Global K-pop phenomenon Lisa, known as a member of Blackpink, is stepping into a new chapter of her professional life that includes an acting debut in the series “The White Lotus.” This shift comes as part of a significant year for the Thai performer, which is the subject of the Sony Music Vision documentary “Always Lalisa.” The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and arrived on theatre screens on October 12, 2026, before heading to YouTube Premium, offers an intimate portrait of Lalisa Manobal as she navigates life beyond the strict confines of her former agency.
Director Sue Kim provides a rare look at the artist during a transformative period that included launching her 2025 solo album “Alter Ego,” performing at Coachella, and taking the stage at the Oscars. The documentary captures the challenges of this autonomy for Lisa, who is now 29. Reflecting on her transition, she notes that after nearly a decade with Blackpink, she had to overcome self-doubt to establish a solo identity, describing the process as a journey toward finding her own voice and confidence. Whose real name is Lalisa Manobal, through a pivotal year as she launches her first solo album, 2025’s “Alter Ego,” forms her own management company, plays Coachella, sings at the Oscars an, director Sue Kim follows Lisa. Lisa seems typically bubbly and bright during an AP interview – “I have my chips and my matcha latte.
The film addresses the rigorous background of the star, who at age 13 became the first non-Korean trainee at YG Entertainment. Living in a boarding-school environment for five years, she adhered to strict rules regarding dating, alcohol, and driving. Since Blackpink’s 2016 debut, the group has achieved massive international success, selling over 20 million records and accumulating more than 40 billion streams globally. Despite this history, Lisa admits that viewing archival footage of herself as a young trainee can still feel embarrassing. I’ve been with Blackpink for almost 10 years.
For director Sue Kim, the project served as a “delayed coming of age” study. Kim, who has previously explored the intense world of the music industry in her work, noted the contrast between common Western expectations for entertainers and the restrictive environment Lisa experienced. The documentary does not shy away from the scrutiny the star faces, including the mixed critical reception of “Alter Ego” and the intense, often unfounded online backlash she encounters, such as the incorrect allegations regarding her outfit at the 2025 Met Gala. Who was already in her mid-20s and one of the most famous faces in the world as the film begins, the film also portrays a surreal evolution for Lisa.
Lisa remains transparent about the personal nature of the project, which even features appearances by her parents. While she admits to the pressures of solo fame—a reality that has included everything from becoming a trendsetter for plush Labubu monster charms to managing constant, high-level security—she embraces her current path. “I tried things that I never had a chance to try. It was challenging, but I’m just so proud of myself,” she said, adding that her current focus is on defining what works for her as a person rather than just a public image. That was all it took for the Labubu craze to be born. But I wasn’t confident and I didn’t know where to start.”, then I wanted to do my own solo project.
The documentary also highlights her playful side, with the singer laughing off the media frenzy surrounding her fashion choices. When questioned about the popularity of the plush charms she popularized in 2024, she quipped, “I’m sorry! But I can’t help it. It’s really cute. We’re kids!” This lightheartedness stands in contrast to the intense professional evolution captured on screen, as Lisa continues to test her boundaries and chart a new course in the entertainment industry. The Thai singer and rapper was photographed with a strange little plush monster hanging from her handbag, grinning with serrated teeth, in the spring of 2024.
