In the constellation of global pop culture, few stars shine as brightly as Lisa Manobal. Known mononymously as Lisa, she is much more than a member of BLACKPINK — South Korea’s groundbreaking girl group — she embodies a story of ambition, resilience, and boundary-breaking success that spans continents and cultures. From her humble beginnings in Buriram, Thailand, to commanding sold-out arenas worldwide, Lisa’s journey is a testament to talent honed by determination and a deep connection with fans across the globe.
Lisa’s rise to fame was never accidental. Born Pranpriya Manobal on March 27, 1997, in Thailand, she later legally changed her name to Lalisa, meaning “the one being praised,” a decision influenced by cultural beliefs about fortune and destiny. Growing up as the only child in a multicultural family — with a Thai mother and Swiss stepfather — Lisa was introduced early to diverse perspectives. She was also a linguistic polyglot from a young age, fluent in Thai, Korean, and English, and conversational in Japanese and Chinese, a skill that has helped her navigate the global stage with ease.
From the age of four, Lisa’s passion for dance and performance was clear. Participating in local contests and joining dance crews, she cultivated a stage presence and precision that set her apart. Her breakthrough came at age 13 when she auditioned for YG Entertainment in Thailand. Out of thousands of hopefuls, she was the only one selected to join the rigorous trainee program in South Korea, making her the first non-Korean trainee in the company’s history. This was the beginning of a transformative journey that would redefine the global K-pop landscape.
Lisa’s time as a trainee was marked by discipline and growth. Years of intense training in singing, dancing, and stagecraft prepared her for BLACKPINK’s debut in August 2016. From the outset, Lisa’s unique charisma, powerful dance skills, and rap delivery distinguished her within the group. BLACKPINK quickly soared to international acclaim, breaking records, dominating charts, and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Beyond her group success, Lisa has carved a remarkable solo career. Her debut single album, “Lalisa,” released in September 2021, shattered records, selling over 736,000 copies in its first week alone in South Korea — a first for any female artist. The music video for the title track became the most-viewed solo music video in 24 hours on YouTube. Her viral follow-up single, “Money,” further solidified her solo credentials by topping global charts and becoming the longest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the US Billboard Hot 100 at the time.
Lisa’s success is not only defined by numbers but by cultural impact. She became the first K-pop solo artist to hit one billion streams on Spotify for both an album and a single. Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and media; her endorsements with luxury brands and her growing acting career, marked by her 2025 debut in HBO’s “The White Lotus,” reflect a multifaceted talent with global appeal.
Despite her superstar status, Lisa remains deeply connected to her roots and fans. Known for her humility and approachable personality, she regularly engages with fans through social media, sharing glimpses of her life and work. Her story resonates with many young people, particularly from Southeast Asia, who see in her a symbol of perseverance and global possibility.
Lisa’s achievements have garnered a slew of awards and accolades, including nine Guinness World Records and multiple MTV Europe and Video Music Awards, where she was the first K-pop soloist to win. She is also the most-followed K-pop artist on Instagram and the top female K-pop soloist on Spotify — metrics that speak to her massive, devoted fan base worldwide.
At a broader cultural level, Lisa serves as a bridge between Thailand and South Korea, and by extension, Asia and the world. The Thai government recognized her contributions by appointing her as a cultural ambassador leader, highlighting her role in spreading Thai culture on the global stage. This acknowledgment underscores the significance of her influence beyond entertainment.
Lisa Manobal’s story is one of talent meeting opportunity, shaped by relentless work ethic and an ability to inspire across cultures. As the world continues to embrace K-pop and global pop culture evolves, Lisa stands at the forefront — not just as a performer but as a symbol of how music and art can transcend borders and bring people together.
Her journey from a small town in Thailand to global arenas is far from over. With new music, acting roles, and ventures on the horizon, Lisa continues to redefine what it means to be a global pop icon in the 21st century.
