Documenting a Pivotal Year Away From BLACKPINK
Pop star Lisa, known globally as a member of the record-breaking group BLACKPINK, takes center stage in a new cinematic project that explores her transition into independent artistry. Directed by Sue Kim, the documentary Always Lalisa chronicles the singer’s transformative year away from the group alongside bandmates Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé. According to an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the collective break was a planned agreement among the members to pursue individual creative directions, leading Lisa to release her debut solo album Alter Ego, land a major role in HBO’s The White Lotus, and secure a solo slot at Coachella.
Director Sue Kim approached the project with the explicit goal of capturing the artist outside the rigid confines of the Korean entertainment industry. Unlike traditional K-pop idol projects that operate under strict corporate oversight, Kim noted that her production aimed for intimacy and unfiltered truth. However, that separation also came with creative hurdles; the director revealed that attempts to license original BLACKPINK songs and trainee-era footage from the singer’s former label were denied, limiting the archival lore featured in the film.
Stepping Out of Comfort Zones in the Studio
Transitioning away from the established infrastructure of her former label meant adapting to an entirely new creative process. In promotional trailers covered by Billboard, Lisa opened up about the initial discomfort of collaborating with Western producers and songwriters outside of Korea, admitting that she felt shy and lacked confidence when working with an outside vocal producer for the first time.
Collaborators such as British producer Sammy Soso and veteran vocal producer Kuk Harrell recounted helping the singer navigate those early studio sessions. Harrell provided vocal coaching as Lisa tackled new lyric writing and vocal arrangements, pushing past her initial hesitation to establish her distinct solo sound.
Confronting Controversies and Personal Vulnerability
Always Lalisa also addresses difficult moments from the star’s past, including an unexpected scene capturing her reaction to leaked trainee videos featuring members singing songs with inappropriate language. Kim emphasized that the emotional moment was unscripted, caught on camera the exact day the footage surfaced while the singer dealt with the shock and public backlash.
Beyond professional milestones, the documentary explores personal aspirations that standard idol packaging rarely accommodates. Lisa addresses her desire to eventually marry and have children, expressing hope that her global fanbase will understand her human side. As the documentary heads to a limited theatrical release via IMAX and cinemas before streaming on YouTube Premium, Lisa remains focused on her upcoming projects, including her new single “SaWaDiKa” and her upcoming EP Press Play.