Who Is LISA of BLACKPINK? From Thailand to the World – The Rise of a Global Icon

Curious about BLACKPINK’s LISA?

From a small town in Thailand to the grandest stages of the world, LISA of BLACKPINK has become one of the most recognized and influential faces in global pop culture.

But who is the girl behind the fierce performances, the viral dance moves, and the millions of fans?

LISA is not just a member of BLACKPINK — she’s a dancer, rapper, singer, fashion icon, and global ambassador, whose journey has inspired a generation.

With her signature bangs, bold stage presence, and effortless charisma, she has broken cultural and linguistic boundaries to become a truly international superstar.

n this post, we’ll explore LISA’s story — from her childhood in Thailand to her historic solo debut, and the impact she continues to make around the world.

LISA’s Profile: Everything You Need to Know

LISA (Lalisa Manobal) is a Thai-born rapper, singer, and dancer best known as a member of the world-renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK.

Born and raised in Buriram, Thailand, she moved to South Korea at the age of 14 after being the only person selected in a YG Entertainment audition.

Fluent in Thai, Korean, English, and basic Japanese, Lisa is recognized not only for her outstanding talent but also for her global appeal.

More than just a K-pop star, she has become a fashion icon, solo artist, and one of the most-followed celebrities on Instagram today.

LISA of BLACKPINK Early Life in Thailand

LISA was born as Pranpriya Manobal, but later changed her name to Lalisa based on the advice of a monk or fortune teller. In Thai culture, it’s a common belief that changing one’s name can bring good fortune, so name changes are not unusual.

She grew up as an only child, and very little is known about her biological father. From a young age, Lisa was raised by her Swiss stepfather, Marco Brüschweiler, a renowned chef who has been active in Thailand for many years.

He is also known as a leader in international culinary education, and it’s said that he shares a very close father-daughter bond with Lisa.

Lisa’s mother is Thai and is known to have raised her in a warm, loving environment. She was one of Lisa’s biggest supporters, enrolling her in dance academies when she showed a strong interest in dancing and singing. She often accompanied Lisa to competitions and encouraged her every step of the way.

Lisa spent most of her childhood in Bangkok, Thailand. Although she had no siblings, she is often described as having a cheerful and bright personality.

Ever since she was young, she showed a deep passion for K-pop—especially for groups like BIGBANG and 2NE1. Inspired by their performances and with her mother’s support, she began formal training and gained performance experience through dance and singing competitions.

In interviews and television appearances, Lisa has occasionally expressed her deep affection for her family, saying things like, “My mom always believed in me,” and “My dad always gives me great advice.” These glimpses show just how much her close-knit family has meant to her journey and success.

LISA Becoming a K-pop Trainee, Debut with BLACKPINK

In 2010, LISA auditioned for YG Entertainment’s Global Audition held in Thailand, where she was selected as the only successful candidate out of over 4,000 applicants.

YG’s team immediately recognized her talent in dance and performance, and saw great potential in her as a future star.

At just 14 years old, Lisa moved to South Korea alone to begin her journey as a trainee.
Despite the language barrier, cultural differences, and being far away from her family, she never gave up.

She spent each day intensely training in Korean, dance, vocals, and rap, determined to make her dream come true. Reflecting on her trainee years, Lisa once said, “It was hard, but I never once thought about going back home.”

This simple statement reveals just how strong her sense of purpose and perseverance was, even from a young age.

After more than five years of rigorous training, Lisa finally made her debut in 2016 as a member of BLACKPINK.

Lisa took on the roles of the main dancer, lead rapper, and maknae (youngest member) of the group—quickly capturing the spotlight with her powerful stage presence and undeniable charm.

BLACKPINK’s Rise and Lisa’s Global Breakthrough

Lisa officially debuted as a member of BLACKPINK on August 8, 2016, alongside fellow members Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé.

That day, the group launched their first single album SQUARE ONE, featuring the double title tracks “BOOMBAYAH” and “Whistle.”

From their very first performance, Lisa stood out with her powerful choreography, charismatic rap delivery, and striking visuals.

Just four hours after the release, “Whistle” soared to the top of Korea’s major music charts. BLACKPINK quickly earned their first music show win—just two weeks after debut, setting a record for the fastest win by a girl group at the time.

Following their explosive debut, BLACKPINK released a string of successful hits:

• “Playing With Fire” and “Stay” (2016)
• “As If It’s Your Last” (2017)
• “DDU-DU DDU-DU” from their first EP SQUARE UP (2018) — a song that broke YouTube records and secured 11 music show wins
• “Kill This Love” (2019) — with its music video surpassing 200 million views in under 12 days

In 2020, the group released their first full-length album THE ALBUM, which included global favorites like “How You Like That,” “Ice Cream” (with Selena Gomez), and “Lovesick Girls.”

Their success went far beyond Korea—they became the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella, appeared on major U.S. talk shows, and built one of the largest global fanbases in K-pop history.

Lisa played a key role in BLACKPINK’s international success. With her fluency in Thai, Korean, English, and Japanese, she helped the group communicate with fans worldwide. Her stage presence, multilingual interviews, and natural charm made her a standout figure and helped shape BLACKPINK’s global identity.

n 2022, BLACKPINK made a successful comeback after a two-year break, and Lisa continued to shine as both a performer and global influencer.

Outside of music, Lisa has appeared on several Korean variety shows—including Running Man, Real Men, and Knowing Bros—earning love from viewers for her bright and genuine personality.

Her fashion-forward image, brand partnerships, and international visibility have made her one of the most recognizable faces in pop culture today.

LISA’s Solo Debut: “LALISA,” Records, and Global Impact

On September 10, 2021, Lisa made her long-awaited solo debut with the single album “LALISA.” This marked a major milestone not only for her career but also for global K-pop fandoms who had eagerly awaited her individual spotlight.

The title track “LALISA” made an explosive impact, breaking the YouTube record for the most-viewed music video by a solo artist in 24 hours, racking up over 70 million views in a single day.

Its fierce choreography, powerful concept, and homage to her Thai roots captivated audiences worldwide.

The B-side track “MONEY” became a global sensation on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, sparking countless dance challenges and viral content.

The song’s addictive beat and performance-ready vibe helped solidify Lisa’s reputation as a trendsetter beyond the group.

Lisa’s solo era was more than just a musical endeavor—it showcased her evolution as an independent artist. She carved out a unique identity defined by confidence, elegance, and individuality, proving she could stand on her own as a global star.

She earned her first solo music show win on KBS Music Bank just a week after her debut, further cementing her popularity and success as a solo performer.

In 2024, after nearly three years, Lisa returned with her second solo single “ROCKSTAR” on June 28, captivating fans once again with a bold and fresh musical direction. The comeback highlighted her continued growth and versatility as an artist.

Through both “LALISA” and “ROCKSTAR,” Lisa has proven that she is not only a vital part of BLACKPINK, but also a formidable solo force with global influence across music, fashion, and culture.

Conclusion

Lisa is more than just a member of BLACKPINK or a successful solo artist —
she is a symbol of passion, perseverance, and inspiration for millions around the world.

From a small town in Thailand to the biggest stages on the planet, her journey reminds us all that dreams are possible, no matter where you come from. She doesn’t just follow trends — she creates them, defining her own path as a true artist.

One thing is clear: Lisa’s influence in music, fashion, and global pop culture is only just beginning.

As she continues to grow and explore new fields, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of her remarkable story.

This has been a look into the life and legacy of Lisa from BLACKPINK — an icon in the making.