Lisa BLACKPINK: The Story Behind Her Real Name

Out of 4,000 hopeful contestants at YG Entertainment's Thailand audition in 2010, only one person made the cut - a young dancer whose lisa real name would soon become known worldwide.

Before stepping into the spotlight as BLACKPINK's Lisa, she was born as Pranpriya Manobal in Thailand's Buriram Province. While many fans know her as Lalisa Manoban today, this name change wasn't just a simple rebranding decision. In fact, at age 13, following a fortune teller's advice, she changed her name to Lalisa, meaning "the one who is praised" - a prophecy that proved remarkably accurate. Today, she stands as the most-followed K-pop artist on Instagram with over 100 million followers and holds nine Guinness World Records, including becoming the first female K-pop soloist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.

The Birth Name Story: From Pranpriya to Lalisa Manoban

Born as Pranpriya Manobal, meaning "beloved soul" in Thai, Lisa's journey to her current name reflects deep-rooted Thai cultural practices and beliefs.

Thai Naming Traditions

Names hold profound significance in Thai culture, where changing them remains a common practice for various reasons. Thai names traditionally combine elements from Pali and Sanskrit languages. Additionally, each Thai name consists of three components: a nickname, first name, and family name, although people primarily use nicknames in informal settings. Moreover, unlike Western cultures, Thai people address others by their first names rather than surnames - for instance, using "Mr. Somchai" instead of "Mr. Wangdee".

The Fortune Teller's Advice

At age 13, after auditioning for YG Entertainment, Lisa and her mother sought guidance from a fortune teller - a customary practice in Thai society. Subsequently, the fortune teller suggested changing her name to improve her prospects. Remarkably, within one week of adopting the name Lalisa, which translates to "one who is praised," YG Entertainment contacted her with an offer to become a trainee.

Cultural Significance of Name Changes

Name changes in Thailand extend beyond mere personal preference. Many Thai citizens modify their names during childhood or adulthood to ward off misfortune or enhance their prospects. The process involves consulting fortune tellers or local monks who recommend auspicious names based on ancient scriptures like Tamra Taksa. These naming guidelines consider various factors, particularly the person's birth day of the week, with specific letters deemed lucky or unlucky accordingly. The legal process requires only two documents: a residential registration copy and national ID card. Nevertheless, despite its simplicity, name changes necessitate updating numerous official documents, from passports to bank accounts.

A Childhood Dream Takes Shape in Thailand

Lisa's passion for performing emerged at a remarkably young age when she discovered her love for dance through her aunt's music equipment. "I would lower the mic stand until it matched my height, then dance and sing to myself," she revealed.

Early Dance Training

Upon noticing her daughter's natural inclination toward dance, Lisa's mother enrolled her in specialized dance courses when she was just four years old. Initially starting with traditional Thai dance, she gradually expanded her repertoire to include various dance styles. Her dedication to dance training became evident as she spent countless hours practicing, with her mother serving as her primary audience at home.

First Public Performances

As Lisa's skills developed, she began participating in numerous dance competitions across Thailand. Her talent caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her joining the eleven-member dance crew We Zaa Cool. The group achieved significant success, notably winning the Special Team Award at the LG Entertainment Million Dream Sanan World competition broadcast on Channel 9 in September 2009. Furthermore, she represented her school in the singing contest Top 3 Good Morals of Thailand, securing the runner-up position.

Growing Up in Buriram

Though born in Buriram Province, Lisa moved to Bangkok at age three. Her former teacher, Ratchadaporn Ruengrit, described young Lisa as playful yet remarkably mature, consistently displaying determination and responsibility. She actively participated in school activities and performances, never missing an opportunity to showcase her talents. Her teacher noted Lisa's natural leadership qualities and inherent "star quality" from an early age. Even after achieving fame, Lisa maintained strong connections with her roots, occasionally visiting her old school during her trainee days.

Her childhood was marked by the unwavering support of her parents, especially her mother who purchased dance CDs for her practice sessions. This early foundation in performing arts ultimately paved the way for her successful audition at YG Entertainment, where she stood out among 4,000 competitors.

Lisa's Swiss-Thai Family Background

Behind Lisa's rise to stardom stands a supportive family structure that uniquely blends Thai and Swiss cultures. As an only child, her upbringing shaped her multicultural perspective and artistic journey.

Mother Chitthip's Influence

Chitthip Brüschweiler, Lisa's mother, played a pivotal role in nurturing her daughter's artistic aspirations. Having harbored dreams of becoming an actor herself, she enrolled Lisa in acting classes alongside dance training. Her dedication extended beyond mere enrollment, as she consistently served as Lisa's first audience at home, watching her practice with dance CDs she specifically purchased for her daughter. Presently, even amid controversies, Chitthip maintains unwavering support for Lisa's career choices, exemplified by the strong backing she received from Thai entertainment figures during recent social media discussions.

Stepfather Marco's Role

Marco Brüschweiler, Lisa's Swiss stepfather, brought a unique dimension to her upbringing. A renowned chef specializing in Thai cuisine, Marco graduated with a Swiss Master's degree in 1989. His culinary journey took him across the globe, including a stint at the Sun City Casino in Rustenberg, South Africa, ultimately leading him to Thailand. Marco's influence extended beyond the kitchen, introducing Lisa to Swiss family traditions. "My dad is Swiss, and he really values having family day. We'd go to a mall together. And at least once or twice a year, we went traveling abroad together," Lisa shared in an interview.

Multicultural Upbringing

The blend of Thai and Swiss cultures in Lisa's household fostered a rich multicultural environment. This diverse background contributed significantly to her linguistic abilities - she speaks fluent Thai, Korean, and English, alongside basic Japanese and Chinese. The family prioritized education, enrolling Lisa in an elite school with an annual tuition of approximately $21,000. Their commitment to her artistic development manifested through consistent support of her dance classes and singing lessons from an early age. Consequently, this unique family dynamic helped shape Lisa's adaptability and global perspective, qualities that would later prove invaluable in her international career.

The We Zaa Cool Dance Crew Days

Long before becoming a global sensation, Lisa honed her dance skills as a member of We Zaa Cool, an eleven-member dance crew that shaped her early artistic journey. This formative period not only refined her performance abilities but also forged lasting friendships in the entertainment industry.

Friendship with BamBam

Among the most notable connections from her We Zaa Cool days was her friendship with GOT7's BamBam. Their bond, which began during their time in the dance crew, has endured throughout their K-pop careers. Even after achieving stardom, they maintained their connection, occasionally reuniting for special events such as the AIS mobile company's advertisement titled "The Future is Yours". BamBam's family, likewise, continues to support Lisa's endeavors, with his sister and mother regularly showing encouragement for her BLACKPINK activities.

Competition Victories

We Zaa Cool's competitive achievements marked Lisa's first taste of success in the entertainment industry. A significant milestone came in September 2009 when the crew participated in the LG Entertainment Million Dream Sanan World competition broadcast on Channel 9, securing the prestigious 'Special Team' Award. This victory underscored the group's exceptional talent and Lisa's growing prominence in Thailand's dance scene.

Early Performance Style

At age 10, Lisa's dedication to dance manifested through her participation in numerous competitions across Thailand. Her time with We Zaa Cool provided a platform to develop her distinctive performance style, which would ultimately catch YG Entertainment's attention. The crew's training regimen and collaborative atmosphere helped Lisa refine her dance techniques and stage presence. Alongside BamBam and other members, she learned to blend various dance styles, laying the groundwork for her future as a K-pop performer.

The experience gained during her We Zaa Cool period proved invaluable, as it prepared her for the rigorous training ahead at YG Entertainment. Through countless performances and practice sessions, Lisa developed the confidence and skill set that would eventually help her stand out among 4,000 competitors at the YG audition.

Her First K-pop Inspiration

K-pop's magnetic pull drew Lisa into its orbit through the electrifying performances of iconic groups that dominated the early 2010s. Her journey from being a passionate fan to becoming a global sensation began with these musical influences.

Discovering BigBang

The first spark of K-pop inspiration ignited in Lisa's heart through BigBang's dynamic performances. This connection came full circle years later when BigBang's Taeyang witnessed her historic YG Entertainment audition. "I heard that someone from Thailand came to audition. After finishing work, I went down and observed," Taeyang recalled. The young Lisa performed Justin Bieber's "Baby," leaving an indelible impression on the veteran idol. "As soon as I heard Lisa sing, I knew right away that this young lady would be big in the industry in the future," Taeyang shared.

2NE1's Impact

2NE1's groundbreaking presence in K-pop significantly shaped Lisa's artistic vision. The quartet's edgy electropop and hip-hop infused sound created a blueprint that would later influence BLACKPINK's musical direction. 2NE1's impact extended beyond music to fashion and performance style, setting new standards for girl groups in the industry. Their achievements, including eleven number-one singles and multiple daesangs (major awards), established benchmarks that inspired future generations.

Korean Wave in Thailand

The Korean Wave swept through Thailand during Lisa's formative years, creating a fertile ground for her aspirations. This cultural phenomenon introduced her to the structured training system and high production values characteristic of K-pop. Her determination to pursue this path led her to compete against 4,000 aspirants at the YG Entertainment audition. After securing her position as YG Entertainment's first non-Korean trainee, Lisa embarked on a challenging journey, moving to Korea at age 14. Despite facing language barriers and cultural adjustments, she persevered through more than five years of intensive training before debuting with BLACKPINK.

The Historic YG Audition

In 2010, a defining moment in K-pop history unfolded at YG Entertainment's Thailand auditions, where a 13-year-old dancer's remarkable talent would forever change the landscape of the industry.

4,000 Competitors

The audition drew thousands of hopeful contestants, each vying for a coveted spot at one of South Korea's premier entertainment companies. Among the sea of talented performers, a young Lalisa Manoban stepped forward to showcase her abilities. Her audition piece, Rihanna's hit song, didn't go exactly as planned - she stumbled through some lyrics. Yet, something extraordinary about her presence captured the judges' attention.

Only Thai Trainee

Her exceptional performance earned her the distinction of being the sole successful candidate among 4,000 applicants. This achievement marked a groundbreaking moment as she became YG Entertainment's first non-Korean trainee. Danny Im, a former member of 1TYM and one of the judges, was immediately struck by two aspects of Lisa's audition: her confident stage presence and, perhaps more importantly, her humble off-stage demeanor.

Meeting Yang Hyun-suk

Then-CEO Yang Hyun-suk recognized something unique in Lisa's potential. After witnessing her performance, he personally offered her the opportunity to become a YG Entertainment trainee. Yang Hyun-suk's decision proved prescient, as he later reflected on BLACKPINK's success, noting that the group's distinctive skill sets and fresh approach set them apart in the industry. He observed that their "softer mentality" and innocence, combined with their talents, created a unique appeal that resonated with audiences worldwide.

The audition's aftermath brought immediate changes to Lisa's life. Within a week of changing her name to Lalisa, following a fortune teller's advice, she received the life-changing call from YG Entertainment. Upon acceptance, she immersed herself in Korean language studies, quickly rising to become the top student in her class. This dedication foreshadowed the work ethic that would characterize her journey from trainee to global superstar.

Moving to Korea at Age 13

Stepping into a foreign land at age 14, Lalisa Manoban embarked on her journey as YG Entertainment's first non-ethnically Korean trainee. This milestone marked the beginning of an intense period of adaptation and growth.

Cultural Adjustments

Upon arriving in South Korea, Lisa faced the daunting task of acclimating to an entirely new environment. Her first visit to the country occurred alongside her family members, yet the subsequent move as a trainee meant navigating daily life independently. The transition demanded adjustments to Korean customs, social norms, and even the local climate. Throughout this period, Lisa maintained an unwavering determination, channeling her passion for performing into motivation to overcome cultural hurdles.

Language Barriers

The language barrier posed perhaps the most significant challenge. Speaking only Thai and basic English, Lisa encountered a strict Korean-only policy during her training. Her Korean language teacher implemented a unique approach - conducting hour-long classes exclusively in Korean, despite Lisa's initial inability to understand. "During the hour-long class, we spoke only in Korean. I didn't know any Korean, but she only spoke in Korean so it was really tough," Lisa recalled. This immersive method, albeit challenging, accelerated her language acquisition.

Support System

Amid these challenges, Lisa found crucial support from fellow trainees and staff. Notably, Jennie emerged as an early ally, being the only trainee who greeted her in English. "I met Jennie first... she was the only one to say 'hi' to me in English because other people can't talk in English and we were super close," Lisa shared. Furthermore, during trainee breaks when others visited their families, Jisoo, who lived near Seoul, stayed behind to keep Lisa company. This gesture of friendship helped ease the loneliness of being far from home.

The rigorous training schedule included intensive dance, vocal, and language lessons. Despite homesickness and cultural barriers, Lisa's resilience shone through. "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," she reflected on her adaptation journey.