Kim Ji Soo, known worldwide simply as Jisoo, is one of the most recognizable figures in the South Korean entertainment industry. As a member of BLACKPINK, she has travelled the globe, breaking records and selling out arenas. But on January 3, 2025, as she celebrated her 30th birthday, the spotlight has shifted to a different side of her career: acting. With BLACKPINK on hiatus since 2023, Jisoo has embraced this hiatus as an opportunity to expand her artistic horizons, and the year ahead promises to be a defining one for her as an actress.
Jisoo has always been more than just a K-pop idol. She has dabbled in acting since early in her career, starting with a cameo appearance in the 2015 drama The Producers. She later took on a supporting role in the hit fantasy drama Arthdal Chronicles, but it was her lead role in the 2021-2022 JTBC drama Snowdrop that truly showcased her potential. In Snowdrop, she played a university student caught in a political upheaval, earning praise for her emotional depth. Now, as she enters her thirties, she is set to build on that foundation with a diverse slate of projects.
Newtopia: A Zombie Romance
One of the most anticipated K-dramas of early 2025 is Newtopia, based on Han Sang Woon's novel Influenza. The series is a unique blend of romance and horror. Jisoo stars opposite Park Jeong Min, a critically acclaimed actor known for his work in films like Deliver Us from Evil and the series The Devil Judge. The drama is directed by Yoon Sung Hyun, who previously directed the films Feast and The Rhapsody of Summer.
Newtopia follows the story of Lee Jae Yoon, a soldier in the South Korean military, and his girlfriend Kang Yeong Ju, an engineer. When a mysterious flu strain triggers a zombie outbreak in Seoul, the city descends into chaos. Jae Yoon encounters the beginning of the outbreak during his military service, while Yeong Ju, played by Jisoo, is forced to fight for her survival in the city. The couple, who had actually broken up before the outbreak, find themselves separately battling the undead while trying to reunite amid the apocalypse.
The series is generating significant buzz for its fresh take on the zombie genre, which has been popularised by projects like Train to Busan and All of Us Are Dead. Unlike those, however, Newtopia places a strong emphasis on the relationship between the protagonist couple. Jisoo's character is not a damsel in distress; she is an engineer who uses her intellect and resourcefulness to survive. This is an exciting departure for the idol, who is eager to portray strong, independent women in her acting roles. Newtopia is scheduled to premiere on February 7, 2025, on Coupang Play and Amazon Prime Video, making it available to a global audience.
Boyfriend on Demand: Modern Love in a Virtual World
Later in 2025, Jisoo will appear in Boyfriend on Demand, a romantic comedy that was previously titled Monthly Boyfriend. She stars opposite Seo In Guk, a popular actor and singer known for his roles in Reply 1997, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, and Doom at Your Service. The drama is directed by Kim Jung Shik, who has previously helmed projects like The Secret Life of My Secretary and Perfume.
The plot of Boyfriend on Demand explores the complexities of modern love and how technology changes the way people connect. Jisoo plays Seo Mi Rae, a webtoon producer who wants to experience romance without the emotional baggage, heartbreak, or risk of real relationships. She discovers a virtual dating simulation app called Monthly Boyfriend, which allows her to date hundreds of men in a controlled digital environment. Through this experience, she is forced to confront her understanding of love and intimacy.
This role offers Jisoo a chance to blend her comedic timing with a poignant message about the digital age. The drama is expected to resonate with viewers who have grown accustomed to online interactions and the paradoxes of contemporary dating. Seo In Guk, who is known for his charismatic screen presence, is expected to share strong chemistry with Jisoo. While the exact release date is yet to be announced, the series is slated for later in 2025 and will likely be picked up by a major streaming platform given the star power involved.
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet — A Cinema Debut
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing project on Jisoo's 2025 slate is Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, her debut in the world of cinema. The film is based on the enormously popular webtoon Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, which itself is adapted from a web novel by Sing N Song. The story has garnered millions of readers worldwide for its intricate plot and metacommentary on storytelling. The film adaptation is directed by Kim Byung Woo, whose previous works include the hit series Mr. Sunshine and the film Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead.
Jisoo is joined by a star-studded cast that includes Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, and Chae Soo Bin, among others. Ahn Hyo Seop plays the protagonist Kim Dok Ja, an ordinary office worker who is the sole reader of a story titled "Three Ways to Survive an Apocalypse." When the fictional world of that novel suddenly becomes reality, he is the only one who knows how the plot ends. Lee Min Ho plays Yoo Joong Hyuk, a character from the novel who appears in the real world. Together, they must navigate a world overrun by monsters and other calamities.
In this monumental story, Jisoo takes on the role of Lee Ji Hye, a character described as Yoo Joong Hyuk's trainee. While details about her role are limited, the casting is significant. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is one of the most expensive Korean films ever produced, with high expectations from both domestic and international audiences. The film's production team has spared no expense to bring the webtoon's fantastical elements to life with state-of-the-art VFX. Jisoo's involvement elevates the project's commercial appeal, and fans are eager to see her hold her own alongside seasoned actors in such a massive cinematic undertaking. The film is scheduled for release in July 2025.
Jisoo's Growth as an Actress
These three projects highlight Jisoo's desire to avoid being typecast. From the zombie horror-comedy of Newtopia to the tech-driven romance of Boyfriend on Demand and the high-concept fantasy of Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, she is actively seeking roles that challenge her range. The leap from streaming dramas to a blockbuster film is a natural progression for a star of her magnitude, but it also comes with risks. Critics will be watching closely to see whether her acting can match the hype, especially after the mixed but generally favourable response to Snowdrop.
Additionally, Jisoo's career is not limited to acting. In 2023, she released her solo single album ME, featuring the tracks Flower and All Eyes on Me. The project was a commercial success, matching the solo achievements of her bandmates Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa. When BLACKPINK eventually returns from its hiatus, Jisoo will have expanded her portfolio in ways that could influence the group's future direction. She has also become a fashion icon, serving as a global ambassador for luxury brands like Dior and Cartier, further cementing her status as a multifaceted global star.
The fact that Jisoo is taking on such varied roles in a single year speaks to her work ethic and ambition. At just 30, she is already a veteran entertainer, but the world of acting offers her an opportunity to grow and evolve. Every project slated for 2025 represents a different genre, era, and character type, giving her an exceptional showcase to demonstrate her versatility. Whether she is battling zombies, navigating virtual dating, or fighting alongside legendary characters, Jisoo's upcoming slate is a testament to her commitment to her craft.
As her fans mark her 30th birthday, there is much to look forward to. The first few months of 2025 will be dominated by Newtopia, followed by the highly anticipated Boyfriend on Demand, and culminating with her big-screen debut in July. If these projects succeed, Jisoo will have solidified her position not just as a K-pop superstar, but as one of the most compelling young actresses in Korean entertainment. The next chapter of her career has officially begun.
Source: News18 News