Lisa

Who Is Lisa?

Lalisa Manobal, known worldwide by her stage name Lisa, is a Thai rapper, singer, dancer, and actress. She was born on March 27, 1997, in Buriram, Thailand. She rose to global prominence as the main dancer and lead rapper of the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK.

Her story is extraordinary. She moved to South Korea as a teenager. She trained for five years under one of K-pop’s most demanding systems. Then she debuted — and changed the world of music forever.

Early Life: A Girl From Buriram With a Dream

Roots in Thailand

Lisa was born in Buriram, a province in northeastern Thailand. She is the only child in her family and was raised by her mother and stepfather. From a young age, she showed a natural gift for performance — dancing, moving, and expressing herself with a confidence that felt innate rather than learned.

Her childhood shaped her deeply. Thailand, its culture, its language, and its warmth remain central to her identity. This connection to her Thai roots would later surface in her music, her fashion choices, and even in her acting debut.

The Audition That Changed Everything

At the age of 13, Lisa auditioned for YG Entertainment in Thailand. She was the only contestant to pass the audition. That single moment set the course of her entire life.

She moved to Seoul, South Korea, alone. She was a teenager in a foreign country, learning a new language — Korean — while training in dance, vocals, and rap. The YG training system is notoriously demanding. Furthermore, nothing was guaranteed. She trained for five years without a single public performance.

However, she persisted. She showed up. Every single day.

Education and Training

During her training period, Lisa educated herself in the craft of performance. She honed her skills in dancing, singing, and rapping under the rigorous YG Entertainment system. She also studied Korean to the level of fluency — a skill that would later be critical to her career as a member of a South Korean group.

BLACKPINK: Debut, Dominance, and Global Records

The Debut: August 8, 2016

BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016, with their single album Square One. The group quickly gained popularity, breaking records and achieving significant commercial success.

Lisa joined as the main dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist. Alongside members Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé, she was part of something historic from day one.

The debut was followed by a series of chart-topping hits. Songs like “Whistle,” “Playing with Fire,” and “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” showcased Lisa’s versatility and power as a performer. These releases solidified BLACKPINK’s place in the K-pop industry — and on the global stage.

Breaking Records With BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time within just a few years of debut. Furthermore, Lisa’s individual impact as the group’s main dancer gave her a global reputation for technical perfection and stage charisma.

BLACKPINK made history at Coachella twice. First, in 2019, as the first female-led K-pop group to perform at the festival. Then again in 2023, as the first-ever K-pop act to headline the festival.

The BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour (2025–2026)

After each member pursued solo projects during 2024 and early 2025, BLACKPINK reunited. Together, they released the Deadline EP in February 2026. The Deadline World Tour ran from July 5, 2025, in Goyang, to January 25, 2026, in Hong Kong, spanning 33 dates across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Lisa described her bandmates with unwavering warmth throughout the hiatus. “They are my family. My closest friends,” she said. She confirmed that the group continues to keep in touch even as each member pursues individual projects.

Solo Career: Breaking Every Ceiling

The First Steps: “LALISA” EP (2021)

Lisa’s solo journey began in 2021 with her solo debut EP LALISA. It included the title track “LALISA” and the hit B-side “Money.” The release received critical acclaim and commercial success, immediately establishing her as a powerhouse solo act.

Founding LLOUD: Taking Creative Control

In 2023, Lisa made a strategic move that reshaped her career entirely. She did not renew her solo contract with YG Entertainment. Instead, she founded her own label, LLOUD. She also signed with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music.

“Call me boss — call me Boss Lisa,” she joked to Billboard.

This decision gave her full ownership of her recordings and creative direction. It is a rare move in the K-pop industry and signaled that Lisa was building an empire, not just a music career.

“Rockstar” (June 2024): The Viral Spark

In June 2024, Lisa released “Rockstar.” The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart and at number four on the Billboard Global 200. It was not just a hit. It was a statement.

“New Woman” feat. Rosalía and “Moonlit Floor” (2024)

Lisa kept the momentum going with two more pre-album singles. “New Woman,” featuring Spanish artist Rosalía, showcased her versatility. “Moonlit Floor” demonstrated a softer, more atmospheric side of her artistry. Both tracks generated millions of streams ahead of her debut album.

Alter Ego (February 28, 2025): A Historic Debut Album

Lisa released her debut solo studio album, Alter Ego, on February 28, 2025, via LLOUD and RCA Records. It was the first full-length solo album by any BLACKPINK member.

The 15-track album is built around a compelling concept. Lisa embodies five distinct alter egos — Roxi, Sunni, Kiki, Vixi, and Speedi — each representing a different facet of her personality.

The album features collaborations with Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Doja Cat, and RAYE alongside her previously released singles.

The results were extraordinary. Alter Ego debuted at number one on Spotify’s Top Albums Debut charts, both globally and in the United States. It also set a Spotify record on March 1, 2025, with 23,497,033 streams in a single 24-hour period. Additionally, it won Billboard’s weekly new music poll with 49% of the vote.

“Born Again,” featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, was one of the standout singles from the album. It showcased the sheer level of global talent Lisa had drawn together for her first full-length project.

Historic Performances and Firsts

97th Academy Awards (Oscars) — March 2, 2025

Lisa became the first K-pop artist ever to perform at the Oscars. She performed “Live and Let Die,” the iconic 1973 James Bond theme originally by Paul McCartney and Wings, as part of a James Bond franchise tribute at the 97th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

She walked the red carpet in a James Bond-inspired white shirtdress with a red carnation brooch, referencing Sean Connery’s 1964 Goldfinger look. Fans erupted worldwide.

“Standing applause for MS. INCREDIBLE,” fans posted on X as the performance aired.

Coachella 2025: Solo Headline Set

Lisa performed solo at Coachella 2025. The performance placed her in a historic line of artists who have defined the festival’s legacy. BLACKPINK had previously headlined Coachella in 2023 as a group. Lisa’s solo set confirmed her ability to command that stage entirely on her own.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony

Lisa performed “Goals,” alongside Anitta and Rema, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony. She became the first female K-pop artist and the first Thai artist ever to perform at the event. The performance reached a global audience of hundreds of millions.

Acting Career: The White Lotus and Beyond

The White Lotus Season 3 (HBO, 2025)

Lisa made her acting debut on February 16, 2025, in The White Lotus Season 3 on HBO. She played Mook, a hotel manager navigating the intricacies of an exclusive resort. The season was filmed in Thailand — her home country — making the experience deeply personal.

The role introduced her to the Western prestige television audience. Critics praised her screen presence, and the show’s Thailand setting gave her debut an authenticity that resonated globally.

Upcoming Netflix Projects

Lisa has two Netflix projects ahead of her. The first is Tygo, an action film in which she stars and serves as executive producer. The second is an untitled romantic comedy. Both projects confirm her transition from K-pop idol to internationally recognized film talent.

Always Lalisa: The Documentary (2026)

Lisa’s feature documentary, Always Lalisa, directed by award-winning filmmaker Sue Kim, chronicles the pivotal year she stepped away from BLACKPINK to build her solo career.

The film premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 18. It then opened in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on October 12, 2026. It will later stream exclusively on YouTube Premium.

Lisa spoke to Variety about the documentary, admitting that launching her solo career “made her a little scared at first.” She explained, “I tried a lot of stuff during BLACKPINK — we’ve been through everything together — but when it comes to the year break, at first I was a little scared because I didn’t know how to start.”

The documentary covers her Oscars performance, her acting debut in The White Lotus, and her Coachella solo set. It is produced by Sony Music Vision with RCA Records and Tremolo Productions, in association with Salt Water Productions and LLOUD Co.

2026: The Ongoing Era

“SaWaDiKa” (September 3, 2026)

Lisa released “SaWaDiKa” as the lead single from her upcoming EP, Press Play. The title takes its name from the Thai greeting for “hello.” Produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta, it sees Lisa returning to a hip-hop-driven sound while celebrating her Thai heritage.

The music video was filmed in Bangkok and directed by Bang Jae Yeob. It follows Lisa across several recognizable locations in the Thai capital, pairing high-energy choreography with a series of fashion-forward looks.

Press Play EP (October 23, 2026)

Lisa’s upcoming EP, Press Play, is due for release on October 23, 2026, via LLOUD Co. and RCA Records. It marks her next major chapter after the global success of Alter Ego.

VIVA LA LISA Residency — Las Vegas

Lisa’s “VIVA LA LISA” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas sold out in under 10 minutes. She will perform across two weekends — November 13 and 14, and November 27 and 28, 2026.

Other 2026 Milestones

Lisa sat on the 2026 Met Gala host committee, becoming the first K-pop artist ever appointed to that role. She also presented at the 2026 Golden Globes. Every month of 2026 has brought a new historic first.

Fashion: A Global Style Icon

Lisa’s influence on fashion is massive. She serves as a global ambassador for Céline. She has also held partnerships with Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Nike, and MAC Cosmetics.

She has been featured on the cover of Vogue and countless prestigious international fashion magazines. She attends Paris Fashion Week regularly as a front-row fixture. Her presence at any fashion event generates immediate global attention.

Her fashion choices are bold, creative, and entirely her own. They reflect her multicultural identity — Thai by heart, global by reach.

Personal Life: Private But Present

Lisa keeps most of her personal life out of the public eye. She is the only child of her family and maintains a close bond with her mother and stepfather. Thailand — its culture, its food, its people — remains a constant source of pride and inspiration for her.

She has spoken openly about the loneliness and courage it took to leave home as a teenager. However, she has also spoken about the deep friendships she built within BLACKPINK. The four members remain close despite pursuing individual careers.

“I’m just so happy that they’re releasing something,” Lisa told Billboard, referring to her bandmates’ solo projects. “They’re like family.”

Discography at a Glance

Solo Studio Albums

Year	Title	Label	Chart Highlights
2025	Alter Ego	LLOUD / RCA Records	#1 Spotify Global Debut; 23.5M streams in 24 hrs

Solo EPs

Year	Title	Label
2021	LALISA	YG Entertainment
2026	Press Play (Oct 23)	LLOUD / RCA Records

Key Singles

Year	Title	Notable Achievement
2021	LALISA	Solo debut chart success
2021	Money	Viral global hit
2024	Rockstar	#1 Billboard Global Excl. U.S.
2024	New Woman (feat. Rosalía)	Global streaming hit
2024	Moonlit Floor	Pre-album single
2025	Born Again (feat. Doja Cat & RAYE)	Alter Ego lead single
2026	Goals (feat. Anitta & Rema)	FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Song
2026	SaWaDiKa	Lead single, Press Play EP