BLACKPINK’s Lisa captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mook, a sly and charming hotelier, in The White Lotus season 3. Given that the season was set in Thailand and celebrated its culture, with music from prominent Thai artists, many fans were surprised that none of Lisa’s own tracks were featured. As a Thai national and one of K-pop’s biggest stars, her music seemed like a natural fit for the show, and its inclusion could have boosted its popularity even further. However, Gabe Hilfer, the series’ music supervisor, had a different perspective.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on April 6, Hilfer explained that his primary focus when selecting music for the series was maintaining authenticity. “The goal is to immerse viewers in The White Lotus, and music plays a key role in that experience,” he said. Despite the show’s strong emphasis on Thai music, Hilfer decided against including Lisa’s songs for a specific reason.
Hilfer shared that, in his experience working with musicians who act, he found that including their own music while they portray a fictional character could create confusion for the audience. He explained, “When you hear the music of a public figure while watching them on screen in a different role, it can be hard to disconnect their real persona from the character they’re playing.” He felt that this “meta” element would disrupt the immersive experience for viewers.
The decision not to feature Lisa‘s songs came after discussions with her label, and Hilfer revealed that they ultimately agreed on the choice. He further elaborated, “If Lisa were playing herself—say, a version of herself on vacation at the White Lotus—it might have been a fun, subtle nod to her music. But since she’s portraying Mook, a completely different character, including her songs would have felt too self-aware.”
To ensure the music matched the setting, Hilfer worked closely with contacts in Thailand who specialize in music licensing with local artists. He acknowledged the help of Bangkok-based resources, noting that their expertise was invaluable in selecting the perfect songs to enhance the show’s Thai cultural backdrop.
