Lisa profile highlights her journey from Thailand to becoming a global K-pop star with BLACKPINK. She trained under YG Entertainment for over five years before debuting in 2016, later achieving solo success with LALISA and MONEY. With her strong dance skills, rap versatility, and striking visuals, she continues to expand her influence in music, fashion, and entertainment worldwide.
Lisa’s Early Life and Background
Lisa, a Thai singer, rapper, and actress, is a member of BLACKPINK under YG Entertainment. She was born as Lalisa Manobal on March 27, 1997, in Satuek, Buri Ram Province, Thailand. Although her biological parents are both Thai, her stepfather is Swiss. Her birth name was Pranpriya Manobal, but she later changed it to Lalisa, meaning “one who receives blessings,” following a fortune teller’s recommendation. Lisa follows Christianity.
Lisa is an only child and grew up in a supportive family environment. Her mother, Chitthip Brüschweiler, played an essential role in nurturing her talents, while her stepfather, Marco Brüschweiler, is a well-known Swiss chef specializing in Thai cuisine. Despite her fame, Lisa maintains a strong bond with her family, often expressing her love and gratitude toward them in interviews and social media.
Growing Up in Thailand: Childhood and Education
Although Lisa was born in Buri Ram, she moved to Bangkok at the age of three, where she spent most of her childhood. She attended Praphamontree II International School, a private Thai institution known for its strong emphasis on English-language education. As a result, Lisa became fluent in English from an early age. She also learned Thai and basic Japanese during her school years. However, she left school before graduation when she moved to South Korea to train under YG Entertainment.
From a young age, Lisa showed a keen interest in the performing arts, particularly dance and music. She enjoyed watching performances by K-pop groups like BIGBANG and 2NE1, which sparked her dream of becoming an idol. Encouraged by her passion, she actively participated in school talent shows and local competitions. Her early exposure to diverse musical styles helped shape her unique artistic identity.
Early Passion for Dance and Entry into K-pop
Lisa’s love for dance began when she was still in kindergarten. Recognizing her potential, her parents enrolled her in dance classes, where she quickly excelled. As she grew older, she joined the dance crew We Zaa Cool, which gained recognition for its performances in various Thai dance competitions. She participated in To Be Number One, a national dance contest, and won several awards, solidifying her reputation as a promising dancer.
In 2010, at just 13 years old, Lisa auditioned for YG Entertainment’s Thailand auditions. Out of approximately 4,000 applicants, she was the only one to pass. This marked a turning point in her life, as she had to leave her home country to pursue her dream in South Korea. In April 2011, Lisa moved to Seoul, where she began her intense training under YG Entertainment, enduring a rigorous program that would last over five years.
Training at YG Entertainment and Language Acquisition
Lisa’s training period at YG Entertainment was both challenging and transformative. As a foreign trainee, she initially faced language barriers, communicating mainly in English with other international trainees. To adapt quickly, she took daily Korean lessons with a private tutor for two hours, gradually becoming fluent. Today, she often mentions that she finds Korean more comfortable than English when expressing herself.
Lisa’s training covered all aspects of idol preparation, including vocal training, rap, dance, stage presence, and even acting. She trained alongside future BLACKPINK members Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé, forging a deep bond with them. During evaluations, Lisa consistently ranked at the top, particularly in dance, where she impressed instructors with her precision, energy, and natural stage charisma.
The Profile of Lisa: Debut with BLACKPINK and Global Success
On August 8, 2016, Lisa officially debuted as a member of BLACKPINK with their single album SQUARE ONE, featuring the songs BOOMBAYAH and WHISTLE. At 19 years old, she became the group’s main dancer, lead rapper, and sub-vocalist. Her debut was groundbreaking, as she was YG Entertainment’s first non-Korean artist, marking a significant step for diversity in K-pop.
Lisa’s role in BLACKPINK has been vital to the group’s international success. As the only foreign member, she played a crucial part in expanding BLACKPINK’s global fanbase, especially in Southeast Asia. Her sharp dance moves, confident rap style, and distinctive visuals set her apart, making her a fan favorite. BLACKPINK quickly rose to international stardom, becoming one of the most influential girl groups in the world.
Lisa is particularly known for her dynamic stage presence and ability to adapt to various musical concepts. Whether performing hip-hop-influenced tracks like Kill This Love or softer ballads like Stay, she seamlessly blends into any concept. Her ability to effortlessly pull off different fashion styles has also made her a trendsetter in the industry.
The Profile of Lisa: Solo Career and Record-breaking Achievements
Lisa made her highly anticipated solo debut on September 10, 2021, with her single album LALISA, featuring the title track LALISA and the B-side MONEY. The album shattered numerous records, landing Lisa multiple Guinness World Records. The music video for LALISA became the most-viewed YouTube video by a solo artist within 24 hours, amassing over 73.6 million views. MONEY went viral globally, becoming the first song by a K-pop solo artist and female K-pop act to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.
Following her solo success, Lisa collaborated with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion on SG, expanding her presence in the international music scene. In December 2023, she parted ways with YG Entertainment but chose to remain a BLACKPINK member. She then established her own label, LLOUD, signaling her transition into a more independent career path.
On June 28, 2024, Lisa released ROCKSTAR, a track that showcased a bold new direction for her music. The song quickly climbed global charts, proving her enduring popularity. Her first full-length solo album, ALTER EGO, is set for release on February 28, 2025, generating high anticipation among fans.
The Profile of Lisa: Vocal, Rap, and Dance Prowess
Lisa is widely regarded as one of the top performers in K-pop, excelling in vocals, rap, and dance. Her live performances are notably stable, as demonstrated in BLACKPINK’s Pretty Savage stage on Kingdom: Legendary War. While she primarily focuses on rap, she has shown versatility in singing, delivering smooth and melodic vocals when needed.
As a rapper, Lisa stands out for her sharp pronunciation, smooth flow, and natural swag. Her ability to rap in both English and Korean allows her to switch effortlessly between styles. Her performance of MONEY gained particular praise for its crisp delivery and confident attitude.
Lisa’s dance skills are among the best in the industry. As BLACKPINK’s main dancer, she has impressed fans and professionals alike with her fluid movements, precise technique, and ability to execute complex choreography effortlessly. Her expressive facial control further enhances her stage presence, making her a captivating performer.
The Profile of Lisa: Unique Visuals and Charismatic Appeal
Lisa’s striking features often draw attention, leading some to mistake her for a mixed-race individual. Her large eyes, well-defined jawline, and slender, model-like physique contribute to her distinct look. She frequently experiments with different hairstyles and makeup styles, effortlessly pulling off everything from edgy to elegant aesthetics.
Her beauty, combined with her stage charisma, has made her a highly sought-after ambassador for luxury brands. She has worked with renowned fashion houses like Celine and Bulgari, further solidifying her status as a global icon.
The Profile of Lisa: Personality and Interests
Lisa is known for her cheerful and bright personality. She has a playful and affectionate nature, often teasing and joking with her fellow BLACKPINK members. Despite her fame, she remains humble and down-to-earth, frequently expressing gratitude toward her fans and team.
Beyond music, Lisa has a deep passion for photography. She owns an extensive collection of cameras, including the Leica M10 Safari Edition, Contax G2, and Nikon FM-2. She also enjoys fashion, often sharing her unique style choices with fans. Her favorite foods include truffle dishes, which she frequently mentions in interviews.
Lisa continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent, charismatic presence, and ever-evolving artistry. With her solo career flourishing, she is poised to leave an even greater mark on the global music industry.
Thank you so much for reading this post! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments!
You are growing up with strength and patience. The experience and talent that you have shines very brightly. Very cool. I admire and always encourage you.