Popular Idol’s Xenophobia Towards BLACKPINK’s Lisa Ignites Heated Debate

Popular Idol's "Xenophobia" Towards BLACKPINK's Lisa Sparks Heated Debate

A viral clip has sparked a fierce debate between Korean and international fans.

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa is facing backlash after a past clip of her interaction with fellow idol Lee Young Ji stirred controversy over alleged xenophobia.

The controversy began when a tweet highlighting K-Pop fans’ negative reactions toward Thailand and Thai idols gained attention online.

it’s so weird how kpop fans will use thailand as a drag when the country has given us some of the most beautiful, talented and hard working idols in the kpop industry. the xenophobia needs to stop pic.twitter.com/8ZxykE7ty5
— ᵕ̈ (@pinksbabymon) May 16, 2026

Soon after, a clip from Lisa’s appearance on Lee Young Ji’s show went viral. The clip showed Lee Young Ji’s different reactions to Lisa compared to BLACKPINK members Jennie and Rosé. The original poster claimed this highlighted normalized xenophobia against Thai women in the idol industry.

the xenophobia towards thai women is unfortunately so normalized in the kpop industry 🙁 https://t.co/mSgocRFLsy pic.twitter.com/AwO226w9tL
— lani (@baeglamz) May 16, 2026

Fans quickly reacted, with many Korean netizens pushing back against the xenophobia claims. Some even used the controversy to criticize Lisa or express anti-foreigner sentiments within K-Pop.

LOL, what other country gives opportunities like Korea does?
Seriously, K-pop should just be filled with pure Koreans only. Fuck, this is annoying lol.
— 데이 (@dei1462083)

How does not being a huge Lisa fan suddenly become hatred toward foreigners? This is seriously ridiculous.
— Cheosu (@kjwldjsjwo)

But then what exactly was supposed to do when she saw Lisa? She doesn’t know her personally or anything, so they probably just passed by. What, was she supposed to bow to her or something? It’s not like she suddenly went up to Lisa on the show and said, ‘Hey, dance for us.’ She were being polite in the interview and even said she liked her normally, so how is that supposed to be discrimination?
— 김복자 (@bunchoflove2)

As the situation unfolded, international fans pointed to these Korean responses as proof of the original poster’s claims. They criticized the dismissive attitudes and the backlash against Thai idols and fans.

The koreans in the qrts proving op’s point https://t.co/14V3bWQjUX
— Lace (@Lacersy) May 17, 2026

Koreans in the qrts trying to justify racism is fcking embarrassing. These narcissistic people will never learn https://t.co/baixQu8w93
— evie (@Jusss_blinkk) May 17, 2026