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| Lisa of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK poses during an online media event, Friday. Courtesy of YG Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Lisa of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK has pulled off something that only a few singers are capable of ― felicitously blending K-pop and the culture of Thailand, her native country.
The YG Entertainment star, and one of the very few Thai nationals in the K-pop scene, unleashed her first solo album, "LALISA," on Friday afternoon (KST). Lisa said that she added "Thai-style sounds" to the album's namesake lead single, which is a hip-hop tune with brass riffs and dynamic rhythms.
"The album and the lead track are titled after my full name, Lalisa Manoban, and through them, I want to display who I truly am," Lisa said during an online press conference held a few hours ahead of the album's release.
"(Being a Thai K-pop star,) I wanted my album to give a Thai feel as its gem, and YG's producer, Teddy, arranged the lead track in the way I expected. I also sported Thai outfits in its music video and made traditional Thai dance movements.
"In addition, for the first time since my debut in 2016, I hid my bangs for the music video to show my unexplored side to fans."
On top of the lead track that highlights the singer's hipness and confidence, the album also offers three other pieces, including "MONEY," an addictive hip-hop number that Lisa desperately wanted to include in her album.
During the session, the K-pop singer ― who looked both thrilled and nervous ― also disclosed that she actively participated in everything A to Z in the album-making process, taking part in crafting the choreography to designing the album.
"I chose to use black and gold for the album's cover, given that they are my defining colors," she uttered. "I included a golden ticket in the album as well, which can be a source of fun for fans when they unpack it… I was inspired by the 2005 musical fantasy film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Being the third BLACKPINK member to go solo ― following Jennie and Rose ― Lisa hopes she can walk in their footsteps.
"I have been striving to do as well as Jennie and Rose," she said, adding that the BLACKPINK members visited the site where she was shooting her music video to support her.
"They all stayed with me until very late," she said.
The 24-year-old wrapped up the online press conference by disclosing her goal.
"I just hope people can realize my new side," she said. "And if my fans are happy with my music and performance, I will be content."
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