Lalisa Manobal, better known simply as Lisa, is more than just a global K-pop sensation—she's a cultural icon, a trailblazer, and an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry. From her humble beginnings in Thailand to conquering the world stage, Lisa’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Making of a Star Born Pranpriya Manobal on March 27, 1997, in Buriram, Thailand, Lisa’s destiny as a performer was evident from an early age. Encouraged by her passion for dance, she began training in various styles, winning competitions and earning accolades even before her teenage years. She later changed her name to Lalisa, meaning “the one being praised,” following a fortune teller’s advice—and it seems that fate was on her side.
Lisa’s big break came in 2010 when she auditioned for YG Entertainment in Thailand. Out of 4,000 hopefuls, she was the only one selected, making history as the first non-ethnically Korean trainee under the label. In 2011, she moved to South Korea and began her rigorous training, perfecting her rapping, dancing, and singing skills.
A Blackpink Phenomenon Lisa debuted with Blackpink in August 2016, joining Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé to form what would become one of the most influential girl groups in the world. With hits like Boombayah, DDU-DU DDU-DU, and Kill This Love, Blackpink took the industry by storm, dominating charts, breaking records, and amassing a massive global following.
Lisa quickly became a fan favourite, known for her unmatched stage presence, killer dance moves, and charismatic personality. She also carved her niche as a fashion icon, gracing the covers of major magazines and becoming the face of luxury brands such as Celine, Bulgari, and MAC Cosmetics.
Going Solo: Breaking Records and Setting Trends In September 2021, Lisa made history with her debut solo album, Lalisa. The album sold over 736,000 copies in its first week, making her the first female K-pop artist to achieve such numbers. The title track’s music video became the most-viewed video by a solo artist within 24 hours on YouTube. Meanwhile, her second single, Money, became a viral hit, breaking records as the longest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.
Her success didn’t stop there. Lisa became the first K-pop soloist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, further proving her global appeal.
A New Era: Acting and Entrepreneurship Lisa is not one to rest on her laurels. In 2024, she established her own management company, Lloud, allowing her to take full control of her career. She also signed with RCA Records and, in 2025, released Alter Ego, her debut studio album, featuring chart-topping singles like Rockstar and Born Again (featuring Doja Cat and Raye). The album’s release cemented her position as one of the biggest names in the global music industry.
Lisa also made her acting debut in the HBO hit series The White Lotus, further expanding her artistic range. Her involvement in the show added another layer to her already impressive portfolio, proving that she is more than just a musician—she’s an all-around entertainer. Having catapulted to popularity royalty, Lisa was made an ambassador to Louis Vuitton and is the face of its latest Biker Bag campaign.
A Legacy That Transcends Borders Beyond music and acting, Lisa’s impact extends to fashion, business, and cultural representation. As the most-followed K-pop artist on Instagram and Spotify, she continues to inspire millions worldwide. Her efforts in promoting Thai culture globally earned her recognition from the Thailand Ministry of Culture and even a special acknowledgment from Thailand’s former Prime Minister.
From her breathtaking performances at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the Global Citizen Festival to becoming the first K-pop soloist to perform at the Academy Awards, Lisa is not just rewriting the rules—she’s creating her own.
As she continues to push boundaries and break records, one thing is clear: Lisa is not just a superstar. She’s a phenomenon, and the world is eagerly watching what she’ll do next.
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