The report titled 'BLACKPINK's Lisa: Rise as a Global Icon in Music, Fashion, and Culture' explores the diverse career of Lisa (Lalisa Manobal), a prominent member of the K-pop group BLACKPINK. It highlights her recent milestones, including the release of her solo single 'Rockstar' under Lloud Company and RCA Records, and her subsequent achievements in streaming records and chart performance. Additionally, the report delves into Lisa's impact within the fashion industry through her role as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and her participation in globally recognized events such as the Global Citizen Festival. Cultural influences, including her representation of Thai culture and her contributions to global media, are also discussed. Despite facing controversies, including plagiarism claims from Gabriel Moses, Lisa's adept engagement with her fanbase and strategic communications have reinforced her status as a global icon..
On June 28, 2024, Lisa released her new solo single, 'Rockstar', through Lloud and RCA Records. This marked her first solo release in three years and her first under Lloud since parting ways with YG Entertainment in 2023. The song was produced by Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee, with lyrics co-written by Lisa, Brittany Amaradio, James Essien, Lucy Healey, Ryan Tedder, and Sam Homaee. 'Rockstar' received positive reviews from music critics and was described as Lisa's best solo material yet. It features a hip-hop genre characterized by 'hyperpop-lite beats' and 'cyberpunk psychedelia'.
Lisa's 'Rockstar' achieved significant commercial success. The single garnered 100 million plays on Spotify within 23 days of its release, making Lisa the fastest female K-pop soloist to reach this milestone. It also set the record for the biggest first-week debut by a female K-pop soloist with 39 million streams. The music video was also widely viewed, amassing 32.4 million views and 3.4 million likes within 24 hours and crossing 100 million views within two weeks. 'Rockstar' debuted at number four on the Billboard Global 200 and number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, with 94.2 million streams and 44,000 sold outside the U.S. This marked Lisa's first number-one song on the latter chart and her highest-charting entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 70.
Fans embraced Lisa's solo comeback with 'Rockstar' with overwhelming enthusiasm. Upon the release of teasers and the official music video, the content quickly went viral among fans, gaining immense popularity both domestically and internationally. The positive reception was reflected in the high number of streams and views achieved within a short period. Lisa's unique magnetism and her adeptness in maintaining a positive mindset were highlighted in interviews as significant factors contributing to her confidence and success. Additionally, the music video for 'Rockstar' featured intense choreography and inclusivity, showcasing Thai culture and street life, which resonated well with the audience.
As of July 23, 2024, Lisa from BLACKPINK has officially become Louis Vuitton's new House Ambassador. This announcement followed her attendance at the brand's Fall/Winter 2024 show in Paris. Louis Vuitton's Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, Nicolas Ghesquière, spoke highly of Lisa, mentioning her daring spirit and charisma. He noted that her bold and creative approach to both music and fashion makes her an exciting addition to the Louis Vuitton family. This new role comes shortly after Lisa’s successful release of her single 'Rockstar,' which was the first track launched under her new management company, LLOUD Co., and RCA Records.
Lisa’s involvement with Louis Vuitton is expected to have a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her presence at fashion shows and future campaigns will likely continue to solidify the connection between luxury fashion and K-pop. Her influence extends beyond her ambassadorship, as she often sets trends and inspires fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Her bold fashion choices and high-profile public appearances at events like Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2024 show contribute to her growing reputation as a global fashion icon.
Lisa’s public appearances are a key element of her role as a Louis Vuitton ambassador. Her attendance at the Fall/Winter 2024 show in Paris marked the beginning of her visible association with the brand. Additionally, her viral dance video with Seventeen's Mingyu, promoting her single 'Rockstar,' accrued nearly nine million views and two million likes on social media within hours of its release. This dance challenge video, trending on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) and Korean community sites, showcased Lisa’s ability to engage a global audience and highlighted her strong fan interactions and public appeal.
Lisa's success has had a significant impact on Thai culture. As a Thai native who is one of the few non-ethnically Korean performers to succeed in the K-pop industry, her achievements have been closely followed in Thailand. Her latest single, 'Rockstar', released on June 28, 2024, caused a sensation in Bangkok, with a sharp increase in mobile data usage in the city and a surge in Lisa-themed merchandise. The video, filmed in Bangkok's Chinatown with a Bladerunner-esque aesthetic, drew tourists and locals to the filming location, causing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to install barriers and redirect traffic. Lisa's influence extends beyond entertainment, as she has been praised by Thai officials and co-opted as part of official Thai soft power. Her distinctive star image, combining elements of Thai culture with modern themes, reflects the evolving definitions of 'Thainess' amid Thailand's rapid economic and social changes.
Lisa's role in global media extends her influence beyond music. She has recently been appointed as Louis Vuitton's new House Ambassador, demonstrating her significant presence in the fashion industry. Her appearance at the Fall/Winter 2024 show in Paris further solidified this role. Additionally, Lisa is set to star in the new series of HBO's The White Lotus, marking her on-screen debut. These roles highlight her versatile talent and ability to cross over into various sectors of global entertainment.
Lisa's public engagements and participation in high-profile events have played a crucial role in her cultural influence. Her recent solo debut, 'Rockstar', quickly topped the charts, and her activities have been met with significant public interest. In Thailand, 'Rockstar' prompted a wide range of responses and commercial tie-ins in both street markets and luxury malls. Her attendance at major fashion events and upcoming appearances in television series exemplify her active presence in the public sphere, contributing to her status as a global icon.
Recently, a plagiarism controversy has surrounded BLACKPINK's Lisa in connection with her 'Rockstar' music video. Gabriel Moses, a video director, claimed on social media that Lisa's team plagiarized a scene from Travis Scott's 'FE!N' music video, which Moses directed. According to Moses, Lisa's team had contacted his editor using 'FE!N' as a reference. Despite the editor's refusal, Lisa's team allegedly copied the reference. Moses has demanded an explanation from Lisa's team by the end of the month. To date, neither Lisa nor her team has issued an official response to these allegations. The 'Rockstar' music video, released on June 27, 2024, quickly surpassed 100 million views and was filmed in Lisa's hometown of Thailand.
Public and media response to the plagiarism claims against Lisa has been mixed. While some netizens have voiced their discomfort and unease with the allegations, others continue to support Lisa wholeheartedly. Thai media outlets have also reported on the controversy, with the publication Khaosod noting the similarities between 'Rockstar' and Travis Scott's 'FE!N'. Despite the controversy, Lisa's new single 'Rockstar' has been well-received in Thailand, and the buzz around her music video continues, especially after surpassing 100 million views. However, the silence from Lisa's camp has further fueled the public's demand for a statement.
Lisa's response to the plagiarism controversy follows what some describe as the 'YG-style communication'. Historically, YG Entertainment, the company behind BLACKPINK, has often opted for a selective communication approach during controversies, typically withholding comments or issuing non-committal statements citing 'artist privacy'. Lisa has continued this strategy by not directly addressing the plagiarism claims. On July 16, she posted on Instagram expressing gratitude to her fans for attending a 'Rockstar' pop-up event in Seoul, but made no mention of the controversy. This method has both critics and supporters, with some viewing it as a means to maintain her desired public image while others see it as an evasion of accountability.
Blackpink's Lisa and Seventeen's Mingyu, both born in 1997, teamed up for Lisa's 'Rockstar' challenge in June 2024. The collaboration, highlighted by their energetic and synchronized dance moves, was shared on social media, delighting fans. Lisa, who released her single 'Rockstar' under her independent label Lloud, wore a sleek black crop top and stylish jeans, while Mingyu sported a white jacket over a plain tee and gray pants. This playful camaraderie created a significant buzz among fans, marking their first major joint activity since interactions at an earlier luxury brand event.
Lisa is set to co-headline the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, joining an impressive lineup that includes Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, and Rauw Alejandro. This event will take place on September 28 at Central Park Great Lawn in New York. Organized by Global Citizen, the festival aims to address global challenges and end extreme poverty. Lisa's involvement was officially announced on July 9, 2024. Katie Hill, Global Citizen’s SVP and head of music, entertainment, and artist relations, emphasized Lisa's role as both an incredible performer and a powerful advocate, driving action on urgent global issues. This marks Lisa’s first solo festival appearance, continuing her impactful presence in major events following BLACKPINK's historic Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival headlining in 2023.
Lisa’s latest single 'Rockstar,' released at the end of June 2024, marks her solo debut in collaboration with RCA Records and her company, Lloud. After BLACKPINK renewed their contract with YG Entertainment in December 2023 for group activities, all members, including Lisa, decided to pursue solo ventures under new affiliations. Lisa launched Lloud, her independent label, in February 2024 to express her vision in music and entertainment. The partnership with RCA Records allows her to release solo music while maintaining full ownership of her recordings, symbolizing a significant step in her independent career. Her new role as Louis Vuitton’s ambassador complements these musical achievements, reflecting her multifaceted influence in entertainment and fashion.
BLACKPINK's Lisa has firmly established herself as a global cultural icon, with significant accomplishments spanning music, fashion, and public engagement. Her solo single 'Rockstar' has set new benchmarks in the music industry, with record-breaking streams and chart-topping success. Lisa's role as a Louis Vuitton brand ambassador underscores her influence in fashion, while her involvement in the Global Citizen Festival aligns with her advocacy for global issues. Despite controversies, such as the plagiarism allegations from Gabriel Moses, Lisa's communication approach and strong fan support have upheld her positive public image. However, the report identifies the necessity for transparent communication to address such challenges and maintain her reputation. Looking ahead, Lisa's multifaceted career shows promise for continued influence and success in multiple domains. Her work highlights the potential for cultural crossover and the capacity to inspire on both personal and artistic levels.
Lisa is a Thai rapper, singer, and dancer known for her work with BLACKPINK and her solo career. She is influential in both the music and fashion industries, serving as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and other luxury brands.
'Rockstar' is Lisa's solo single released in collaboration with Lloud Company and RCA Records. The song quickly gained popularity, breaking streaming records and charting on Billboard. It faced plagiarism accusations but was widely praised for its music and video.
Founded by Lisa, Lloud Company is her new management agency, marking her departure from YG Entertainment. The company focuses on managing her solo career and broader entertainment ventures.
Louis Vuitton is a luxury fashion brand that appointed Lisa as its brand ambassador. Her association with the brand has significantly influenced both her and the brand's visibility in the fashion industry.
The Global Citizen Festival is a high-profile event addressing global challenges. Lisa's participation as a co-headliner marks her first solo festival appearance, aligning with her advocacy for global issues.
Gabriel Moses is a photographer who accused Lisa's team of plagiarizing his work in her 'Rockstar' music video. His claims led to a significant controversy involving Lisa's management communication style.