A documentary titled Always Lalisa, directed by Sue Kim, chronicles K-pop artist Lisa Manobal’s response to a significant controversy and her career transition. The film captures Lisa’s reaction to leaked videos that emerged in the previous year showing Blackpink members using racial slurs during rehearsals when they were teenage trainees. The clips featured the group covering US rap songs with uncensored explicit language. The scandal surfaced while Lisa was preparing for a Coachella Festival performance in 2025.
Rather than issuing a formal statement through her label’s typical channels, the documentary captures an unscripted moment in Lisa’s dressing room. When asked by director Kim about the controversy, Lisa provided an extended, stream-of-consciousness response explaining that she was approximately 15 or 16 years old when the videos were recorded and did not recognize the offensive nature of the language due to her Thai background and limited English proficiency. She acknowledged learning about the term’s historical context and stated she would not repeat such actions with her current understanding. Lisa subsequently offered a public apology through an interview with Variety, though reactions to this statement remained mixed among some observers.
Beyond the scandal, the documentary follows Lisa’s decision to pursue solo success in the Western market, departing from the constraints of the K-pop industry. At age 25, she terminated her relationship with Korean entertainment company YG Entertainment and signed with RCA Records in the United States. The film documents her struggle with self-doubt in the recording studio and her gradual development of confidence throughout the filming process. Lisa also successfully auditioned for a role in the third season of television drama The White Lotus.
Director Kim describes Lisa as having granted unprecedented access during production, allowing the filmmaking to capture moments of vulnerability alongside her professional ambitions. The documentary presents a portrayal that contrasts with typical celebrity profiles, though it remains ultimately a marketing product commissioned by Lisa’s record label. Always Lalisa premiered in cinemas on October 12.
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