Early last year, Blackpink rapper and singer Lisa stepped into the spotlight on her own with Alter Ego, her debut solo album. She had explored solo projects in smaller endeavors before, like the 2021 EP Lalisa, but a full-length was a much bigger undertaking. Lisa captured the pressure and lessons that came with the experience in the documentary film Always Lalisa, arriving in theaters internationally on Oct. 12.
Directed by Sue Kim, Always Lalisa follows Lisa as she builds her solo career outside of Blackpink while balancing global stardom and personal developments in the public eye. Her journey includes not only music, but fashion, television, and the personal brand she has developed around these different sectors.
“Following Lisa on this transformative and thrilling year has been a true honor and a cinematic gift,” Kim said in a statement last year, when production on the documentary began. “There have been so many moments on her journey that I think will surprise people and give a glimpse into her world that no one’s ever seen before. I’m excited for viewers to watch the film and witness this extraordinary moment in her life.”
“This has been such an incredible year and I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to capture these special moments on film and share the experience with my fans,” Lisa said at the time. “Working with Sue Kim has been such a joy. We’ve been all around the world together and I know this is just the beginning of many more exciting things to come.”
Following the theatrical release of Always Lalisa, the documentary will be made available to stream exclusively on YouTube Premium. Tickets for the IMAX screenings of the film go on sale on Sept. 9.
“LISA’s music resonates with fans across the globe and we hope this film creates that same powerful connection,” said Sony Music Vision President Tom Mackay. “Alongside its theatrical release, we’re thrilled to partner with YouTube Premium to bring this intimate look at her incredible journey directly to audiences around the world, wherever they are.”
Always Lalisa arrives just under two weeks before the release of Press Play, a six-track project featuring the upcoming single “Sawadika,” out Sept. 3. The record will reflect a deeper exploration of the 29-year-old’s Thai roots and lean into a more personal approach to her solo output. Press Play is set for release on Oct. 23. In November, Lisa will make history as the first K-pop artist to stage a Las Vegas residency.
Last month, Lisa celebrated the tenth anniversary of Blackpink in an Instagram post. “Thank you so much to all the Blinks who were there with me throughout these ten years,” she said. “Because of your support, you are the ones who keep me going and I promise to keep working hard to do the same for you. I strive to be a better version of myself to make you guys proud. And to my ride or die members, its been a rollercoaster of a ride but I wouldn’t have it any other way. There will be ups and downs but we are in it together and know that I will always have your back.”
