Lisa (BLACKPINK): Hidden Facts, Global Influence & Cultural Depth

Cross-Cultural Identity and Layers of Meaning

Lisa is not only the only member of BLACKPINK who was born in Thailand, but also one of the members who can communicate in multiple languages most naturally on stage. Although her native language is Thai, she speaks English and Korean fluently and has used Japanese extensively during promotional periods. This multilingualism extends beyond interviews to her role as a dance instructor in the studio. Videos of her explaining dance moves in Thai to Korean trainees have created an emotional connection with Thai fans.

Lisa's birth name was actually Pranpriya Manoban. However, at the age of 13, during a fortune-telling session her mother attended, she was told that her name would bring bad luck, so it was changed to “Lalisa.” The word “Lalisa” means “worthy of praise” in Thai, and no one could have predicted that this name change would lead her to become an icon applauded by millions.

The Road to YG and Her Legacy in Thailand

Lisa was the only person selected from 4,000 applicants in Thailand for the 2010 global auditions held by YG Entertainment. The video she submitted to the auditions featured dance moves inspired by 90s Thai pop, which caught the attention of YG officials. Cafés named after Lisa in Thailand have turned her popularity beyond that of an idol. Places like “Lalisa Café” in Bangkok have become nostalgia centers where fans can display and sell items from her childhood.

Thai government officials have named Lisa the country's “cultural ambassador” thanks to her performances promoting Thai culture. In particular, the traditional golden headpiece she wore in the “LALISA” music video was inspired by Thai royal symbols, and after the video was released, there was a brief surge in sales of traditional Thai clothing.

Dance Style and Technical Depth

Lisa's dance career is not limited to K-pop choreography. As a child, she was the only female member of a hip-hop dance group in Thailand, and this experience laid the foundation for her powerful “street” influenced choreography approach. This group, called “Crazy Dance Crew,” won numerous awards in local competitions.

Lisa's consistency in dance comes from the importance she places on body geometry. In her choreography work, she is known to meticulously calculate not only the movement but also the angle of the movement, the placement of her feet, and the alignment of her hips in front of a mirror. BLACKPINK's dance coach Bae Yoon-jung has said that Lisa “uses even the smallest fingertips consciously” and “does not dance just to be watched, but to tell a story.”

Solo Career and Aesthetic Preferences

In her “LALISA” solo music video, Lisa not only emphasized her Thai identity but also provided a visual answer to the question “Who am I?” through fashion. The 13 different costume sets used in the music video were selected to represent different cultural or identity elements. The scene transitions were deliberately sharp, as the theme of the music video was “the journey of a fragmented identity toward wholeness.”

The dance choreography in the “Money” performance videos was reworked with Lisa's personal contributions. In particular, the shoulder pops and sharp hip twists featured a level of precision rarely seen in K-pop, quickly gaining popularity among dance communities. Amateur tutorial videos titled “Lisa shoulder pop tutorial” even went viral on YouTube.

Form of Communication with Fans and Her Own Language

The word “Lilies,” which Lisa uses to refer to her fans, is not just a fan name; it is an “emotional safe space” for her. In videos taken backstage, she is often heard saying, “Lilies would be proud of me” when she is alone. This has become a kind of mantra for her.

Her Instagram posts differ from those of other members in that they are more spontaneous and less image-conscious. Sometimes she writes nostalgic sentences in Thai, and other times she makes witty comments in English, reflecting her effort to communicate with her fans without erecting an “idealized idol” barrier.

Fashion Sense and Global Style Influence

Lisa is not only BLACKPINK's fashion face on stage but also a prominent figure in the global fashion industry. After becoming Celine's official global ambassador, her participation in the brand's 2020-2022 collection presentations played a significant role in reconnecting the brand with younger audiences. Some fashion critics even described Lisa's Celine campaigns as “the most interesting face of the post-Phoebe Philo era.”

Despite her presence in French fashion houses, Lisa has not abandoned Thai street fashion in her personal style. Her off-stage style, especially her wide-leg pants, sneakers, and crop tops, carries the youth codes of her native country. When she attended the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Fashion Week in 2021, France's leading fashion magazine “Le Monde” described Lisa as “not K-Pop, but G-Pop: the center of Global Pop.”

Lisa's hair style choices are also closely followed by her fans. Her straight bangs, in particular, have become her trademark. However, this look is no accident; Lisa's stylist says that this cut makes her facial features more prominent and easier to read on stage.

Hidden Sides Behind the Camera

A scene from the BLACKPINK documentary that barely made it into the final cut left a deep impression on those who know her well. In an interview with the group members, it was revealed that Lisa would quietly go to the practice studio at night, work alone for hours, and never share any of this on social media. This behavior shows that she has created a “self-discipline zone” away from the cameras.

In the same documentary, one of YG's trainers said the following about her: “Lisa isn't just hardworking. Her discipline doesn't come from her dance background in Thailand, but from her inner control. This difference made her a professional long before she was even a trainee.”

Commercial Impact and Economic Power

Lisa's solo debut “LALISA” broke records among female solo artists, reaching 73 million views on YouTube within the first 24 hours. However, this is not just a digital number: According to a Thailand-based media analysis company, searches related to Thai culture increased by 580% following the release of the “LALISA” music video. This increase was particularly concentrated in terms such as “traditional Thai headgear” and “Thai dance costume.”

According to data released by a Thai bank, there was a 37% increase in digital card applications among young adults following an advertising campaign featuring Lisa. Similarly, sales of MAC Cosmetics, the makeup brand Lisa collaborated with, increased by 400% in Southeast Asia, and stocks sold out within 72 hours. This led brands to view Lisa not just as an idol but as an “economic phenomenon capable of transforming purchasing habits.”

Digital Assets and Global Engagement

Lisa is the first K-pop female idol to reach 100 million followers on Instagram. However, this is not just a number; her social media strategy is an example of how individual sharing can be transformed into commercial power. Her follower base is not just made up of fans; content creators, dancers, stylists, and fashion editors actively follow her posts. Each post averages 6 million likes, a figure deemed “extraordinary” by social media experts in terms of organic engagement.

On TikTok, the “#LalisaDanceChallenge” quickly reached 1 billion views. However, this challenge was not merely a viral trend. In Thailand, some dance studios incorporated this choreography into their curriculum, and it became the subject of academic studies as a “K-pop cultural transfer.”

Personal Space and Forms of Expression

Lisa's connection to art is not limited to dance. She has been drawing with charcoal since her childhood in Thailand, and even during her time living with the members of BLACKPINK, she was known to carry a sketchbook with her. These sketchbooks mostly feature drawings of animals. Her interest in cats is also reflected in her drawings; she often uses her cats “Leo” and “Luca” as motifs in her drawings.

Even during the rare moments when she was alone in Korea, she chose to be productive. In an interview, she mentioned that on days when she felt tired, she would turn on music in the dance studio, look at the mirror, and dance spontaneously, describing this as “therapy” for her. These spontaneous moments reveal a much more free and introspective side of Lisa compared to the technically skilled performer we see on stage.

Multi-layered Belonging and Fragility

When Lisa first arrived in Korea, she had difficulty communicating with other interns because she did not know the language and spent a long time eating alone. According to a training coach, Lisa preferred to write rather than talk during that period and kept a diary “as if she were writing letters to herself.” This habit shows that she has a personality that tends to internalize rather than externalize her emotions.

It is known that even during her “most successful” periods, Lisa had to suppress her fragility. In 2021, she took a short break from social media due to burnout, but fans assumed it was just physical exhaustion. In fact, those close to her later revealed that she had even considered quitting dancing during this period.

Representative Power Beyond K-Pop

Lisa has become a figurehead not only for young people in Thailand but also for women from Southeast Asia, who are a minority in the K-pop industry. Many Thai trainees say that Lisa gave them the courage to apply to major companies like YG. In particular, dance schools named after Lisa in Indonesia and the Philippines aim to inspire young girls to follow in her footsteps.

In a cultural studies project conducted at Harvard University, Lisa was analyzed as “the new face of the Asian cultural diaspora.” Her ability to maintain parallel relationships with both Western and Eastern cultures was highlighted as an ideal example of cultural code localization. The study noted that Lisa's success as a Korean idol while remaining Thai serves as a model for the “new generation of diaspora artists.”

Behind the Scenes Leadership and Mentoring Role

BLACKPINK does not have a clear leader in front of the camera. However, behind the scenes, especially during rehearsals and dance practices, Lisa naturally takes on a leadership role. Since her trainee days, she has been known for her ability to quickly memorize choreography, and she is known to work one-on-one with other members when they are struggling.

In the YouTube series “LILI's FILM,” she does more than just perform; she also personally organizes camera angles, choreography placements, and lighting arrangements. These videos reflect her interest in directing while also offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life of a professional idol.

Lisa occasionally offers feedback on the choreography of new trainees during dance practices at the YG studio. This is not an official role but a form of mentorship that developed entirely out of Lisa's initiative. One trainee described how a single tip from her transformed the energy on stage: “She told me, ‘Don't just take a step—feel where you're stepping.’ With that sentence, I started dancing.”

Controlled Presence and Privacy Strategy in the Media

Lisa is one of the rare idol figures who rarely makes mistakes in front of the media. The words she uses in interviews are carefully chosen, free from emotional outbursts, and generally follow a line of “smiling neutrality.” This demonstrates not her ability to keep her personal life private, but rather a conscious strategy to limit what she shares.

Fans have long observed a clear difference between the “camera Lisa” and the “off-camera Lisa.” For example, while she is a bright and confident figure on stage, in her behind-the-scenes vlogs, she often comes across as shy, giving short answers and avoiding eye contact. This dual behavior is interpreted as her ability to blend personal privacy with professionalism.

Despite her high-profile career, Lisa has never been involved in any major scandals related to her personal life. Most of the rumors surrounding her were based on social media speculation, and Lisa's refusal to respond to these rumors suggests that she has an innate sense of media control that goes beyond training.

Secret Connections and Silent Support Roles

Lisa contributes to both on-stage and behind-the-scenes charitable projects, but she rarely publicizes her efforts. During the 2019 floods in Thailand, it was revealed that Lisa had made a significant donation to local aid organizations through her family. This donation only came to light when the organization publicly disclosed Lisa's name. Lisa never shared this information on social media.

According to some former trainees at YG, Lisa takes special interest in trainees of foreign origin. It is said that she secretly helped several trainees who had just arrived in Korea and were struggling with language and adaptation issues by providing translation assistance and leaving notes to cheer them up on their first days.

A Cultural Face Breaking the K-Pop Mold

Lisa is a figure who stands outside the traditional “Korean beauty” standard in K-Pop. Her darker skin tone, long facial features, and traces of Thai genetic makeup initially drew criticism from some Korean media outlets. However, Lisa has broken these stereotypes over time. Today, her appearance is not only accepted but is being touted as the “new standard of beauty.”

Many young Korean girls are copying Lisa's style, embracing beauty codes that are outside the norm. Even aesthetic clinics have started offering a “Lalisa-style” modeling service, using Lisa's facial proportions as a reference. This is a striking example of how an idol can not only be popular but also initiate cultural change on a physical level.

Lisa's Sense of Time

Lisa's relationship with time goes beyond the typical intense idol schedule. In an interview, she said, “I don't follow the days of the week, I follow my energy,” which shows that she moves according to her emotional rhythm rather than a hourly schedule. This approach also explains why she sometimes stays silent for a long time in some projects and then suddenly shines.

A studio worker also shared that Lisa arrives around 3 a.m. and works until 7 a.m., referring to these hours as “invisible time.” For Lisa, this time slot is a period when digital noise is reduced, focus increases, and it is possible to be alone. In today's digital age, such consciously planned time management gives a strong idea of her inner discipline.

Fan-Produced Culture and the Shadow of the Digital Persona

Lisa has become one of the solo artists with the most fan-produced content in K-pop history. There are thousands of dance cover channels on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram under Lisa's name. What's interesting is that most of these channels are not in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia, but in culturally diverse countries like Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey. This highlights the universality of the communication Lisa has established through her visual language.

Some fans see imitating Lisa's gestures as a form of “aesthetic expression.” In particular, the head tilt, finger tap, and shoulder shake from her “LALISA” performance have become a mix of parody and “personal iconography” on TikTok. Users employ these gestures not only as dance moves but also as emotional expressions—for example, with captions like “when I feel like a boss” or “when I finally get paid at the end of the month.”

According to a digital culture study conducted in China, Lisa's facial expressions, finger gestures, and winks are no longer just the movements of an idol, but have become part of the online humor language. In other words, Lisa has achieved the status of a “memetic icon” beyond that of an artist in the digital age.

A New Female Symbol in Thailand

Lisa's success in Thailand has transcended mere popularity, becoming a symbol of power. In the Thai entertainment world, where women's visibility has traditionally been limited in male-dominated fields, Lisa's global success has created a new role model for women. Thai young women taking up dancing, setting goals for overseas education, or striving to be more visible on social media inspired by Lisa show that she has become a “catalyst for individual transformation.”

Some social projects in the country do not directly feature Lisa as a campaign face; however, they utilize her influence in the background. For example, an education foundation introduced STEM education scholarships emphasizing that “Lalisa inspires Thai girls.” Although Lisa is not the face of the campaign, her name was used as the key to social motivation.

Concrete Reflections of Cultural Intersections

Lisa's career exemplifies an intriguing synthesis of Thai and Korean cultures. The hand movements and wrist rotations from the traditional Thai dance “Ram Thai” occasionally seep into Lisa's dance. These elegant movement patterns are consciously integrated into the choreography, particularly during slow transitions or when she enters the stage.

In addition, some of her greetings and expressions of gratitude in Thai add a “foreign layer of warmth” to K-pop concerts alongside classic Korean expressions. This is often commented on by fans as “when Lisa comes on stage, Thailand comes on stage too.”

Lisa as a Subject of Media and Academic Study

Lisa has become the subject of not only pop culture but also academic research. In a media sociology thesis published at the National University of Singapore in 2022, an analysis was conducted that placed Lisa at the center of the definition of a “new generation idol constructed through global media.” The thesis linked Lisa's multi-layered identity—her Thai origins, Korean education, English proficiency, fashion influence, and social media presence—to the modern-day definition of digital citizenship.

At Stanford University, a study on digital community behavior revealed that Lisa's Instagram account functions like an “independent micro-influencer platform,” with her ability to influence fan behavior being more effective than that of many celebrities. The impact of her posts on consumption was examined, even when she was not promoting products, and it was noted that these effects fall under the category of “silent marketing influence.”

Suggested Posts

×

Suggested Posts