Years before Blackpink became one of the world’s biggest K-pop groups, Lalisa Manobal, known professionally as Lisa, left Thailand alone as a teenager to pursue her dream of becoming a performer in South Korea.

Now 29, Lisa has spent much of her career as a member of Blackpink. A new documentary, Always Lalisa, explores the year she stepped away from the group to pursue new experiences, including her acting debut in the latest season of The White Lotus.

Speaking to Reuters in Toronto following the documentary’s world premiere, Lisa reflected on her year away from Blackpink, her journey from Thailand to South Korea and the personal changes she experienced while developing her career outside the group.

Lisa said she felt one year was enough time to explore new opportunities while also giving herself a chance to spend more time with her family. During her work on The White Lotus, she spent six months in Thailand, although she continued traveling between the country and Los Angeles for music projects.

Her journey began when she auditioned for South Korean entertainment company YG Entertainment at the age of 13. A year later, she moved to South Korea to begin her training.

Lisa said she practiced every day and spent two hours daily learning Korean. After five years of training, she debuted with Blackpink.

Moving to another country alone at such a young age was difficult, but Lisa said having the other Blackpink members around helped her adjust. She described the group as a family and said their shared experiences strengthened their bond.

During her break from Blackpink, Lisa also wanted to challenge herself creatively. She explained that her role within the group had traditionally focused on rapping, while she had always wanted to explore singing more independently.

Rather than simply searching for a new identity, Lisa said the year gave her an opportunity to experiment and try things she had not previously been able to pursue on her own.

Her solo album, Alter Ego, reflects different sides of her personality through five characters. Lisa said those personas remain important to her, although she feels each one has continued to grow alongside her.

The documentary also explores some of the restrictions Lisa experienced while growing up as a K-pop idol, including challenges involving dating, going out and driving.

Lisa said those issues are less difficult now that she is older. She said she is focused on enjoying her life while finding a healthier balance between her personal life and career.

She credited documentary director Sue Kim with helping her feel comfortable discussing more personal subjects. Lisa said Kim’s calm presence encouraged her to open up and share parts of her life with both the filmmaker and her fans.

Lisa has since reunited with Blackpink and said the experience of working separately had changed the members. She believes they returned to the group with greater confidence after developing their own individual voices and pursuing solo projects.

Despite spending more time apart, Lisa said the members continued to support one another. They stayed in contact through messages and calls, sometimes meeting for meals, while also respecting each other’s need for personal space.

The documentary also includes personal footage from Lisa’s childhood and her relationship with her family. She described her mother and stepfather as her biggest supporters, particularly because they trusted her enough to move to another country alone at the age of 14.

Lisa said she remains grateful for the sacrifices her family made to support her ambitions and said they are proud of what she has achieved.

Another emotional part of her story involves her grandfather and dance teacher Nok, both of whom have died. Lisa said they were important supporters during her career and that she continues to think of them before performances.

Her grandfather died during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Lisa was unable to return to Thailand to see him. She also credited her dance teacher with helping shape the person and performer she became.

Before performing, including at Coachella, Lisa said she imagines inviting both of them to watch her from wherever they are. She described them as her guardian angels.

Always Lalisa is scheduled to be released in cinemas on October 12, offering fans a more personal look at Lisa’s life, career and experiences beyond Blackpink.

SOURCE: Reuters, Kate Skelly, September 25, 2026.