The story of Lalisa Manobal, universally known as Lisa, is not merely a tale of pop stardom; it is a meticulously woven narrative of ambition, cultural fusion, and unprecedented global impact. From her humble beginnings in Thailand to her current status as a formidable force in music, fashion, and entertainment, Lisa has consistently shattered expectations and redefined what it means to be a global artist in the 21st century. Her journey, marked by relentless dedication and an inherent ability to connect with diverse audiences, offers a compelling portrait of a modern icon in the making.
As a member of Blackpink, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Lisa first captured the world’s attention with her electrifying stage presence and unparalleled dance prowess. Yet, her individual trajectory has proven equally, if not more, groundbreaking, allowing her to carve out a distinct legacy that transcends the conventional boundaries of the K-pop industry. Her artistic evolution, entrepreneurial ventures, and profound cultural influence underscore a career built not just on talent, but on a strategic and authentic engagement with a global audience.
This exploration delves into the pivotal moments and defining achievements that have shaped Lisa’s extraordinary path, from her formative years and the rigorous training that forged her artistry, to her explosive solo debut and the groundbreaking records that followed. We will meticulously chronicle the early chapters of a career that has already left an indelible mark on contemporary culture, examining how a young Thai girl transformed into “the one being praised”—a name she adopted at the advice of a fortune teller for prosperity—and truly lived up to its prophetic meaning.
1. **Early Foundations: Thai Roots and Dance Prodigy**Lalisa Manobal, initially born Pranpriya Manobal on March 27, 1997, in Buriram province, Thailand, began her life rooted in a culture she would later champion on a global stage. Her early experiences laid the groundwork for the extraordinary career that was to follow. Raised as an only child by her Thai mother, Chitthip Brüschweiler, and her Swiss stepfather, chef Marco Brüschweiler, Lisa’s formative years were characterized by an early immersion in the performing arts, particularly dance, which would become a cornerstone of her identity.
From the tender age of four, Lisa embarked on a rigorous path of dance training, a commitment that quickly evolved into regular participation in competitions. This early dedication fostered a competitive spirit and refined her innate talent, allowing her to stand out among her peers. Notably, she competed in contests such as “To Be Number One,” showcasing her burgeoning abilities and developing the stage presence that would later become her hallmark. These foundational experiences were crucial in honing the precision and expressiveness that define her as a dancer.
Her involvement extended beyond solo pursuits, as she also joined the eleven-member dance crew “We Zaa Cool,” alongside future Got7 member BamBam. This collaborative environment provided her with invaluable experience in synchronized performance and teamwork. The crew’s success, including winning the Special Team Award at the “LG Entertainment Million Dream Sanan World competition” in September 2009, underscored Lisa’s early potential and her ability to thrive in a group setting. Additionally, her participation as a school representative in the “Top 3 Good Morals of Thailand” singing contest, where she finished as runner-up, demonstrated a multifaceted talent extending beyond dance.
2. **The YG Journey: A Singular Path to K-Pop Stardom**Lisa’s aspiration to enter the K-pop world began early, fueled by her admiration for artists like BigBang and 2NE1. This dream led her, at just 13 years old in 2010, to audition for the formidable South Korean record label YG Entertainment in Thailand. What followed was a moment that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of her life and, unbeknownst to many at the time, the K-pop industry itself. Out of an astounding 4,000 applicants, Lisa was the sole candidate to qualify, a testament to her undeniable talent and unique appeal.
This singular success prompted then-CEO Yang Hyun-suk to offer Lisa the coveted opportunity to become a YG Entertainment trainee, marking the beginning of her intensive preparation for idol life. Her audition was not only remarkable for its outcome but also for the impression she left on the judges. Danny Im of 1TYM, one of the judges, later lauded her “on-stage confidence and off-stage attitude,” recognizing early on the magnetic charisma that would captivate millions worldwide. This pivotal moment solidified her entry into an elite training system.
In 2011, Lisa made the significant move to South Korea, officially joining YG Entertainment on April 11 as its very first non-ethnic Korean trainee. This trailblazing status alone set her apart, challenging conventional norms within the highly ethnocentric K-pop landscape. During her demanding training period, she gained early exposure, appearing as a backup dancer in labelmate Taeyang’s “Ringa Linga” music video in November 2013, alongside members of iKon and Winner. By March 2015, Lisa had also begun her modeling career, first for streetwear brand Nona9on, followed by South Korean cosmetics brand Moonshot in 2016, showcasing her versatility even before her official debut.
3. **Blackpink’s Global Ascent: Breaking Barriers as a Group**The rigorous years of training culminated in August 2016, when Lisa officially debuted as one of the four members of Blackpink. This moment was groundbreaking not just for the members, but for YG Entertainment, as Lisa became the “first non-ethnically Korean artist under the label,” a significant milestone that paved the way for greater diversity within the industry. Blackpink’s arrival was met with immediate enthusiasm, signaling the emergence of a new powerhouse group destined for global recognition.
The group’s debut single album, “Square One,” featured the impactful lead singles “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” both of which made an immediate splash. “Whistle” notably “topped all South Korean charts upon debut,” demonstrating Blackpink’s instant resonance with the domestic audience. This early success was a clear indicator of the group’s potential to dominate, fueled by their distinctive sound, fierce concepts, and the individual charisma of each member, including Lisa’s powerful dance and rap contributions.
Blackpink’s ambitions quickly extended beyond South Korea. In a strategic move that cemented their global trajectory, the group signed with Interscope Records in a “global partnership with YG Entertainment” in 2018. This collaboration significantly broadened their reach, allowing their music and artistry to penetrate Western markets with unprecedented speed and success. Under this partnership, Blackpink swiftly evolved into “one of the best-selling girl groups of all time,” transforming the global music landscape and positioning Lisa at the forefront of a new wave of international pop stars.
4. **Beyond Blackpink: Cultivating an Individual Persona**Even as Blackpink ascended to global superstardom, Lisa began to cultivate her individual presence, exploring avenues that allowed her unique personality and talents to shine independently. One of her earliest significant solo ventures came in September 2018, when she became a “permanent cast member on the Korea Army Academy edition of the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation military variety program Real Man 300.” This represented her “first role on a television program since her debut,” offering fans a glimpse into her character beyond the meticulously crafted idol persona.
Her performance on the show was widely appreciated, earning her the “unofficial Character of the Year award at the 2018 MBC Entertainment Awards,” a testament to her relatable charm and engaging screen presence. Building on this momentum, Lisa launched her personal YouTube channel, “Lilifilm Official,” on November 5, 2018. The channel quickly became a platform for her to share aspects of her life, focusing on “travelling, lifestyle, and dance,” offering a more intimate connection with her growing fanbase.
Lilifilm Official’s impact was undeniable. By July 2019, she had already amassed “over 1.3 million subscribers and received a YouTube Gold Play Button.” Her influence on the platform was further highlighted in 2020 when “one of her dance performance videos went viral… as a result of a meme derived from the video,” capturing the attention of global celebrities like Dolly Parton, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, Luke Evans, and Lil Nas X, who all participated in the trend. Moreover, Lisa’s expertise as a dancer led her to serve as a “dance mentor on iQIYI’s Chinese girl group survival program Youth With You Season 2” in March 2020, returning for the boy group-focused third season in February 2021, solidifying her status as a respected figure in dance education.
5. **The “Lalisa” Phenomenon: A Solo Debut for the Record Books**The anticipation for Lisa’s solo debut reached a fever pitch, a testament to her immense popularity and the indelible mark she had made as part of Blackpink. The official confirmation arrived on April 19, 2021, when YG Entertainment announced to The Korea Herald that Lisa would be “the third member of Blackpink to debut as a soloist.” The stage was set for a monumental release, with the label confirming in July that “filming for her music video was underway,” further intensifying fan excitement.
Lisa’s debut single album, “Lalisa,” along with its eponymous lead single, finally dropped on September 10, 2021, unleashing a wave of unprecedented success. The music video for “Lalisa” immediately shattered records, becoming the “most-viewed video by a soloist in 24 hours with 73.6 million views.” This astonishing feat broke the previous record held by Taylor Swift’s “Me!” featuring Brendon Urie, earning Lisa two coveted Guinness World Records and firmly establishing her as a formidable solo artist on the global stage.
The album itself was equally groundbreaking. “Lalisa” debuted at an impressive “number 84 on the US Billboard Hot 100” and at “number two on the Billboard Global 200,” marking Lisa’s first top-ten song on the latter chart. Domestically, the album made history by selling “736,221 copies in South Korea in its first week,” setting a new record for the highest first-week sales among female artists. This achievement not only solidified her commercial power but also made her “the first female soloist to surpass the 500,000-copy mark in one week,” underscoring her unparalleled influence and the dedication of her massive fanbase.
6. **”Money” Talks: Viral Success and Chart Domination**While “Lalisa” made headlines with its explosive debut, it was the album’s B-side track, “Money,” that quietly began to gain unexpected and overwhelming traction. Released with an “exclusive dance performance video… to YouTube on September 24,” the song initially served as a powerful complement to the title track, showcasing Lisa’s dynamic choreography and undeniable stage presence. However, its infectious beat and confident lyrics soon resonated far beyond initial expectations.
“Money” experienced a significant surge in popularity after it “became viral on social media,” transforming from a B-side into a global phenomenon. Its organic spread across various platforms propelled it into international charts, demonstrating the power of viral content in today’s music landscape. Recognizing its burgeoning success, Interscope Records strategically sent the song to “US contemporary hit radio on November 9, 2021, as the album’s second single,” further solidifying its commercial push.
The track’s climb up the charts was remarkable. “Money” peaked at an impressive “number ten on the Billboard Global 200,” securing Lisa’s second top-ten hit on that chart, following “Lalisa.” In the United States, it reached “number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100,” earning Lisa her “second career solo entry” and, significantly, becoming “the first song by a female K-pop soloist to chart for multiple weeks on the chart at the time.” Its influence extended to the UK, where it peaked at “number 46 on the UK Singles Chart” and charted for “eight weeks,” establishing itself as “the longest-charting female K-pop soloist song in the country at the time.” This widespread success underscored Lisa’s ability to create global hits that transcend language and genre barriers.
7. **Extensive Collaborations: Forging Global Musical Connections**Following the groundbreaking success of her solo debut with ‘Lalisa’ and the viral phenomenon of ‘Money,’ Lisa embarked on a series of significant collaborations that further cemented her status as a global artist. These ventures showcased her versatility and undeniable appeal across diverse musical landscapes, demonstrating an innate ability to seamlessly blend her distinct artistry with other international talents. Each collaboration was a strategic step, not just in expanding her discography, but in broadening her reach and influence.
One such pivotal collaboration came on October 22, 2021, with the release of ‘SG,’ a vibrant moombahton and Latin trap track. For this single, Lisa joined forces with an impressive roster of international heavyweights: French record producer DJ Snake, Puerto Rican singer Ozuna, and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Her involvement wasn’t limited to performance alone; Lisa also received songwriting and composition credits, a testament to her deepening artistic input and creative control. The accompanying music video, filmed in Miami and directed by Colin Tilley, starred all four artists, offering a visually dynamic representation of their collective energy and sound.
‘SG’ quickly made its mark on the international charts, peaking at an impressive number 19 on the Billboard Global 200. In the United States, it reached number two on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, signaling strong listener engagement. Notably, the song earned Lisa her first number-one hit on the Latin Airplay chart, a significant achievement that underscored her ability to transcend genre boundaries and connect with a wide array of musical traditions. This successful foray into Latin-influenced music proved her adaptable artistry and universal appeal, setting a new benchmark for K-pop solo artists.
Beyond her collaborative triumph with ‘SG,’ Lisa continued to explore new artistic partnerships. She featured on ‘Shoong!,’ an album track from BigBang member Taeyang’s second extended play, *Down to Earth*, which was released on April 25, 2023. This collaboration allowed her to return to her roots within YG Entertainment’s broader artistic family, showcasing her unique rap and performance skills alongside a respected senior artist. Her appearance in the song’s performance video, where she and Taeyang performed the choreography together, was a treat for fans, highlighting her enduring prowess as a dancer and performer. These collaborations underscored Lisa’s strategic vision, not merely as a pop idol, but as a formidable musical force capable of shaping global trends.
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8. **A Cascade of International Awards and Guinness World Records**Lisa’s individual impact resonated profoundly within the global music industry, earning her an impressive array of accolades and record-breaking achievements that solidified her status as a trailblazer. Her solo debut with ‘Lalisa’ was not just a commercial success but a critical one, recognized on the world stage with prestigious awards that had previously been elusive for K-pop soloists. These recognitions were a testament to her unique artistry and the profound connection she forged with a vast, global audience.
On August 28, 2022, Lisa made history at the MTV Video Music Awards, taking home the coveted Best K-Pop award for ‘Lalisa.’ This monumental win marked her as the first K-pop solo artist ever to receive an MTV Video Music Award, a significant barrier broken for the genre. The achievement underscored her groundbreaking influence and the increasing global acceptance of K-pop as a mainstream force. It was a moment that transcended individual success, paving the way for future artists from the region.
Building on this momentum, Lisa continued her winning streak on November 13, when she secured the MTV Europe Music Award for Best K-Pop. This victory further solidified her pioneering status, making her the first solo K-pop artist in history to win an MTV Europe Music Award as well. These back-to-back triumphs at major international award ceremonies not only celebrated her talent but also earned her two additional Guinness World Records, adding to her rapidly growing collection of global recognitions. Her ability to captivate both Eastern and Western audiences was now indisputable, making her a truly global icon.
Her influence extended beyond music awards, permeating the digital realm with unprecedented reach. In January 2023, Lisa was officially awarded a Guinness World Record for becoming the most-followed K-pop artist on Instagram, boasting an astounding 87 million followers at the time. This wasn’t her first brush with Instagram records; she had previously become the most-followed K-pop idol in April 2019 with 17.4 million followers, and then the first to surpass 50 million in April 2021. Her command of social media platforms underscored her immense popularity and direct connection with her fanbase, turning her personal account into a global phenomenon.
Lisa’s achievements on streaming platforms were equally impressive. In May 2023, she was awarded two further Guinness World Records for being the fastest solo female K-pop artist to reach one billion streams and for ‘Lalisa’ becoming the first album by a solo K-pop artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify. These milestones catapulted her into a league of her own, making her the K-pop soloist with the most Guinness World Records in history, surpassing the previous record holder, Psy, with seven records compared to his five. This relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous breaking of records firmly positioned Lisa as a dominant force in the global music industry, redefining the boundaries of K-pop artistry.
Her B-side track ‘Money,’ which had initially gained viral traction, also achieved a monumental feat in September 2023 by becoming the first K-pop track by a solo artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify, earning Lisa her eighth Guinness World Record. To commemorate this incredible achievement, she appeared on the fourth episode of Spotify’s Billions Club series in November, receiving a special plaque in Paris and even cooking a traditional Thai dish for the occasion. This blend of global recognition and personal cultural celebration epitomized her journey. Moreover, in November 2023, Lisa, alongside her Blackpink bandmates, was invested as an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, an honor reflecting her significant cultural impact and global ambassadorial role.
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From her humble beginnings as a dance prodigy in Thailand to her current stature as a formidable global phenomenon, Lisa’s journey is an unfolding tapestry of relentless ambition, groundbreaking achievements, and profound cultural impact. She has not only shattered records and amassed a stunning array of awards but has also meticulously crafted a legacy built on creative autonomy, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to her art. As she continues to innovate, inspire, and captivate audiences across music, fashion, and now acting, Lisa stands as a vibrant testament to the power of authentic self-expression and the limitless potential of a truly global artist, forever shaping the landscape of contemporary culture.
