From Stage to Screen
BLACKPINK’s Lisa is no stranger to the spotlight. Known worldwide for her jaw-dropping stage presence and unrivaled charisma, she has recently expanded her artistic range into acting. In 2025, Lisa joined Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi in a short emotional film titled Dream. What was meant to be a sensitive portrayal of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability, however, has unexpectedly become the center of heated debate.
A behind-the-scenes photo showing Lisa playfully holding and mock-biting Kentaro’s arm circulated on social media, sparking allegations of “inappropriate behavior” from some fans. But the situation is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest.
The Film ‘Dream’ – A New Chapter for Lisa
Dream is an intimate short film exploring the fragility of human relationships. Lisa plays a character navigating the stages of love and loss, while Kentaro embodies her conflicted partner. The film, with its raw emotions and minimalistic dialogue, relies heavily on body language, subtle gestures, and symbolic imagery to tell its story.
For Lisa, Dream represents a bold step into acting—a chance to show that she is more than just a global pop star. Critics who previewed the film praised her natural emotional depth and noted that her chemistry with Kentaro was one of the project’s strongest elements.
The Photo That Sparked Controversy
The controversy began when a set photo surfaced online showing Lisa holding Kentaro’s arm and appearing to gently bite it. Some of Kentaro’s more conservative fans interpreted the gesture as “sexual harassment,” claiming it was an invasion of the actor’s personal space.
However, multiple sources close to the film clarified that:
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The gesture was part of an improvised scene reflecting the characters’ turbulent emotions.
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Both actors were comfortable with the action, and it was not scripted as aggressive or inappropriate.
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The creative team approved the moment because it added authenticity to the narrative of love on the edge of breaking.
What was intended as a raw, artistic expression quickly spiraled into misinterpretation once removed from its cinematic context.
Cultural Differences and Misunderstandings
Part of the controversy stems from cultural perceptions. In some regions, playful gestures like biting or holding can be seen as affectionate or symbolic in art. In others, they might be considered overly intimate or inappropriate without consent.
Lisa’s Thai background and global career expose her to diverse artistic expressions, where such gestures may not carry the same stigma. For Kentaro, a respected Japanese actor, the gesture was received within a professional acting framework. But when fans viewed the still photo outside of that context, cultural biases fueled the narrative of misconduct.
Fan Reactions – Divided but Passionate
The online community erupted with polarized opinions:
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Critics: Some fans, especially from Kentaro’s side, criticized Lisa for crossing boundaries and “disrespecting” the actor.
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Defenders: BLINKs and other supporters emphasized that the moment was consensual and part of the creative process, urging people not to judge an entire performance based on one still image.
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Neutral voices: A portion of the audience called for patience, suggesting that people wait until the full film is released before making assumptions.
On Twitter/X, hashtags like #ProtectLisa and #DreamFilm trended simultaneously, showing just how divided the fan discourse has become.
The Larger Question – Where Does Art End and Misinterpretation Begin?
This controversy highlights an important discussion: when artists push boundaries in expressing emotions, how should audiences interpret them?
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Artistic Intention: For the director and cast, the arm-biting scene symbolized frustration, longing, and vulnerability—emotions often expressed through non-verbal gestures.
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Public Perception: Stripped of its context, the same gesture can be misread as offensive or invasive.
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Responsibility: While artists must be mindful of boundaries, audiences also carry the responsibility of interpreting art with nuance and respect.
Lisa’s Silence – Speaking Without Words
As of now, Lisa has not released an official statement regarding the incident. Instead, she has continued promoting the film with professionalism, attending premieres and engaging with fans warmly. Her silence seems intentional—a refusal to amplify negativity, and perhaps a belief that the film itself will speak louder than online debates.
Kentaro’s agency also downplayed the controversy, emphasizing that the on-set environment was positive and that both actors collaborated with trust and mutual respect.
Wrap-up – More Than a Scandal
The Dream controversy is less about Lisa’s personal behavior and more about the way art can be misunderstood when taken out of context. For fans, it’s a reminder that a single image doesn’t capture the full story.
Lisa’s leap into acting is courageous, and while the debate around Dream has sparked division, it has also highlighted her growing influence beyond music. Whether admired or criticized, one truth is clear: Lisa is shaping conversations not just in K-pop, but in the broader world of global entertainment.
In time, when audiences see the film as it was intended, Dream may be remembered not for the controversy it sparked, but for the way Lisa showed us another side of her artistry.
