BLACKPINK member Lisa has reflected on a pivotal moment from her early years that preceded her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. In a recent Vanity Fair cover story, the 29-year-old singer, dancer, and actress opened up about her Thai roots, her bold decision to relocate to South Korea as a teenager, and the remarkable career that has since blossomed across music, solo projects, acting, and a groundbreaking Las Vegas residency.
Originally named Pranpriya Manobal, Lisa legally changed her first name to Lalisa around the age of 13 or 14. This transformation occurred after she and her mother, Chitthip Brüschweiler, consulted a fortune teller while anxiously awaiting news from YG Entertainment following her audition. The fortune teller recommended adopting a name believed to bring better fortune, and Lisa, eager for any positive sign, embraced the suggestion wholeheartedly. Not long after the name change, she received a callback from the agency, setting her path toward global stardom in motion.
In the interview, Lisa recalled the experience lightheartedly, noting that visiting fortune tellers is a common and enjoyable cultural practice in Thailand. She was open to trying anything that might improve her prospects at such a formative stage. The name Lalisa, which carries the meaning “one who is praised” in Thai, became the foundation for her stage identity. She eventually shortened it to the simple, iconic “Lisa” that fans around the world now recognize and celebrate.
Building a Foundation in South Korea and Forming Bonds Within BLACKPINK
At just 14 years old, Lisa made the life-altering move from Thailand to South Korea in 2011 to begin her rigorous training under YG Entertainment. She entered the program as the first trainee who was not ethnically Korean, facing immense challenges including a significant language barrier and the need to adapt to an entirely new environment. Despite these obstacles, Lisa approached the experience with determination, starting from the basics and committing fully to her dream.
“I had to start from zero, but I felt like I really wanted to do this,” she shared with Vanity Fair, highlighting her resilience during those early days of intense preparation. Her perseverance paid off when she debuted as part of BLACKPINK alongside Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé. The quartet has since achieved extraordinary success, becoming one of the best-selling girl groups in history, holding the title of the most-subscribed musical act on YouTube, and dominating Spotify as the most-followed and most-streamed all-female group.
Lisa credited Jennie with providing early guidance, especially since Jennie was already familiar with YG’s system and could communicate in English. She also found ways to connect with Jisoo despite initial language difficulties. However, it was Rosé who formed the deepest early bond with her. Both having families abroad, they shared similar experiences of adjustment and quickly became inseparable. “We became like twin sisters,” Lisa described their close relationship, underscoring the importance of these friendships in navigating the demanding idol lifestyle.
Looking back on BLACKPINK’s rapid ascent, Lisa expressed a desire to savor future moments more fully. While she does not regret the whirlwind of their early success, she acknowledges that the pace sometimes made it hard to fully appreciate the milestones as they happened. With the group’s next tour on the horizon, she is determined to immerse herself more mindfully in the experience and cherish the connection with fans.
Embracing Privacy While Expanding Her Artistic Horizons
Throughout her career, Lisa has maintained a firm boundary around her personal life, choosing not to discuss relationships or intimate details in public interviews. Vanity Fair noted that her publicist proactively reminded the interviewer to respect this privacy, and Lisa herself steered clear of any speculation on the topic. Instead, she spoke candidly about the challenges of fame, including the intense scrutiny from fans and the occasional loss of normalcy.
“Sometimes it’s just a little too much, and sometimes I just want to be normal,” she admitted. Lisa observed that fans have grown more understanding after she has shared glimpses of how limited her privacy can be, though the pressures of celebrity life remain significant. This commitment to protecting her personal space allows her to focus on her professional endeavors while preserving her well-being.
Today, Lisa continues to push boundaries beyond BLACKPINK. She made her acting debut in the third season of the acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus and took on a role in Tygo, a spin-off from the popular Extraction action franchise. She is also preparing for a landmark limited Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, scheduled for two weekends in November. This residency marks a historic first for a K-pop solo artist in Las Vegas, further cementing her influence on the global stage.
In addition to these projects, Lisa has been developing new music while based in the United States. The upcoming album is envisioned to complement her Vegas performances. Through her own company, Lloud, established in 2024, she releases music in partnership with RCA Records, granting her greater ownership and creative control over her work. This independence reflects her evolution as an artist who is actively shaping her future.
When asked whether she prefers to be called Lisa or Lalisa, she offered a thoughtful and grounded response: “I’m happy whenever they call me. Lisa or Lalisa, it’s still me.” This simple statement captures her humility and sense of continuity amid tremendous change.
Lisa’s journey—from a young Thai girl consulting a fortune teller to an international superstar—illustrates the power of opportunity, adaptability, and self-belief. As she balances group commitments with solo ambitions, her story continues to inspire fans worldwide, demonstrating that embracing change can lead to remarkable achievements while staying true to one’s core identity.
