Lisa (BLACKPINK) apologizes for racism; netizens’ reaction comes as a surprise
Following the controversy, Lisa has taken steps to address public sentiment.
The documentary about Lisa (BLACKPINK), titled *Always Lalisa*, held its explosive global premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 14. The film not only chronicles her journey from a Thai girl to a global icon but also bravely delves into the darkest, most high-pressure moments of her career for the first time. Notably, the film directly revisits the shocking “YG Leaker” incident—a leaked trainee-era video showing her singing along to a song containing the “N-word” (a severe racial slur against Black people)—which sparked controversy surrounding *Always Lalisa*.
Photo: BC News
*Always Lalisa* trailer (Source: YouTube)
Significantly, according to *Variety*, this incident surfaced just before Lisa’s solo performance at Coachella 2025, accompanied by death threats directed at her. At the time, Lisa wanted to apologize, but YG Entertainment (her management agency then) forbade her from doing so. It was not until now—having gained autonomy through her own company, LLOUD—that she finally had the opportunity to acknowledge her mistake. Speaking to *Variety*, Lisa expressed genuine remorse: “I really felt I needed to apologize. Honestly, I am Thai and grew up in Thailand. At the time, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn about these cultural issues, so I had absolutely no idea how serious the implications of that word were. But now, having been educated on the matter, I fully understand that it was wrong and pledge never to repeat it. It was truly inappropriate.”
The singer also opened up about the immense psychological pressure she faced at the time, having to endure extreme threats while simultaneously pushing herself to focus on her solo performance at Coachella. “Things spiraled out of my control. I felt deeply saddened, but ultimately, I strove to overcome it.”
Typically, scandals involving racism—such as an idol or actor accidentally using the N-word—trigger fierce “boycott” campaigns from the international community. However, the netizen reaction this time was different; the majority expressed sympathy regarding the past mistake for which Lisa had stepped forward to apologize.
As for the film, *Always Lalisa* is not merely an entertaining music documentary; it serves as an authentic visual diary spanning a decade of the BLACKPINK youngest member’s life. The film takes the audience back in time to witness the grueling journey—filled with sweat and tears—of a 14-year-old girl who left her home in Thailand for South Korea, becoming the first foreign trainee in YG Entertainment’s history.
Photo: Variety
Photo: Variety
Through previously unreleased footage, fans will get their first glimpse of the harsh realities hidden behind the stage glamour: from a restrictive five-year trainee life—marked by bans on dating and alcohol and a lack of freedom to express opinions—to the immense psychological pressure Lisa faced when venturing out as a solo artist.
