Sold-out concerts, billions of streams and Youtube views, luxury brand endorsements, invited to international events, and being one of the most influential girl groups in the world, they need no introduction except “Blackpink In Your area!”
The quartet consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa debuted in 2016, and they went viral even before their debut with this dance practice video–
While netizens had their jaw dropped because of the immense talent of the rookie trainees, one girl, in particular, stood out for her dancing and overall vibe. “The girl with blonde hair” became an instant internet obsession. Who was this trainee who made an impression even before the debut?
Who Is Lalisa Manobel? Lisa’s Contribution To Blackpink And YG
Lalisa Manobel was a Thai teenager with huge dreams and even more incredible talent. Among the 4000 applicants, Lisa was the only one selected, while then CEO Yang Hyun Suk personally invited her to join YG Entertainment as a trainee.
She was just 13 and already admired for her on-stage confidence and off-stage attitude. And the world wasn’t even ready for her when Blackpink released their first music video in 2016. And that debut song, “Boombayah,” is the only song in K-Pop history to achieve more than one billion views.
Lisa was designated as the main rapper and main dancer of the group.
Here are some amazing facts about Lisa that make her so iconic–
- Lisa has a Youtube Channel, Lillifilm Official, where she posts her viral dance covers.
- Lisa’s stage presence is considered superior among Blinks.
- Her solo debut shattered glass ceilings, annihilated records, and won countless accolades. “Lalisa” and “Money” broke streaming platforms and climbed the Billboard Global 200 chart.
- She wrote history as the only K-pop soloist to ever reach 1 billion streams on Spotify and the first female artist to sell 736,000 album copies in its first week in South Korea.
- She is the first K-Pop idol to receive an MTV VMA award.
- She is invited to fashion shows, international events like Cannes, and several luxury brand endorsements like Celine, Bulagri, and more.
- She always promotes her roots and is named the brand ambassador for Thai tourism.
Will BLACKPINK Lisa Renew Her Contract with YG?
Now that we are well-versed with Lisa’s legendary career so far, all eyes are on her now whether she will continue to associate with her label YG.
Lisa has come a long way from being a trainee and a backup dancer for Taeyang’s Ringa Linga to a most celebrated K-pop soloist with considerable international influence.
Some Blinks believed that YG is incapable of handling a talent powerhouse of this caliber. However, with her contract ending in August 2023, YG is said to be negotiating the contract with Lisa.
A Chinese source has reported to Munhwa Ilbo, a South Korean media, that Lisa and YG are in-process of discussing the terms of renewing her contract. The source said–
“We have been working with Lisa and YG Entertainment to see if she can appear on our show, but they have told us that it is difficult to discuss any schedules past August due to uncertainty with contract renewals.”
Amidst this negotiation, there were alleged reports that Lisa would not be renewing her contract since she canceled some of her schedules.
But YG quickly denied these rumors with an official statement–
“[The uncertain scheduling] is due to the tour schedule as well as her individually scheduled activities. It has nothing to do with the contract renewal.”
“Contract renewals are currently under discussion.”
In short, it’s all a waiting game before we get a confirmation of whether Lisa will be renewing her contract.
What Does Lisa Not Renewing Her Contract Mean For Blackpink?
If Lisa decides not to renew her contract, this means that she is leaving the management of TG Entertainment. This decision in no way implies that she would be leaving her band, Blackpink.
Many K-Pop idols chose not to stay with their original company after the usual 7-year K-Pop contract. Mamamoo’s Wheein and Hwasa have left the company RBW, but they are still active with the Mamamoo girl group.
Lisa might leave YG, but she will continue to be a part of Blackpink, and she will be managed by another agency.
Is YG Propagating A Smear Campaign Against Lisa?
After the rumors that Lisa might leave YG Entertainment, several Korean media outlets released articles on Lisa, but these seemed to portray Lisa negatively. Some reports also spread rumors that Lisa might be dating Tag Huer CEO Frederic Arnault after they were spotted together on multiple occasions.
However, neither Lisa nor the CEO has denied or confirmed the rumors.
Some Blinks thought YG Entertainment was trying to tarnish her reputation by paying these media outlets to spread false rumors about her. Although, there is no way to confirm YG’s involvement whatsoever.
K-Netz Hateful Comments on Lisa
Some Korean netizens have posted slandering comments on the Thai K-Pop idol. These comments bordered xenophobia and racism, as they deemed her an unnecessary member of Blackpink.
International netizens and Blinks came to Lisa’s defense by pointing out that this racist behavior is coming out since Lisa has not confirmed whether or not she will renew her contract.
K-Netz were shown their hypocrisy since they were the ones who hyped Lisa because of her contribution to Blackpink’s live performances. And now they are the same ones throwing her under the bus.
#ALWAYS WITH YOU LISA Trending On Twitter
Blinks have outpoured support for Lisa and extend their wishes for her brighter future.
What are your predictions on this? Should Lisa continue with YG?
Which other agency is capable enough to manage Lisa? Let us know in the comments section below.
