Sue Kim's Documentary 'Always Lalisa' Chronicles Blackpink Star Lisa's Solo Career and Race Scandal
On Monday, 12 October, Sue Kim's documentary Always Lalisa is set to debut, chronicling Blackpink member Lisa Manobal's journey into her solo career. The film tackles a racial controversy linked to leaked rehearsal videos where Blackpink members allegedly used racial slurs, which emerged while Lisa was gearing up for the 2025 Coachella Festival. Born Pranpriya Manobal in Thailand, Lisa recalls being '15 or 16' during the filming and claims she was unaware of the term's implications. The documentary explores her emotional response, the overshadowing of her debut album Alter Ego, death threats, her transition from YG to RCA Records, studio challenges, and her involvement in The White Lotus. It wraps up in June 2025 as she rejoins Blackpink and launches her solo career with the single Sawadika. This year, Lisa became the first K-pop artist to win best pop act at the MTV Awards. The film was produced by her record label's film division.
Key facts
- Documentary Always Lalisa premieres in cinemas on Monday, 12 October.
- Lisa was born Pranpriya Manobal in Thailand.
- Leaked videos showed Blackpink using racial slurs, including the n-word, during teenage trainee rehearsals.
- The scandal erupted while Lisa was rehearsing for a performance at the 2025 Coachella Festival.
- Lisa says she was '15 or 16' when the videos were shot and didn't know the word was sensitive because she is from Thailand and English is not her first language.
- Lisa's debut solo album is titled Alter Ego.
- Lisa left Korean entertainment company YG and signed with RCA Records in the US.
- Lisa made her acting debut in season three of The White Lotus as wellness coach Mook Sornsin.
- The documentary ends in June 2025 as Lisa returns to Seoul and rejoins Blackpink.
- Lisa won best pop act at this year's MTV Awards, becoming the first K-pop star to win the trophy.
Entities
Artists
- Lisa Manobal
- Pranpriya Manobal
- Sue Kim
Institutions
- Blackpink
- YG
- RCA Records
- The White Lotus
- Coachella Festival
- MTV Awards
- Variety
- BBC
- Louis Vuitton
- Bvlgari
Locations
- Thailand
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Toronto
- US