The short version
- The documentary captures Lisa Manobal’s raw, unscripted reaction to leaked videos showing Blackpink members using racial slurs as teenagers.
- Lisa explains she was unaware of the term's offensive history due to her Thai background and limited English proficiency at the time.
- The film details her departure from YG Entertainment to pursue independent success in the Western market amid intense public pressure.
A newly released documentary provides an intimate look into the personal and professional turmoil faced by Lisa Manobal, a member of the global K-pop group Blackpink. The film, titled Always Lalisa, centers on a period of intense scrutiny following the emergence of leaked rehearsal videos from her teenage years. These clips showed the band members using racial slurs while covering American rap songs, sparking widespread controversy and demands for accountability from fans and critics alike.
The controversy reached its peak while Lisa was preparing for a major performance at the Coachella Festival in 2025. Despite the online backlash, her record label prohibited the group from issuing an official statement regarding the incident. This silence created a vacuum of information that fueled further speculation and anger among the public. Documentarian Sue Kim gained access to Lisa during this critical window, capturing moments that were not mediated by public relations teams or media training.
In one pivotal scene, Lisa is shown in her dressing room, visibly distressed by the situation. She describes feeling confused and hurt by the reaction to the old footage. Rather than delivering a rehearsed apology, she spoke candidly about her lack of understanding at the time. She noted that she was only fifteen or sixteen years old when the videos were recorded and did not recognize the sensitivity of the language used.
Lisa explained that her first language is Thai and that she had only encountered the offensive term through rap music, without grasping its historical weight or cultural impact in English-speaking contexts. She expressed regret for her past actions, stating that she has since gained education on the matter and would never repeat such behavior. This unfiltered admission stands in contrast to the polished statements typically issued by high-profile celebrities during crises.
The documentary also explores Lisa’s decision to sever ties with YG Entertainment, the company that discovered her as a teenager. She cited restrictive industry norms, including bans on alcohol consumption and romantic relationships, as factors influencing her choice. Lisa expressed a desire for a more normal adult life, realizing that the strict controls of the K-pop system were no longer sustainable for her personal well-being.
Transitioning to RCA Records in the United States marked a significant shift in her career trajectory. The film portrays this move as an act of courage, allowing her to pursue crossover success in the Western music market. However, this transition was not without challenges. Lisa faced death threats and intense criticism, which weighed heavily on her mental state during the promotion of her debut solo album, Alter Ego.
Despite the pressure, Lisa proceeded with her public appearances and performances. The documentary captures her exhaustion and the internal conflict between compromising for her career and protecting her mental health. It also shows moments of relief and joy after successfully completing her hour-long set at Coachella, a performance that was widely regarded as one of the festival’s highlights.
While the film was commissioned by the record label’s division, director Sue Kim credits Lisa with ensuring the project remained authentic. Lisa reportedly did not request the removal of any scenes, allowing for a transparent portrayal of her struggles and triumphs. The resulting narrative offers a nuanced view of a global icon navigating the complexities of fame, cultural misunderstanding, and personal growth.
The release of Always Lalisa coincides with ongoing discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry. While some viewers found Lisa’s explanation convincing, others remained skeptical of her apology. The documentary does not shy away from these divergent perspectives, presenting a complex picture of an artist trying to reconcile her past with her present identity.
As Lisa continues to build her solo career, the film serves as a record of a pivotal moment in her life. It highlights the difficulties of maintaining authenticity in an industry often driven by image management. The story underscores the broader challenges faced by international artists who must navigate cultural differences and public expectations while pursuing their creative ambitions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Inside the room: What it was like to be with Blackpink's Lisa as race scandal erupted
