Lisa Manobal, widely known as Lisa, has become one of the most prominent figures in the K-pop industry through her unparalleled talent, determination, and resilience. Born on March 27, 1997, in Buriram, Thailand, Lisa’s journey to global stardom began at an early age. She showed a keen interest in dance and music, participating in various competitions and performances throughout her childhood. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and extraordinary talent.

In 2010, at the age of 13, Lisa auditioned for YG Entertainment, one of South Korea’s leading entertainment companies, in Thailand. Out of 4,000 applicants, she was the only one accepted, making history as the first non-Korean trainee at YG. This achievement marked the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey. Lisa moved to South Korea in 2011 to begin her formal training. The transition was far from easy; she faced significant cultural and language barriers, having to learn Korean from scratch. The training regimen at YG was notoriously rigorous, involving long hours of singing, dancing, and performance lessons. Despite these challenges, Lisa’s unwavering dedication and work ethic helped her persevere.

During her training years, Lisa demonstrated exceptional talent and versatility. In November 2013, she appeared in the music video for Taeyang’s single “Ringa Linga” as a background dancer. This exposure helped her gain experience and confidence in performing alongside established artists. In 2015, she undertook her first modeling job for the streetwear brand Nona9on, followed by a modeling gig for the South Korean cosmetics brand Moonshot in 2016. These opportunities allowed Lisa to showcase her unique style and charisma, further solidifying her presence in the industry.

After five years of intense training, Lisa debuted as a member of BLACKPINK on August 8, 2016. The group’s debut single album “Square One,” featuring the tracks “Whistle” and “Boombayah,” was an immediate success, topping charts in South Korea and internationally. BLACKPINK quickly rose to global fame, and Lisa’s exceptional dance skills and charismatic stage presence played a crucial role in the group’s success. As the main dancer and lead rapper, she captivates audiences with her precise movements, powerful energy, and captivating performances.

BLACKPINK’s success continued to soar with hits like “Playing with Fire,” “As If It’s Your Last,” and “Kill This Love,” solidifying their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups globally. In addition to her activities with BLACKPINK, Lisa ventured into solo projects, further showcasing her versatility and talent. On September 10, 2021, she made her solo debut with the single album “Lalisa.” The title track “Lalisa” broke records, becoming the most viewed YouTube music video by a solo artist in 24 hours, amassing 73.6 million views. The album’s second single, “Money,” also achieved significant success, becoming the longest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Both “Lalisa” and “Money” reached 1 billion streams on Spotify, a first for a K-pop solo artist.

Lisa’s success is not limited to her music career; she has established herself as a fashion icon, frequently collaborating with high-end brands and gracing the covers of international fashion magazines. Her influence in the fashion industry is undeniable, with millions of followers on Instagram and a significant presence on social media platforms. Lisa’s unique style and fashion-forward looks have made her a sought-after ambassador for brands like Celine, Bulgari, and MAC Cosmetics.

In 2024, Lisa established her own management company, Laloud, and signed with RCA Records. Her new single “Rockstar” achieved remarkable success, debuting at number one on the Billboard US chart and marking Lisa’s first number one hit on the chart. “Rockstar” also debuted at number 70 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming her highest-charting song to date. This achievement highlighted Lisa’s ability to bridge cultural divides and appeal to a global audience.

Throughout her career, Lisa has faced numerous challenges. Being a foreign idol in the predominantly Korean K-pop industry presented unique obstacles; she had to navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and sometimes harsh criticism. Despite these challenges, Lisa remained resilient and focused on her passion for music and performance. Her journey is a testament to her strength and determination, inspiring many aspiring artists worldwide.