Having a show that pays fairly to all of its actors, no matter their role, is not something that many people are used to. “The White Lotus” is one of the few shows, where everyone gets the same pay, regardless if they’re a supporting role, the main cast or just a cameo. The producers chose this unconventional route to focus on pushing each celebrity’s talents in acting and to get more exposure, rather than on their salary.
For season three of the show, K-pop star Lisa (리사), credited as her full name, Lalisa Manobal (ลลิสา มโนบาล) in the show, played a health mentor at the main resort of “The White Lotus”. Her character, Thidapon “Mook” Sornsin, appeared on-screen frequently to assist guests in exploring wellness and spiritual well-being during their stay.
“The White Lotus” is a dark comedy series set over a week at a luxury resort. Each season introduces a new location and cast, focusing on the interactions between wealthy guests and the staff who serve them. Beneath the surface, tensions rise, exposing social issues, class divides, and personal struggles. Every season begins with the discovery of a dead body, and the story gradually reveals what led to that moment.
Months after her appearance, Lisa’s salary for the show surfaced online, sparking mixed reactions. According to Twitter account Buzzing Pop, the BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) member earned $40,000 per episode, despite limited screen time. This revelation sparked backlash, as many netizens felt her pay didn’t reflect her brief role. The controversy brought up wider discussions about fair pay and how shows balance star power with actual screen presence.
However, many fans quickly came to Lisa;s defence. Supporters of both “The White Lotus” and the K-pop star pointed out that her $40,000-per-episode pay followed the show’s equal-pay policy. Every cast member, no matter their fame or screen time, earns the same rate, a structure designed to promote fairness across the board.
Fans argued that Lisa simply followed the rules and didn’t deserve the criticism. On the other hand, other argued that her role may have been small, but the star still made an impact with her appearance. What are your thoughts on this?
