K-Pop Star Lisa Faces Criticism Amidst Comeback and Controversy

Lisa, a prominent member of the global sensation BLACKPINK, recently made headlines with her solo comeback, “Rockstar.” Despite the song’s success, it has not been without controversy, leading to discussions around plagiarism, artistic expression, and public perception.

“Rockstar” Success and Criticisms

Lisa’s new track “Rockstar” has already achieved impressive milestones, including becoming the most-liked music video by a K-Pop artist on YouTube in 2024. The video garnered over 5.5 million likes, surpassing IU’s “Love Wins All” with 4.6 million likes. Additionally, “Rockstar” became Lisa’s 10th video to exceed 100 million views, achieving this feat in just 13 days, making it the fastest solo release of 2024 to reach such numbers.

However, the song has sparked mixed reactions. While Lisa’s music video is lauded for its high production quality, epic scenes, and incorporation of hip-hop elements with a touch of Thai culture, some fans and critics argue that the song lacks depth. The lyrics have been described as repetitive and lacking substance, with lines like “Lisa, can you teach me Japanese?” causing confusion and controversy among listeners, particularly in Japan.

Accusations of Plagiarism

Adding to the controversy, Lisa’s “Rockstar” music video has been accused of plagiarism. Fashion designer Yu Yang took to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, claiming that the crop top Lisa wore in the video closely resembles a design from her brand, Heart Crop Top, created in 2020. Yu Yang shared photos of her original design alongside the alleged copy, stating that she had not been contacted by Lisa’s team for permission to use or adapt the design.

The designer expressed her frustrations on Instagram, detailing the difficulties of obtaining copyright and the challenges of taking legal action. Despite the growing controversy, neither Lisa nor her agency, YG Entertainment, has issued an official statement addressing these allegations.

Struggle of Fellow Idol Jong Jiha

In other news, Jong Jiha, a fellow K-Pop idol known from the Chinese survival show “Youth With You 3,” where Lisa served as a dance mentor, recently opened up about his battle with stage 4 lung cancer. At just 26 years old, Jong Jiha shared his struggles with the illness, revealing that it has metastasized to his brain, resulting in multiple tumors and significant physical and mental hardships.

Jong Jiha’s candid confession on social media has touched many fans and fellow idols, sparking an outpouring of support and encouragement from around the world. His story highlights the harsh realities faced by many in the industry, often hidden behind the glamorous facade of stardom.

Lisa’s Artistic Journey

Despite the ongoing controversies, Lisa continues to establish herself as a formidable solo artist. Her partnership with RCA Records for “Rockstar,” produced by renowned hitmaker Ryan Tedder, marks a significant step in her career. This release, made entirely in English, aims to appeal to a broader international audience, solidifying Lisa’s place in the global music scene.

However, some critics argue that Lisa’s solo work lacks a distinct artistic identity, feeling that her image and music style are heavily influenced by YG Entertainment’s previous projects for her debut. As she navigates her solo career, Lisa faces the challenge of defining her artistic voice and breaking away from established concepts.

Conclusion

As Lisa’s “Rockstar” continues to dominate charts and discussions, the K-Pop star finds herself at a crossroads, balancing between commercial success and artistic growth. With her undeniable talent and global influence, fans and critics alike watch closely, eager to see how she evolves amidst the challenges and controversies.