Lisa Addresses Race Controversy in Always Lalisa Documentary

Blackpink member Lisa Manobal addresses a past race controversy and her career transition in the documentary Always Lalisa, which follows the Thai-born K-pop star during a period of solo work and public scrutiny.

The film documents leaked trainee-era rehearsal videos that showed Blackpink members using a racial slur while covering US rap songs. The controversy emerged as Lisa prepared for her solo performance at Coachella Festival in 2025.

Director Sue Kim followed Lisa during the backlash and said she captured an unplanned conversation during the crisis.

"I said, 'Look, I know this is new. I know you guys are wildly confused and hurt, but this is your time to say whatever you want to say - even if you're just processing your thoughts and telling us what you're feeling," Kim tells the BBC.

Lisa described her reaction to the controversy inside the documentary.

"It's bad," Lisa says in the documentary.

She explained that she was a teenager when the videos were recorded and did not understand the history and sensitivity of the term at the time.

"15 or 16" Lisa said.

"I didn't know that [word] was sensitive because I'm from Thailand and my first language is not English" Lisa said.

Lisa said she learned from the incident and changed her understanding over time.

"Now I would never ever do that because, now, I've got education," Lisa said.

"But I did wrong." Lisa said.

Kim said Lisa's response became a significant moment in the documentary because it was not prepared in advance.

"one of the most important scenes" Kim said.

"There was no premeditation on Lisa's part, there was no media training," Kim said.

Kim added that the conversation showed Lisa speaking openly during a difficult period.

"I asked her one question and she just talked for an hour, and everything came out, and it's all stream of consciousness." Kim said.

"And what you see with Lisa in that moment is so genuine, it's impossible not to feel compassion for her." Kim said.

The documentary also follows criticism Lisa faced while promoting her debut solo album Alter Ego and pursuing opportunities outside the K-pop system.

"spinning in my head" Lisa said.

"To a certain extent I have to take [criticism] and compromise," Lisa said.

"but sometimes, it's too much" Lisa said.

Kim said the film's access was possible because Lisa allowed extensive behind-the-scenes coverage.

"You never know when you meet an artist how transparent they'll be. And I have to give all credit to Lisa because she allowed us almost total access," Kim said.

"And when I showed her the film, she never asked me to remove a single scene. That's exceptional." Kim said.

The documentary also shows Lisa leaving the traditional K-pop system to pursue solo work, including her move away from YG and a new deal with RCA Records.

"I don't want my dating to be the thing to hurt Blackpink's popularity." Lisa said.

"But when I turned 25, I realised that this is not how you're supposed to live your life." Lisa said.

Kim described Lisa's decision to seek independence as a major personal change.

"Knowing her as I do, that took an immense amount of courage," Kim said.

"In general, she is a very kind, sweet person - and sometimes personalities like that, they don't want to rock the boat." Kim said.

Kim said filming showed Lisa developing confidence while facing new challenges.

"I saw a person who was very tentative and unsure of herself slowly starting to unfold her wings. Making mistakes, but also getting back up on the horse." Kim said.