In ‘Always Lalisa,’ K-pop superstar Lisa comes of age and embarks on a new career in acting

Even people who have never heard of the K-pop superstar Lisa, who is part of the group Blackpink, have likely experienced her worldwide influence. Lisa, whose real name is Lalisa Manobal, was recently photographed with a plush monster attached to her handbag, which sparked a trend known as "Labubu." This sighting marked the beginning of her journey in the film industry.

The Toronto International Film Festival premiere of "Always Lalisa," a Sony Music Vision documentary, took place in the spring of 2024. Director Sue Kim follows Lisa, as she embarks on a new career in acting during a pivotal year. "Always Lalisa" is currently showing in limited theaters before streaming on YouTube Premium.

The film portrays Lisa's transformation as she launches her first solo album, "Alter Ego," forms her own management company, performs at Coachella, sings at the Oscars, and makes her acting debut in "The White Lotus." The movie showcases the evolution of Lisa, who had already become one of the most famous faces in the world when the film started.

After years of strict management under the South Korean label YG Entertainment, Lisa can now enjoy her newfound independence. "I learned so much on my own. I tried things that I never had a chance to try. It was challenging, but I'm just so proud of myself," Lisa said. "Finding my voice, yes, and finding confidence. I've been with Blackpink for almost 10 years. Then I wanted to do my own solo project, but I wasn't confident and I didn't know where to start."

The documentary offers a unique and intimate look into Lisa's life, as her parents also appear in it. Lisa admits that seeing the footage of herself in her youth makes her feel embarrassed sometimes. Having grown up in the K-pop world, director Sue Kim, a veteran documentarian and Detroit native, has an outsider's perspective on the unique pressures faced by K-pop idols. For her, filming Lisa is a chance to show "a delayed coming of age."