Blackpink - Lisa (FACTS)

Lisa's Hidden Musical Talents

Beyond her exceptional dance abilities and rap skills, Lalisa Manoban possesses musical talents that often remain hidden from the spotlight. These lesser-known capabilities showcase her versatility as an artist and her deep connection to music.

Guitar Skills

Since her trainee days at YG Entertainment, Lisa has demonstrated proficiency with stringed instruments. Her guitar journey began as part of her comprehensive musical training, enabling her to understand music composition from a different perspective. This skill complements her primary roles as BLACKPINK's main dancer and lead rapper.

Ukulele Passion

Among her musical pursuits, the ukulele holds a special place in Lisa's repertoire. She frequently practices this instrument during her downtime, adding another dimension to her artistic expression. Undoubtedly, her ability to memorize choreographies quickly transfers to her musical learning, as evidenced by her capacity to learn dance routines in less than an hour.

Musical Influences

Lisa's musical journey draws inspiration from diverse artists across genres. Her playlist reflects an eclectic mix, ranging from rock legends to contemporary pop stars. She cites Avril Lavigne, Oasis, Green Day, Paramore, Ke$ha, and Rihanna as significant influences. These varied influences shape her artistic perspective and contribute to her versatility as a performer.

As a testament to her growing musical prowess, Lisa has recently expanded her creative horizons. Her debut single album "Lalisa" achieved remarkable success, becoming the first album by a K-pop solo artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify. Furthermore, her recent releases showcase her evolving artistry - "I feel like I have more creative freedom with everything," Lisa shared in a recent interview.

Her musical journey continues to evolve, as demonstrated by her collaboration with Rosalía on "New Woman," which features a dizzying beat switch and credits from Swedish hit-makers Max Martin and Tove Lo. This artistic growth aligns with her statement about breaking free from conventional roles: "In Blackpink, I'm a rapper, so I always rap. But now it's a chance for me to show the world that I'm capable of [so much more]".

The Story Behind Her Stage Name

The evolution of Lisa's stage name mirrors her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. After legally changing her birth name to Lalisa Manoban, she embarked on yet another transformation that would shape her global identity.

From Lalisa to Lisa

Upon joining YG Entertainment, Lalisa Manoban adopted the shorter, more concise stage name "Lisa." This decision stemmed from the agency's strategic approach to artist branding. The simplified version maintained her identity while creating a memorable, easily pronounceable name for international audiences. Interestingly, many fans remain unaware that Lalisa represents her legal name, primarily recognizing her through her stage identity.

YG's Naming Strategy

YG Entertainment's approach to artist names extends beyond simple branding. The company recently filed trademark applications for both "Manobal" and "Manobal Lalisa" across 13 countries, including South Korea, Australia, Canada, China, and the European Union. These registrations, specifically targeting clothing products, suggest potential future merchandising ventures. Notably, YG chose to trademark her legal name rather than her stage name, demonstrating their long-term vision for her brand development.

Global Appeal

The strategic simplification of Lalisa to Lisa has certainly contributed to her international success. Her stage name transcends language barriers, proving equally accessible to fans worldwide. This universal appeal aligns perfectly with her achievements, including becoming the most-followed K-pop artist on Instagram and setting multiple Guinness World Records. The name "Lisa" has essentially become a global brand, representing not just the artist but a symbol of success in the K-pop industry.

The careful consideration behind her name changes - first from Pranpriya to Lalisa, and ultimately to Lisa - reflects a journey marked by cultural significance and strategic marketing. Currently, YG Entertainment holds exclusive rights to her name trademarks in key global markets, ensuring protection for future business ventures. This comprehensive approach to name management underscores the sophisticated planning behind K-pop artist development and global brand building.

Her Unique Fashion Journey

From humble beginnings with a black CELINE belt bag to becoming a global fashion icon, Lisa's sartorial journey mirrors her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. Her transformation from a pre-debut fashion enthusiast to a style maven showcases an remarkable evolution in the fashion world.

Pre-debut Style

Prior to her BLACKPINK debut, Lisa's fashion sensibilities emerged through her first designer purchase - a black CELINE belt bag. This fateful choice foreshadowed her future relationship with the brand, as she described the purchase as "love at first sight". Her early style choices reflected a blend of casual comfort and emerging sophistication, laying the groundwork for her future fashion endeavors.

Evolution as Fashion Icon

After her debut, Lisa's fashion trajectory soared to unprecedented heights. Her inaugural front-row appearance at Prada's autumn/winter 2020 show, where she stunned in a metallic gold skirt suit, marked her entry into fashion's elite circles. Currently, she represents prestigious brands including CELINE, Bulgari, and Louis Vuitton. Most recently, at Louis Vuitton's autumn/winter 2024 show celebrating Nicolas Ghesquière's decade-long tenure, she wore a striking ensemble featuring leather shorts, a crop top, and an intricately embellished frock coat.

Personal Preferences

Lisa's distinctive style seamlessly blends sophistication with contemporary edge. Her off-duty wardrobe prominently features tweed cropped jackets and shorts sets by CELINE, alongside elegant silk gowns from Valentino. On Instagram, where she commands a following of 104 million, she often showcases her affinity for preppy aesthetics through pleated skirts, classic cardigans, and nostalgic prints. Her versatility shines through various style personas - from sports luxe in adidas tanks and cargo combinations to glamorous red-carpet appearances in sequined ensembles. As CELINE's first global ambassador under creative director Hedi Slimane, Lisa's fashion choices consistently reflect her understanding of silhouette, texture, and tailoring.

Lisa's Beloved Pets

Known worldwide as a talented performer, Lalisa Manoban's nurturing side shines through her role as a devoted pet parent to her beloved "L Family" - a name affectionately given to her collection of pets whose names all begin with the letter L.

The Cat Family

At the heart of Lisa's pet family stands five distinctive felines, each with their unique personality. Leo, a Scottish Fold born on February 9, 2018, holds the position of the eldest cat, admired for his energetic nature and cuddling tendencies. Alongside him, Luca, a male Ragdoll born on June 5, 2018, developed an independent streak due to Lisa's busy schedule. Their family expanded with the arrival of Lily, born on June 14, 2019, from Luca's union with another Ragdoll cat. Louis, a British Shorthair born on August 1, 2019, joined the group as Leo's companion, yet ironically, Leo showed little interest in friendship. Finally, Lego, the youngest Golden British Shorthair born on November 21, 2020, completed the feline quintet with his upbeat personality.

Love the Dog

In 2021, Lisa surprised fans by welcoming a Doberman named Love into her family. Despite being primarily known as a cat enthusiast, Love's addition brought a different dimension to her pet parenting experience. The duo often coordinates their appearances, from matching Louis Vuitton scarves to Squid Game costumes. Love's transformation from a tiny puppy to a muscular protector showcases remarkable growth, yet maintains his affectionate personality.

Pet Parent Stories

To share her pets' daily adventures, Lisa created a dedicated Instagram account @lalala_lfamily. Her commitment to pet parenthood extends beyond social media presence - she ensures each pet receives individual attention and care. Through her pets, Lisa discovered distinct ways animals express affection, noting how dogs and cats demonstrate love differently. This understanding enriched her experience as a pet parent, making her "twice as happy" with the diverse companionship.

Language Learning Adventures

Mastering multiple languages stands as one of Lalisa Manoban's remarkable achievements, driven by necessity and determination throughout her journey in the entertainment industry.

Mastering Korean

Upon arriving at YG Entertainment, Lisa faced a unique challenge - her Korean language teacher implemented a strict Korean-only policy during training sessions. This immersive approach, albeit demanding, proved highly effective. "During the hour-long class, we only spoke in Korean. I didn't know any Korean, yet she only spoke in Korean, making it incredibly challenging," Lisa recalled. Through persistent effort and dedication, she progressed rapidly, ultimately achieving fluency within a remarkably short period.

English Development

Lisa's English proficiency stems from her educational background in Thailand. "I learned English at school in Thailand. After sixth grade, I attended a program where every subject was taught in English," she explained. Currently, she maintains a distinctive Thai accent while speaking English, often surprising people who assume she might be a local speaker. However, Lisa remains modest about her linguistic abilities, stating, "I don't think I have the talent for languages, but in Korea, I had to live, therefore I had to learn".

Japanese Studies

Beyond Korean and English, Lisa expanded her linguistic repertoire to include Japanese, recognizing its importance in K-pop's global reach. Her approach to language learning reflects a practical mindset: "I had to survive... It was just common sense, like to get what I want, I had to learn and try to speak with local people". This determination led her to develop basic Japanese skills, enabling her to participate in BLACKPINK's Japanese releases and engage with fans across different regions.

Through continuous practice and immersion, Lisa has developed a remarkable linguistic foundation that supports her international career. Her language journey exemplifies how determination and practical necessity can drive successful language acquisition, even without natural linguistic inclination.

Pre-debut Modeling Career

Even before stepping into the spotlight as BLACKPINK's main dancer, Lalisa Manoban's modeling journey began with remarkable opportunities that shaped her early career path.

Nona9on Days

In March 2015, Lalisa Manoban secured her first modeling assignment with YG Entertainment's streetwear brand Nona9on. This breakthrough opportunity marked the beginning of her fashion career, as she collaborated with fellow YG artists in various photoshoots. Her natural ability to embody different styles quickly caught attention, leading to multiple campaigns for the brand's seasonal collections.

Early Brand Work

After her successful stint with Nona9on, Lisa expanded her portfolio by becoming the face of South Korean cosmetics brand Moonshot in 2016. Both Nona9on and Moonshot operated under YG Entertainment's umbrella, providing Lisa with valuable exposure within the industry. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future success in the fashion world, ultimately paving the way for partnerships with luxury brands.

Building Confidence

Throughout her pre-debut modeling career, Lisa developed a distinctive approach to fashion and self-presentation. Her natural confidence in front of the camera impressed industry professionals, including Danny Im of 1TYM, who praised both her on-stage presence and off-stage demeanor. This period proved crucial in developing her modeling skills, as she learned to adapt to different concepts and styles.

The experience gained during these formative years contributed significantly to her current status as a global fashion icon. Her early work with YG-affiliated brands provided essential industry exposure, helping her understand the intricacies of fashion photography and brand representation. Currently, Lisa's modeling portfolio includes prestigious partnerships with luxury houses such as Celine, where she serves as a global ambassador. Her journey from streetwear campaigns to high fashion runways demonstrates remarkable growth, yet maintains the authentic charm that first captured attention during her pre-debut modeling days.

Thai Food Adventures in Korea

Amidst her bustling K-pop career, Lalisa Manoban maintains strong connections to her Thai culinary roots through both dining adventures and cooking experiments in Korea.

Favorite Dishes

Among Lisa's cherished Thai delicacies, the vibrant Yum Ma Muang (green mango salad) holds a special place, evoking memories of street food adventures. Her palate gravitates toward traditional dishes like Pad Kra Pao and Panang curry, prepared with coconut milk, bell peppers, and an array of vegetables. Furthermore, deep-fried grilled meatballs remind her of Thailand's bustling street food scene.

Cooking Skills

In recent years, Lisa has ventured into culinary exploration, showcasing her developing kitchen prowess through live broadcasts. During one memorable session, she demonstrated her baking abilities by preparing cookies from scratch. Yet, upon receiving a comment questioning her cooking abilities, she responded with endearing honesty: "I'm trying". This determination mirrors her approach to mastering other skills, as she continues experimenting with various recipes.

Food Memories

Krappom, an authentic Thai restaurant in Seoul's Apgujeong district, serves as Lisa's culinary sanctuary. The establishment, founded by Korean owner and Thai head chef Khun Tum, attracts a diverse clientele comprising "50% Korean, 30% Chinese, and 20% Thai people". Lisa's endorsement of the restaurant's authenticity carries significant weight, particularly when she confirmed with BABYMONSTER members that the flavors matched "the taste they had in Thailand".

Recently, Lisa celebrated her Spotify achievement for 'MONEY' in Paris by transforming her billion-streams plaque into an impromptu serving plate for khai jiao, a Thai-style shrimp omelet. This dish, alongside itim khanom pang (coconut ice cream sandwich with sticky rice), represents comfort food that connects her to home. Notably, after Lisa featured Thai-style mango salad (som tam mamuang) in an Instagram story, the dish experienced a surge in popularity.

The Thailand Princess Nickname Origin

Beyond her musical achievements, Lalisa Manoban's influence extends deep into Thai culture, earning her the endearing nickname "Thailand Princess" from her devoted followers.

Media Impact

Through strategic use of soft power, Lisa consistently showcases Thai cultural elements in her work. Her debut music video "LALISA" prominently featured Buri Ram's Phanom Rung Stone Castle and traditional Thai craftsmanship. The video's success sparked a surge in online orders for traditional Thai golden headdresses. Furthermore, her influence extended to local businesses, making Buri Ram's standing meatball enterprise internationally recognized.

Public Reception

Lisa's cultural impact resonates strongly with both domestic and international audiences. Her representation of Thai elements in performances and social media has created trends that fans eagerly follow. Wearing traditional Thai attire, visiting historical sites like Ayutthaya in traditional sarong, and sharing Thai culinary experiences on social media platforms have attracted tourists and contributed to local community income. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as demonstrated by increased sales of traditional Thai costumes and accessories in Bangkok's local markets.

Cultural Ambassador Role

In recognition of her contributions, Thailand's Ministry of Culture honored Lisa with the prestigious Wattanakunathorn Award (Cultural Ambassador Leader). This accolade acknowledges her role as a leading force in promoting Thai culture globally through soft power. The then-Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, praised her efforts in spreading Thai culture worldwide. Additionally, the Children and Youth Development Club organization recognized her as an 'Inspirational Role Model' in March 2021, alongside five other Thai celebrities.

Lisa's commitment to cultural representation manifests through deliberate choices in her artistic endeavors. Her recent projects, including filming in Thailand and incorporating traditional elements, demonstrate her unwavering dedication to showcasing Thai heritage. This cultural pride resonates particularly with young Thais, inspiring many to embrace their heritage while pursuing international success.

Lisa's Photography Passion

Photography stands as a cherished creative outlet for Lalisa Manoban, offering fans glimpses into her artistic perspective through the lens of her high-end cameras.

0327 Photobook Series

The release of her limited-edition birthday photobook "0327" marked a significant milestone in showcasing her photographic abilities. This artistic venture expanded into multiple volumes, with the second edition featuring 216 pages of memorable moments captured through her film camera. The photobook's popularity prompted the creation of special editions, including 327 copies personally signed by Lisa. Each volume comes enriched with distinctive elements - from portrait bookmarks to exclusive sticker sets.

Artistic Vision

Through her photography, Lisa demonstrates remarkable attention to detail and composition. Her collection of premium cameras, some valued at thousands of dollars, reflects her serious commitment to the craft. The breathtaking pictures in her photobooks showcase not only her subjects but additionally capture moments from BLACKPINK's global travels. Her work primarily focuses on candid shots of fellow members and her beloved cats.

Behind the Lens

If circumstances had led her down a different path, Lisa once revealed she would have pursued photography as a career. Currently, she balances this passion alongside her numerous other interests, which encompass watching series, cycling, and drawing. The fourth volume of her photobook series, released on March 28, 2023, features 184 pages of her work, accompanied by exclusive items including random polaroids, selfie photocards, and specially designed sticker sets.

Her photography journey mirrors her approach to other artistic endeavors - marked by dedication, continuous learning, and an eye for capturing meaningful moments. The success of her photobook series demonstrates how her artistic vision resonates with audiences, offering intimate glimpses into her world through carefully composed photographs.

Training Period Challenges

Life as a YG Entertainment trainee tested Lalisa Manoban's resilience through rigorous schedules and emotional challenges. Her determination through these formative years shaped her path to stardom.

Daily Schedule

The trainee regimen began promptly at 9 AM with intensive workout sessions lasting two hours. After physical conditioning, trainees attended foreign language classes, followed by group practice sessions extending until 10 or 11 PM. Individual practice sessions often stretched past midnight, with Lisa frequently continuing until 3 or 4 AM. Monthly evaluations assessed progress in singing, dancing, and rapping abilities, with Lisa consistently earning top grades.

Homesickness

Moving away from family at age 14 brought emotional challenges. "Sometimes I secretly cried in bed because I was so homesick," Lisa revealed. The first three months proved particularly challenging as she frequently called her mother in tears. Her mother's encouragement kept her going, telling her to "hang on just another year". Alongside emotional struggles, Lisa faced the pressure of monthly evaluations where fellow trainees were eliminated.

Breakthrough Moments

Despite obstacles, Lisa's perseverance yielded remarkable results. She excelled in the rigorous training system, consistently receiving 'A' grades in monthly assessments. The structured environment, though demanding, helped her develop exceptional skills. Training seven days a week for 12 hours daily alongside roughly two dozen other trainees, she emerged as a standout performer. Her breakthrough came through mastering Korean while maintaining top performance scores, proving her adaptability and determination.

Throughout this period, Lisa's mindset remained focused on debut. "Debut, debut, debut, that was the only thing on our minds," she recalled. The challenging journey strengthened her resolve, as she reflected, "5 years was so long, but I didn't give up". Her experience exemplifies how determination and resilience can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in pursuit of one's dreams.