LISA (BLACKPINK) COULDN’T GET INTO A PRESTIGIOUS FAMILY, SO SHE HAD TO GO BACK TO HER BEST FRIEND OF 10 YEARS – BUT THE MYSTERIOUS BACKGROUND OF THIS PERSON IS WHAT’S REALLY DRAWING ATTENTION**
As one of the most famous global K-pop stars, every choice in Lisa’s personal life receives great attention from fans. In particular, stories surrounding her close relationships pique public curiosity. One person recently mentioned is a friend who has been with Lisa for many years. Not only is their decade-long friendship drawing attention, but this person’s background and family history behind their private life have also sparked questions. Is this just speculation from the online community, or does this friend of 10 years truly play a special role in Lisa’s life?
Lisa (BLACKPINK) was born Pranpriya Manobal in Buriram, Thailand, in 1997. At age 13, she legally changed her name to Lalisa after consulting a fortune-teller, hoping for “the one being praised.” She is an only child who was raised by her Thai Buddhist mother, Chitthip Brüschweiler, and her Swiss stepfather, renowned chef Marco Brüschweiler. The family had a relatively privileged but not traditionally “prestigious” status by some Thai elite standards—her mother comes from a modest background, and her biological father’s identity remains private. Lisa has openly spoken about missing the simple family trips and mall outings with her parents, describing her stepdad’s humor as typical middle-aged charm and her mom’s as affectionate and cute. She has praised their enduring love story, which has lasted decades despite early family changes.

From a young age, Lisa showed a passion for dance, competing in numerous Thai competitions since age five. At 13, she auditioned for YG Entertainment in Thailand and was the only one accepted out of 4,000 applicants. Just 14, she moved alone to Seoul, where she trained for five grueling years. Her family supported her dream from the beginning—her mother enrolled her in dance and acting classes early on, and her stepfather provided unwavering encouragement. Yet the move to Korea was isolating; she called home every day, often in tears during her first months. It was not a “prestigious family” in the sense of elite Thai aristocracy, but one grounded in hard work, love, and international influence through her Swiss stepfather’s world-renowned culinary career. Fans and media have long admired how Lisa’s roots shaped her into the global superstar she is today.
The “best friend of 10 years” the query alludes to is almost certainly one of Lisa’s closest circle from that exact period—either her longtime YG trainee friends or her Thailand-based idols who trained alongside or shortly before her. The most prominent are GOT7’s BamBam and (G)I-DLE’s Minnie. BamBam and Lisa, both born in 1997, grew up together in the Thai dance scene. They were members of the same crew, “We Zaa Cool,” before debuting at different companies. Their bond is described as sibling-like, with BamBam often calling her “P’Lisa” and Lisa helping with his dance projects. Minnie, who trained at YG around the same time as Lisa, has called her a constant supporter and bestie since trainee days. In interviews, Lisa has shared how Minnie gave her advice during trainee exhaustion: “Just try your best and everything will turn out alright!” Lisa reciprocated by sending a coffee truck to Minnie’s filming set. Both pairs have been featured in viral photos, charity events, and joint appearances, proving the friendship is genuine and deeply rooted.
Another candidate for the “best friend of 10 years” could be BLACKPINK’s own Rosé, who became Lisa’s closest groupmate and “twin soul” during YG training. They met in an elevator at 16, bonded over being the only non-Koreans in the company, and have shared everything—from training struggles to solo careers. Rosé even developed an Australian accent from spending so much time with Lisa. Their Netflix documentary *Blackpink: Light Up the Sky* (2020) highlighted how they were each other’s anchors when homesickness hit hard. However, the query’s phrasing about “going back” suggests a non-groupmate with a private, possibly mysterious background that fans find intriguing.

The online speculation the query references likely stems from recent viral clips and rumors involving Lisa’s personal life. In mid-2026, a video of Lisa enjoying a family dinner at a luxury Thai restaurant with her parents and an unidentified man went viral. Fans immediately speculated about the man’s identity, linking it to ongoing dating rumors with French businessman Frédéric Arnault (heir to the LVMH empire). Some guessed Thai actor-model Blue Pongtiwat, known for his close, sibling-like bond with Lisa. Others tied it to older Thai-line friendships. The “mysterious background” angle fuels theories about hidden family connections, possible business ties, or a low-key but notable figure from Lisa’s past. Media outlets like ZAPZEE and India Times reported the sightings, noting the clip’s luxury setting and Lisa’s casual smile, which only adds to the intrigue.
Whether this friend is BamBam, Minnie, Rosé, or another circle member, the decade-long bond represents something rare in K-pop. Lisa has consistently chosen authenticity over spotlight glamour. She has never shied away from calling her Thai friends her “home base,” and public gestures—like buying rare collectibles for Minnie or reuniting with BamBam for group hugs—show genuine care. The “mysterious” element seems more about the private, non-glamorous side of these relationships rather than any scandal. Fans speculate because the online community loves digging into celebrity backgrounds, but the evidence points to simple, supportive bonds built on shared trainee struggles, hometown pride, and mutual respect.
Lisa’s own journey proves that true “prestige” comes from resilience, not bloodlines. She moved continents at 14 with nothing but determination and her family’s love. Her stepdad’s chef fame and her mother’s quiet support gave her strength. Now, those same values fuel her friendships. The 10-year circle—whether with fellow Thais like BamBam and Minnie or her BLACKPINK sister Rosé—provides the emotional anchor Lisa credits for her success. In interviews, she has said family (both blood and chosen) is “the most important thing,” and her closest friends embody that perfectly.

The online debate continues because K-pop fans crave stories behind the spotlight. Speculation about hidden backgrounds or family ties is normal in a world where idols’ private lives are endlessly dissected. Yet the reality is far more wholesome: these friends are the people who stood by her when she was a lonely 14-year-old trainee, the ones who celebrate her triumphs with simple hugs and inside jokes. Lisa has never needed to “prove” anything about their backgrounds because their actions speak louder—longevity, support, and loyalty over 10+ years.
For BLINKs and international fans, this friendship highlights a beautiful side of Lisa: someone who never forgot her roots and surrounds herself with genuine people. Whether the “mysterious” figure is a low-key Thai idol, a longtime trainee, or even a family-adjacent person, the heart of the story remains the same—Lisa found her safe place in 10 years of real connection. The speculation may never fully stop, but the friendships? Those are the ones that last. And in a world that demands everything from celebrities, Lisa’s circle proves that the best relationships are the ones built on quiet, enduring care. The mystery may be in the details, but the message is clear: loyalty and love win every time.