Lisa’s documentary explores her year away from Blackpink
The K-pop star's new film chronicles her break from the record-breaking group to pursue acting, music and self-discovery.
Lisa has released a documentary about her year away from Blackpink that captures the pop star pursuing solo music, acting and personal discovery outside the K-pop system. Directed by Sue Kim, Always Lalisa is now in theaters for a limited run after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
The film follows Lisa, whose real name is Lalisa Manobal, through a year when she and her bandmates—Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé—took a break from their record-breaking group to explore individual projects. During that time, Lisa released her debut solo album Alter Ego, secured a role in the third season of The White Lotus, and performed a solo set at Coachella. She recently released the single “SaWaDiKa” and has an EP titled Press Play due October 23.
A different kind of K-pop film
Kim approached the documentary with a different methodology than the K-pop industry typically allows. “I knew from the get go that I was operating under different instructions, that I was going to be able to work with a beloved K-pop idol away from the K-pop system,” the director told The Hollywood Reporter. “That was so appealing to me because that meant, ‘Oh, I can approach this honestly and I can approach it with intimacy and vulnerability and truth about what their lives are like.'”
The documentary showcases Lisa’s family and friends from Thailand, an aspect of her life that her years as a K-pop idol did not typically permit. K-pop labels have historically controlled how idols present their personal lives to the public. Kim wanted to avoid that filtered approach and focus on Lisa’s life outside Blackpink during her year away. Despite efforts to incorporate more music from Lisa’s Blackpink years, the previous label did not license the music or footage for the film.
Discoveries and vulnerable moments
The film reveals several significant aspects of Lisa’s personal life that fans did not previously know about. She disclosed that she had a secret relationship at age 25, which she wrote about in the song “Dream” on her solo album. The K-pop industry’s scrutiny of idols’ dating lives made her hesitant to be public about the relationship, fearing it could harm Blackpink’s popularity. “I didn’t want my dating to hurt Blackpink’s popularity, so if a relationship was going to be a big problem, I was going to end it,” she explained in the film, according to Elle.
Lisa also addressed an N-word controversy involving videos from her Blackpink trainee days, in which she used the word while performing rap covers for label executives. According to Elle, she explained in the documentary that she was 15 or 16 at the time, participating in monthly videos to show executives her progress. “I was told to do rap, so I did a lot of rap cover and there’s N-words in it, but I didn’t know that was sensitive because I’m from Thailand, my first language is not English and I never got the education about the culture that…you can’t say this.” She had not issued a public statement when the videos emerged, but later apologized at the Toronto premiere, stating she would not use the word again now that she understands its cultural significance.
The White Lotus casting
The documentary shows that Lisa’s casting on The White Lotus season three was not initially seen as certain by the show’s team. Creator Mike White recalled his hesitation about bringing her on board. “I wasn’t familiar with Blackpink; I did know who Lisa was. I just knew that when her name was mentioned, there was this intensity in the room,” he said. Executive producer David Bernad added that their “biggest fear” was Lisa “needing security or unwanted fans or general high maintenance.”
After meeting Lisa and her mother in person, White’s concerns shifted. “She does not have this manner of someone who is getting a lot of external attention on her,” he said, later concluding that the part of Mook was ideal for her.
Looking ahead
Lisa reunited with Blackpink last summer to record a group EP titled Deadline, released in February, and went on a world tour with the band. Both her solo efforts and the group’s collaborative work have continued since. Reflecting on her documentary experience, Lisa said it strengthened her belief in her own journey. “Truly that’s real me,” she said. “What I’ve gone through, how hard that I worked. I’m just so proud of myself.”
This article was compiled by the Glamorade editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
