231230 From BLACKPINK to the top of the world! Lisa: “Believe in yourself and don’t be swayed by the words of others.” | ELLE Taiwan

**From BLACKPINK to standing at the top of the world! LISA: ‘Believe in yourself, don’t be swayed by others’ words.’**

How much can a person sacrifice for success? From an ordinary person to becoming a top global star, LISA used ten years to prove to her 14-year-old self who traveled to Korea to chase her dreams: when ability is coupled with ambition and multiplied by far more effort than others, the stage lights and audience’s attention will always illuminate oneself, radiating a dazzling brilliance that allows her to blossom and win the applause of the world.

LISA is a natural performer. Do you remember in 2019 when BLACKPINK made their debut on the Coachella stage? Not only did they break records as the first Korean girl group to perform at Coachella, but they also created explosive trending topics on Twitter. Many people were asking who that ‘#Coachella ponytail, #BLACKPINK bangs girl’ was. LISA’s passionate performance overnight garnered a massive number of global fans.

Four years later, BLACKPINK stood once again on the Coachella music festival stage, setting a new record as the first Asian artists to headline the main stage. With 18 songs, it felt like an exclusive concert, allowing the four Pink Warriors to burn brightly, releasing energy. At the end of the performance, BLACKPINK embraced each other tightly, declaring to the world that they had achieved it. Reflecting on the intense emotions of these two weeks, LISA excitedly expressed, ‘The scale of this Coachella stage was larger than before, and indeed, there was more tension, but of the good kind (laughs). BLACKPINK being on the main stage of Coachella, we had to perform well! We held in our hearts the absolute determination not to disappoint everyone’s expectations, wanting to once again show BLINKs the proud image of BLACKPINK. Although it was nerve-wracking, it was incredibly fun—a moment to flaunt to everyone. Moreover, it was the members’ first time showcasing individual solo stages at Coachella, a significant moment for everyone.’

At the Coachella music festival, many attendees didn’t seem like BLINKs but rather people there to enjoy the festival. They were probably more curious about who BLACKPINK really is, especially what kind of songs and performances each member would bring and what style they would present. We’re delighted to showcase that to the public through Coachella.

Also, because BLACKPINK doesn’t have a leader, the four members’ way of interacting is to freely express their opinions. If someone wants to take responsibility for a particular part, they will directly suggest it. Alternatively, if they believe another member could do it better, they’ll recommend someone else for the task. This allows Lisa to feel grateful for being able to comfortably discuss these matters with the members. ‘Everyone is quite proactive in expressing their opinions. It’s not just about each member preparing their performance; it’s about the stage setup—things like how to go up or down on the elevator, how the lighting should illuminate a certain segment, preferences for pink or white lights during each member’s solo, etc. Regarding these details, we all share our ideas.’

‘At this year’s Coachella music festival, we had a stage performance with large fans, and it was also designed based on the colors each member wanted. After deciding on the performance lineup, we divided the song list into four parts, with each member taking responsibility for one part. It was a very interesting and unique experience.’

From being a trainee to becoming a globally recognized superstar, LISA recounts her journey. At the age of 14, she arrived alone in Korea and embarked on a five-year trainee period despite the language barrier. With a passion for performance and an exceptional aura, at just 19, LISA officially debuted with BLACKPINK. Now 26, she’s become the K-pop female artist with the most global fans and significant influence. However, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. Her mother, back in Bangkok, always encouraged her, serving as the driving force behind her perseverance.

Being acknowledged worldwide, LISA’s life became the center of public attention. After the conclusion of BLACKPINK’s world tour, LISA reminisces about the dreamlike journey of the past year. ‘The world tour lasted about a year, and on the last day of the Seoul concert, I woke up feeling both relaxed and regretful, realizing it was the tour’s final show, hence the regret. But apart from the feelings of regret, the stage performances themselves were incredibly enjoyable. Towards the end of the show, we had a segment where we rode mobile carts to greet fans up close. That moment left a profound impression on me. I tried hard to remember each BLINK’s face. Seeing fans shedding tears made me tear up too. Although it was funny, telling each other not to cry while crying, the happiness tears shared with fans throughout the year of face-to-face interactions combined with the sadness of the world tour ending created a moment where I experienced various emotions.’

Whether on stage or in private, I remain true to myself. On one hand, I’m a top-tier star shining on stage, cherished by millions. On the other hand, I’m a girl who relaxes and enjoys life. Offstage, Lisa, without makeup, sits by the roadside with a glass of red wine, living at her own relaxed pace. She believes, ‘The way I work is me, and the way I relax is also me. I never thought to separate different versions of myself in various states. When I’m stressed, I quickly go home to hug my beloved cats and dogs, and I indulge in online shopping. Because of frequent long flights, I try to sleep and rest as much as possible on the plane, and I spend time chatting with the members.’

“Not long ago, I received a very interesting book. It’s a book that helps people find inner peace and meditate, teaching me how to calm down and focus more on the present moment. It has been very helpful for me. Lately, everyone has been very busy, and this book embodies the principle of ‘Take the time to yourself.’ It’s the most interesting book I’ve read recently. Because it’s so well-written, I recommended it to my mom, especially for times when one’s mood isn’t great. Reading it feels like finding solace for the soul and learning the secrets of controlling emotional changes.”