Lisa Manobal: From K-Pop Queen to Multi-Talented Star—The Journey of a Global Icon

Lisa: The K-Pop Queen’s Journey from a Small Town in Thailand to Global Stardom, Showcasing Her Dual Talents in Music and Acting

The world of celebrities is buzzing with excitement as Lisa, the 27-year-old K-pop sensation from the globally renowned girl group Blackpink, takes center stage. Known for her magnetic performances and captivating personality, Lisa is stepping into the limelight with her debut solo album, “Alter Ego.” Released recently, this project showcases her musical evolution and versatility. Fans are eagerly anticipating her performance of the single “Born Again,” featuring collaborators Doja Cat and Raye, set to occur at the prestigious Academy Awards. But Lisa's talents extend beyond music; she is also making her mark as an actress, portraying Mook, a health mentor in the third season of the acclaimed series “The White Lotus,” filmed in her homeland, Thailand. As she prepares for her moment at the Oscars, let's delve into the captivating story of Lisa.

Born Pranpriya Manobal in Buriram, Thailand, Lisa would later embrace the name Lalisa after a fortune teller's advice at just 13 years old, a name that means "one who is praised." It was this name that would soon resonate across the globe. At 14, Lisa made a bold move that would change her life forever; she left her family and friends in Bangkok to audition for YG Entertainment in South Korea, where she became the agency’s first international recruit. Despite not speaking Korean at the time, Lisa persevered, dedicating herself to mastering the language—a challenge she handled with remarkable resilience. “They wanted me to focus on speaking Korean more, so they told all the girls who trained with me: ‘No English with Lalisa,’” she shared with Billboard, highlighting both the trials and determination that shaped her early career.

Lisa's rise to fame began when Blackpink debuted in 2016 with the EP “Square One.” The group's infectious energy and unique sound quickly garnered attention, leading to subsequent releases like “Square Up” in 2018 and their chart-topping albums, including “The Album” in 2020 and “Born Pink” in 2022. Blackpink’s impact on the music scene was undeniable, captivating fans worldwide with their powerful performances and groundbreaking music videos. The immense success of the group paved the way for Lisa’s solo endeavors, and “Alter Ego” marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. The album features a star-studded lineup, including Rosalía on "New Woman," Future on "Fxck Up the World," Megan Thee Stallion on "Rapunzel," and Tyla on "When I'm with You." With five distinct personas—Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi—Lisa's album allows her to explore varied aspects of her personality, creating an engaging listening experience: “It feels like I can express myself in a different version of me, and it’s fun,” she says.

The versatility that Lisa brings to the music scene is equally present in her acting career. She expressed her excitement about joining the “The White Lotus” family, sharing with The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m just so lucky and happy to be part of ‘The White Lotus’ family. They’ve been so nice to me. We’re like a big family.” Co-stars have been equally impressed by her down-to-earth nature juxtaposed with her immense fame. Aimee Lou Wood, who plays Chelsea, shared with Elle that she initially didn’t grasp the level of Lisa’s stardom until seeing her posters all over Thailand during their travels. Similarly, Parker Posey, who plays Victoria Ratliff, noted the surprise of locals at Lisa’s presence, reflecting just how significant her celebrity status is in her home country.

In addition to her burgeoning career, Lisa has also been linked romantically to Frédéric Arnault, the CEO of LVMH Watches, and the son of Bernard Arnault, one of the world's wealthiest individuals. This development has added an intriguing layer to her already fascinating life. While Lisa navigates her solo career, her fellow Blackpink members—Rosé, Jisoo, and Jennie—are also exploring individual projects. However, fans can rest assured that Blackpink will be reuniting for an anticipated stadium tour this summer, kicking off in South Korea at Goyang Stadium on July 5. Following their homecoming, the group will travel across North America, stopping in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and New York, before heading to Europe for shows in iconic locations such as Paris, Milan, Barcelona, and London.

As Lisa continues to soar in the world of entertainment, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and embracing one's true self. With her debut solo album, exciting acting ventures, and a strong connection to her roots, Lisa is not just a K-pop idol; she is a multifaceted artist redefining success in the spotlight. The coming months promise to be thrilling for both Lisa and her fans, as she takes bold strides into new artistic territories while cherishing the bonds formed with her Blackpink sisters and the vibrant community of supporters around the globe. The next chapter of her story is just beginning, and it’s one that fans won’t want to miss.