Lisa says dating hurt K-pop popularity, reveals secret romance inspired album track

Blackpink member Lisa has opened up about the hardships of life as a K-pop star, from the moment she moved to South Korea at 14 to begin training.

According to the Canadian outlet Toronto Star on Thursday (local time), Lisa reflected on her past in her documentary "Always Lalisa," saying, "I'm finally living my own life."

The Thailand-born singer came to South Korea in 2011 at age 14 to train at YG Entertainment. Starting her entertainment career so young meant years of struggling to express herself freely.

"I didn't dare speak up or express my thoughts," she said, recalling that period. "I've been living that way since I was 14." She was also moved to tears while revisiting the monthly performance evaluation videos she had to submit as a trainee and the feedback she received on them.

Lisa also spoke about restrictions on her personal life. "In K-pop culture, you can't date," she said. "If the paparazzi catch you seeing someone, your popularity drops."

"I dated a few times when I was young, but I had to keep it secret," she added. "I didn't want my relationship to be the reason Blackpink's popularity suffered."

Those secret relationships found their way into her music. Lisa said the track "Dream" from her 2025 solo album "Alter Ego" was inspired by a past relationship she had kept hidden.

Before releasing the song, she personally asked the person for permission. That person agreed, on the condition that fans would not find out who they were. "I think fans have already figured it out, but I don't think so," Lisa added.

She also spoke about the toll of malicious online comments. Describing the hate and racism directed at her, Lisa said it felt as though people were deliberately searching for words "to cut deepest into my soul." "I'm someone who works hard for what I love — why isn't that enough?" she said.

Director Sue Kim, who helmed the documentary, said working with Lisa showed her "how powerful the relationship between fans and idols can be," but added that she was shocked to discover "how destructive and toxic some fandoms can be."

"Always Lalisa" chronicles roughly a year in Lisa's life as she stepped back from Blackpink activities to forge a new path as a solo artist. The documentary captures the pressures and changes she faced — and the human side of her offstage — as she prepared her solo album "Alter Ego," embarked on a tour and pursued acting.

The documentary will have its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 11. It will then screen at select theaters from Oct. 12 and is set to be released on YouTube Premium later this year.