Lisa (rapper)
A Thai rapper and dancer who shattered barriers to become the explosive center of K-pop phenomenon Blackpink.
Born 1997 (age 29)·Thai rapper and singer·Birthday: March 27·Generation Z
Biography
Lalisa Manobal, known mononymously as Lisa, didn't just join a K-pop group; she helped redefine its global potential. Born in Thailand, she was the only candidate to pass YG Entertainment's auditions there in 2010, moving to South Korea as a teenager to train for five grueling years. When Blackpink debuted in 2016, Lisa immediately stood out with a commanding stage presence—her razor-sharp, powerful dancing and fluent rap verses became a signature of the group's bold sound. As Blackpink's popularity exploded worldwide, Lisa emerged as a style icon and a record-breaking solo artist. Her solo singles 'Lalisa' and 'Money' showcased her versatility and cemented her status as a global superstar in her own right, proving that the heart of a Korean pop juggernaut could beat with a distinctly Thai rhythm.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Lisa was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lisa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Lisa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first non-ethnically Korean member to debut under YG Entertainment with Blackpink.
- Her solo single 'Lalisa' broke the record for most-viewed YouTube video in 24 hours by a solo artist at the time of its release.
- Amassed the most Instagram followers of any K-pop idol, solidifying her global influence.
- Serves as a dance mentor on the Chinese reality show 'Youth With You,' influencing a new generation of performers.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in Thai, Korean, English, and basic Japanese.
Her fan club name, 'Lilies,' was chosen by Lisa herself.
Before training as a singer, she was part of a dance crew in Thailand called We Zaa Cool.
““I’m not here to be second to anyone.””
