Notes on Lisa Manobal's Journey in K-Pop

Introduction

• Lisa Manobal, a Thai artist, rose to prominence in the K-pop music scene.
• Known for her influence on social media and her journey from humble beginnings.

Early Life

• Birth: March 27, 1997, in Thailand.
• Original Name: PR PR Manin; changed due to a fortune teller's suggestion.
• Meaning of Name: Lisa means "one who is praised."

Career Beginnings

• Inspired to pursue a career in dance and music after watching a K-pop Idol perform.
• Started dance classes at age 4 and competed in contests.
• Dance Crew: Part of a crew called "Wee K," alongside GOT7's BamBam.

YG Entertainment Audition

• Audition: The only one to pass the Thailand auditions for YG in 2010.
• Move to Korea: At age 14, faced challenges including language barriers and rigorous training.
• Struggles: Considered quitting but was encouraged by her mother to persevere.

Debut and Rise to Fame

• Blackpink Debut: August 2016, as the first non-ethnic Korean member.
• Debut Album: "Square One" included hits like "Boombayah" and "Whistle."
• Achieved significant milestones quickly, including chart-topping success.

Challenges Faced

• Experienced online racism and discrimination, being one of the first international idols to face such intense scrutiny.
• Societal Issues: Racism towards non-Korean idols in Korea highlighted by sociological studies.
• Online Harassment: Faced hateful comments and threats following public appearances.

Fan Support and Activism

• International fans rallied against racism with the hashtag #RespectLisa.
• Fans played a crucial role in protecting Lisa from threats, including death threats reported to Thai Embassy.
• Established a strong, loyal fandom dedicated to her well-being.

Personal Struggles and Agency Criticism

• Financial Exploitation: Scammed out of a significant amount by her manager.
• Criticized YG Entertainment for not adequately supporting her through challenges.
• Faced issues regarding promotions and visibility within the group.

Achievements and Records

• Released her solo single in late 2021, setting a record for most viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours.
• Achieved numerous Guinness World Records, including the fastest K-pop female soloist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.
• Showcased powerful performances during the Born Pink tour, maintaining focus on her art despite critiques.

Recent Developments

• Received honorary memberships from King Charles for advocacy efforts.
• Finished her contract with YG Entertainment and started her own label, "Loud."
• Released a new track "Rockstar," marking a new chapter in her career.

Conclusion

• Lisa's journey exemplifies hard work, talent, and passion.
• Overcoming barriers and achieving global success while maintaining her individuality.