Lisa Says BLACKPINK Members Had to Hide While Dating and Recalls Secret Relationships

BLACKPINK member LISA addressed the dating restrictions in K-pop culture in her new documentary, Always Lalisa.

In the film, which premieres soon at the Toronto International Film Festival, the Thai performer discussed romance rules within the industry. “In K-pop culture, we can’t date,” she stated, according to a report published Thursday, Sept. 3, by the Toronto Star. “If you’re seeing someone and you get caught by paparazzi, your popularity drops.”

“When I was younger, I had a few relationships, but we had to hide when we’re dating,” she added. “I didn’t want my dating to be the thing that hurts BLACKPINK’s popularity.”

LISA also revealed that her song “Dream,” featured on her Billboard 200 top 10 solo album Alter Ego, addresses a past secret relationship. She stated that she received approval from the other person before releasing the track, provided fans could not identify the inspiration.

“They thought they figured it out, but I don’t think so,” LISA noted.

Directed by Sue Kim, the documentary screens Sept. 11 at TIFF before arriving in theaters in October and streaming exclusively on YouTube Premium. A description states that the film follows the White Lotus actor through a transformative year away from BLACKPINK as forging her own path, particularly in the Western music market, brings new pressures, relentless scrutiny, and the challenge of redefining herself on her own terms.

LISA prepares to release her first batch of solo music since Alter Ego with the EP Press Play, which drops Oct. 23. Its lead single, “SaWaDiKa,” arrived Friday, Sept. 4.