BLACKPINK: Lisa apologizes for a racist slur made before her debut
In "Always Lalisa," BLACKPINK's Thai star reflects on videos from her training period released in 2025 and explains why she did not respond at the time.
Lisa has apologized regarding old videos in which members of BLACKPINK, while still trainees, recite lyrics containing a racist slur. The singer stated that she did not understand the significance of the term at the time and assured that she would not repeat the mistake.
The 29-year-old Thai star spoke in an interview with “Variety” about the documentary “Always Lalisa“. She explained that she grew up in Thailand without being aware of the history and severity of the term used, before coming to understand its offensive nature.
The footage dates back over ten years, when the future members of BLACKPINK were still trainees at the South Korean label YG Entertainment. It shows them rapping lyrics that include the “n-word,” a racist insult aimed at Black individuals.
These videos circulated publicly prior to Lisa’s solo performance at the Coachella festival in 2025. The singer shared that she was affected by their release while preparing for her concert but chose to go ahead with her performance.
Lisa noted that she had been unable to issue a statement at the time of the controversy. Her current remarks thus represent her first detailed response to this incident. The exact circumstances surrounding the recording and leak of the videos were not elaborated upon in the interview.
The incident is also addressed in “Always Lalisa,” directed by Sue Kim. The film follows the artist between 2024 and 2025, during the launch of her solo career, her debut in the series “The White Lotus,” and her preparation for Coachella.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the documentary also explores Lisa’s formative years and the rules imposed on young artists at YG Entertainment. The singer reflects on her arrival in South Korea as the label’s first non-Korean trainee.
Despite the development of her personal projects, Lisa affirmed her desire to continue her journey with BLACKPINK. The group completed its “Deadline” tour in January 2026, while “Always Lalisa” is set to be released in theaters on October 12.
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