It's funny how we often see our favorite artists under the brightest lights, performing their hearts out, and then wonder what their lives are like when the applause fades. For Lisa, the dynamic force behind Blackpink, those moments away from the global spotlight are just as vibrant, though perhaps a little more low-key.
When she's not commanding stadiums or dropping chart-topping hits, you might find her lost in the whimsical aisles of PopMart. She's a self-proclaimed fan of their adorable characters, so much so that she once embarked on a mission to find a rare figurine, visiting three Paris locations in a single day. She jokes about her collection taking over her living space, admitting, “I have no space to walk anymore!” It’s a charming glimpse into a passion that’s purely for her own joy.
And then there's the food. Like many of us, Lisa finds comfort and connection in familiar flavors. While L.A. might point her towards culinary institutions like Anajak or Jitlada, she’s on a quest for something more personal – the taste of home. She mentions Ruen Pair as a spot that gets closer to that authentic feeling, a place she can visit without much fanfare. "I just randomly walk in. I don’t really do any makeup, so I just go in like this" — she playfully pulls her hair over her face — "and they barely notice me." It’s a relatable desire to blend in, to simply enjoy a meal without the weight of global recognition.
When she is recognized, especially in America, people tend to be respectful. "They come to you like, ‘I just want to say I love your music, I just want to say hi!,’ and leave," she explains with a lighthearted, almost playful accent. And if the recognition isn't so smooth? Well, she's got backup, nodding towards her bodyguard, a reassuring presence in her whirlwind life.
Her recent single, "Rockstar," paints a picture of this jet-setting existence, where airport codes are as familiar as ABCs. It’s a testament to her multilingual talents and the sheer energy she brings to her music. The fan reaction to her solo work, she says, is incredibly validating. "The reaction from the fans, it’s healing me. It’s like, ‘Oh, my God. Yeah — I did a great job!’"
Blackpink itself has been a phenomenon, a group practically built for global impact. Their music, their videos, their multinational appeal – it all added up to massive success. They’ve broken barriers, headlining Coachella and selling out stadiums worldwide. Alongside peers like BTS, they’ve helped K-pop become a mainstream force, appearing on major U.S. shows and collaborating with American artists, all facilitated by partnerships like the one between YG Entertainment and Interscope Records.
While each member of Blackpink possesses a unique star quality, Lisa stands out as an undeniable force. Her rapping is described as having the infectious energy of a Pixar lamp, and her confident delivery has made her a key figure in the globalization of hip-hop. Her solo track "Money" was a significant moment, charting on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and marking her as the first K-pop artist to break into the top 40. She's proven her versatility, confidently stating, "I kind of… kill it in every single thing? So I’m like, ‘Oh, why not!’"
Interestingly, Lisa is forging a new path for K-pop soloists. Instead of solely relying on existing structures, she's launched her own management company and label, Lloud, and partnered with RCA Records, retaining ownership of her masters. This move signifies a bold step towards global domination, as RCA COO John Fleckenstein notes, "It was very clear that she wanted to go for global domination as one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, and we’re right there with her." It's a departure from the traditional K-pop model, which often integrates all aspects of an artist's career under one roof, and it's a testament to her ambition and vision.
This evolution isn't just Lisa's story; her bandmates are also navigating their next phases, launching their own ventures and solo projects. It's a collective blossoming, showcasing the individual strengths and ambitions that have always been a part of Blackpink's magic.
