We are starting a new series of blogs dedicated to my favorite K-pop genre where we delve deeper into each artist/group’s top hits, their musical style and background.  August will kick off with BLACKPINK who paved the way for Korean pop to be globally renowned and loved. 

BLACKPINK, formed by YG Entertainment in 2016, consists of four talented members: Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé. The group quickly gained fame for their powerful performances and distinctive style. BLACKPINK debuted with their single album "Square One" in August 2016, featuring hits like "Boombayah" and "Whistle." Their immediate success set the stage for a phenomenal career. From collaborations with international artists to performing at Coachella, BLACKPINK has achieved numerous milestones that have cemented their place in the global music scene

Members Overview

• Jennie: Known for her rap skills and charismatic presence.
• Lisa: The main dancer with a versatile talent.
• Jisoo: The visual and vocalist with a unique charm.
• Rosé: Recognized for her soulful voice and musicality

Solo Journey

Lalisa Manoban, aka Lisa, is known as the main dancer however she has amazing vocals, visuals and rapping skills making her a triple threat.  Lisa is the youngest member of the group and was the third member of BlackPink, after Jennie and Rose respectively, to start her first solo journey in 2021 with the debut album “LaLisa”.  The record features the lead single “Lalisa” as well as a track called “Money.” Along with the release of her album, Lisa also debuted her “Lalisa” music video which recorded 73.6 million views on YouTube in 24 hours, becoming the most-viewed music video in the first 24 hours on the platform by a solo artist.  

The main song of the album “Lalisa” oozes with confidence as Lisa raps and sings about her identity and confidence. It is bold of her to reintroduce herself with her birth name, a nod to her heritage which every immigrant including myself should be proud of.  Along with her enrapturing dance, Lisa’s fashion continues to mesmerize her fans especially in her music videos. Lalisa’s golden silk attire was exclusively designed by Thai designer ASAVA, who was inspired by the country’s native outfits sabai (top) and sarong (wrap skirt).

 

 

"Money" was confirmed as the B-side track on the tracklist of the single album on September 5 2021 and after its drop many fans posted dance reels on Instagram and TikTok.  The song even was featured in the famous Netflix show, Squid Games. 

In the performance video, Lisa along with the backup dancers gives a choreographed performance for the song in two inter-changing settings. The video starts with Lisa dancing in the middle of an abandoned airstrip taxiway wearing a khaki-colored ensemble and green Celine chest. A billboard reading "money is a terrible master but an excellent servant" beams in the background. In the other setting, Lisa wears a checkered crop top and bralette combo, red tap shorts, and fur boots performing in a warehouse with a white LED screen at the back. 

After three years of dormancy for her solo career, Lisa kicked back again in 2024 with the hit Rockstar which exudes even more confidence and edginess. "Rockstar" received positive reviews from music critics, who described it as Lisa's best solo material yet.  It was a commercial success and peaked at number four on the Billboard Global 200 and number one on the Global Excl. U.S. 

The music video was shot in Chinatown and Bangkok which Lisa and her team shut down for three nights. In neon lights, the video showcases her masterful choreography and an array of outfits, including a star-shaped crop top paired with a matching grill, and an intergalactic long-sleeve coupled with baggy pants. 

Singing Style

Lisa is considered mezzo-soprano and given that she is the main dancer of the group, she is handed sub-vocals most of the time.  In the Kill This Love era, she did sing a lot more and even expanded her studio belting range to a solid C#5. However, Lisa has a lot of vocal defects. She uses a lot of energy during rapping and dancing so when it's time for her to just sing, she tends to become nasal and winded.

 

Life, Career

Lisa was born on March 27, 1997 in Thailand, raised an only child by her mother and Swiss stepfather. Her original name was Pranpriya Manobal however she legally changed her name to Lalisa which means "the one being praised" after a visit to the fortune teller.  As a child, Lisa was a model and dancer. She made a successful audition to the YG Entertainment Competition in 2010, when she was only 13 years old. She ranked first place in the competition, and was offered by Yang Hyun-suk to become a YG Entertainment trainee. In 2011, she moved to South Korea to begin her formal training in performing for her K-Pop Idol career, which lasted five years. In August 2016, Lisa debuted as one of four members of Blackpink and since then her popularity had skyrocketed to even starting her own management, LLOUD.  

 

Relationships

As the youngest member of BLACKPINK, Lisa has been shipped with many idols. However, those relationships have never gone beyond the imagination of fans. BLACKPINK confirmed that their company, YG Entertainment, has a “dating ban” and is very strict with relationships. In a 2018 interview with Arirang Radio, Lisa surprised her members when she revealed that she prefers older men as she feels that they can take care of her better than guys her age. Much of Lisa’s dating rumors were quiet however In July 2023, multiple major Korean outlets reported that Lisa was allegedly dating French CEO Frédéric Arnault. Frédéric is the CEO of TAG Heuer, a Swiss luxury brand that designs and manufactures watches and fashion accessories and eyewear Frédéric’s father is LVMH’s CEO Bernard Arnault, a.k.a. the richest man in the entire world. Bernard and his family have a reported net worth of over $200 billion, according to Forbes.  The two couples supposedly met each other at Naomi Campbell’s party. They first made their public appearance together at a Tag Heur event in Miami and spotted again enjoying ice cream as they toured the idyllic grounds of Rodin Museum in Paris.

As one-fourth of the world’s biggest girl group, Lisa has broken barriers for K-Pop performers. Truly, she is a triple threat who has exceeded everyone’s expectations especially after her solo debut album Lalisa, and most recently her breakthrough in acting. Lisa is said to be featured in the new season of White Lotus.  Not only is she great in the music realm, she also manages her own management and is now holding a place in the acting world as well.