks.”