Reporting on Lisa’s break from Blackpink as she embarks on an independent path in the music industry

K-pop icon Lisa, known globally as part of Blackpink, is blazing her own trail. With an evolving solo career, she’s adopting a new model for success, launching her own management company, and preparing for what could be her biggest move yet. But as Lisa redefines her artistry, she’s met with both overwhelming excitement and significant challenges in balancing fame and personal growth.

A Star on Her Own Terms
Lisa has always shone brightly as one-quarter of Blackpink. Her energy and style have fueled the global success of one of K-pop’s most groundbreaking groups. But as Lisa, born Lalisa Manobal, pivots towards an independent career, she’s revealing a new side of herself that’s both deeply personal and strikingly professional.

Meeting in Los Angeles, where she’s been recording new music, Lisa reflects on her journey. “I’m not really based anywhere now,” she laughs. Her life today is a whirlwind of travel across Los Angeles, her home country Thailand, and Paris, where she serves as a Louis Vuitton ambassador.

This phase of her life is one she describes as exhilarating yet exhausting, saying she’s never quite sure which time zone she’s in. “My schedule’s a mix of work and exploration,” she notes, adding that she’s embraced the challenge of building her solo career while balancing a public persona and deeply private ambitions.

From Global Pop Group to Independent Vision
Since debuting in 2016, Blackpink has redefined what it means to be a K-pop group. With multilingual lyrics, collaborations with Western artists, and performances on major stages like Coachella, Blackpink was primed for international stardom. Yet, Lisa always had a unique flavor, bringing an undeniable energy to her performances and establishing herself as a formidable rapper within the group. Her solo 2021 track “Money” was a testament to her talent, marking her as the first K-pop artist to make the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart’s Top 40.

But a solo career is an uncharted territory for Lisa, who is navigating the complexities of the global music scene with poise. Unlike traditional K-pop artists who often work within the confines of agency management, Lisa is shaping her solo career with a fresh model. In creating her own management company, Lloud, and partnering with RCA Records, she’s set to claim ownership of her masters, a move nearly unprecedented in the K-pop world.

“Building this company has been eye-opening,” she says. She’s involved in every aspect, from budgets to creative direction—a far cry from her trainee days when every decision was made for her. “Now, I’m learning the costs behind music videos and marketing. It’s all new, but it’s empowering,” Lisa explains.

Navigating the Complex World of Independent Stardom
While Blackpink’s members have found success together, Lisa’s approach to a solo career is distinct. Her recent singles like “Rockstar” and “Moonlit Floor” reflect a mature, introspective side of her personality. “Rockstar” showcases her linguistic versatility and international experiences, with lyrics mentioning airport codes and name-dropping brands with an effortless swagger.

Yet, her confidence wasn’t always this assured. Lisa admits, “When I first thought about going solo, I was nervous. I’ve always performed with Blackpink. But seeing fans’ responses to my music now has been a huge confidence boost.”

RCA Records COO John Fleckenstein recognized her ambition immediately. “Lisa wanted to go global, and we’re committed to helping her get there,” he says. RCA’s strategy for Lisa taps into a gap within K-pop: while the genre has exploded in popularity, terrestrial radio and traditional Western media exposure remain limited. “We’re focused on amplifying her talent to reach an even wider audience,” Fleckenstein explains.

A Balancing Act Between Blackpink and Solo Success
Despite her growing solo ambitions, Lisa’s connection to Blackpink remains unwavering. In September, the group concluded their “Born Pink” world tour, a year-long journey that brought them to some of the biggest arenas in the United States. Blackpink’s seven-year tenure—a rarity in the fast-paced K-pop world—attests to the group’s extraordinary chemistry and mutual support.

Reflecting on the end of the tour, Lisa is nostalgic but optimistic. “Blackpink is part of who I am. It’s been an incredible journey with my best friends,” she says. And fans will be thrilled to know that a reunion is on the cards. Though details remain unclear, Lisa confirms that Blackpink will come together again in 2025. “I can’t wait,” she says, visibly excited. However, she’s quick to add that the format and scope of their return might differ from previous projects.

Building Lloud: A New Approach to K-pop Independence
When Lisa conceptualized Lloud, she had a clear vision in mind. Partnering with Alice Kang, her former YG management liaison, and Joojong “JJ” Joe, a seasoned executive in the K-pop industry, she assembled a core team that understands her ambitions. “It’s a tight-knit, dedicated group,” she says. “We’re like a family business—each member wears multiple hats, and there’s a lot of trust.”

Unlike typical K-pop agencies that handle every aspect of an artist’s career, Lloud allows Lisa to make critical decisions herself. Joe, who played a key role in setting up Lisa’s team, shares, “Lisa’s vision is very clear. She makes decisions confidently, which is rare but refreshing in this industry.”

Striking Out on Her Own Terms
Stepping out from under the Blackpink banner, Lisa has found a voice and style uniquely her own. Singles like “New Woman,” her collaboration with Rosalía, explore new sounds and lyrical themes. “This phase of my music is a bit edgier,” she admits. For fans, the lyrical maturity signals a shift, marking a new era for Lisa.

Bankhead, a well-known choreographer, has worked with Lisa to create routines that align with her evolving style. “She’s a ‘robot’ in the best sense—her discipline is unmatched. When we try out something daring, she’s game,” Bankhead says.

But her artistic evolution also includes personal growth. The artist who was once shy about using strong language in her lyrics embraced a bold rendition of “Money” at Coachella, complete with uncensored lyrics. “It was liberating,” she reflects, adding that she is finally stepping into her own skin as an adult artist.

The Path Ahead
As Lisa prepares to release her debut solo album, she’s savoring every moment of this transformative journey. Whether performing solo or with Blackpink, she’s ready to bring a fresh, dynamic sound to the global music scene. For fans, her music promises to be a reflection of her world travels, her personal growth, and her passion for breaking boundaries.

“I listen to my album tracks every day, figuring out which ones need fine-tuning,” she says with a laugh. “I’m excited for what’s next. This journey feels like I’m finally doing things on my own terms.”

As Lisa takes control of her music and career, she’s redefining what it means to be a K-pop star. And if there’s one message she’d send to her younger self, it would be this: “Just keep going. The world is waiting.”

This is part of a longer article outline, setting up Lisa’s journey, her transition to independence, and her future goals with Lloud and RCA. If you’d like, I can expand further with more details on each section or adjust the narrative direction as needed. Let me know if you’d like additional parts!