Entertainment · Music · published 2026-10-09 · via The Hollywood Reporter

Lisa and Sue Kim Discuss New Documentary About Her Solo Year Away From Blackpink

Sue Kim's documentary Always Lalisa follows Lisa during a year away from Blackpink, a period that included her solo album Alter Ego, a role on The White Lotus and a Coachella solo performance. Lisa recalls a fortune teller telling her mother to change her name to Lalisa when she was 13. The film presents an unusually candid look at her move beyond the K-pop group system.

Expanded Detail

Sue Kim’s Always Lalisa centers on Lisa’s year apart from Blackpink. The film opens with Lisa and her mother recalling a fortune teller’s suggestion, made when Lisa was 13, that she adopt the name Lalisa. Blackpink’s Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé had agreed to pause group work for individual projects.

During that break, Lisa released her debut full-length album Alter Ego, acted in The White Lotus and earned a solo Coachella slot. The group later reunited for the EP Deadline, released in February, and a world tour. Lisa also performed “SaWaDiKa” at the VMAs, winning best pop. The documentary premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.

Context

The film may give fans a more personal view of a K-pop idol beyond company-managed images, potentially shifting expectations around how stars share their lives. It could also encourage other performers considering solo careers or acting to see alternative paths within and beyond group systems. For Thai and Southeast Asian audiences, Lisa’s visibility may reinforce regional pride, while industry observers may debate how much creative freedom idols can realistically gain.

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.

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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Lisa and Director Sue Kim on Documenting the Star’s Break From the K-pop System in ‘Always Lalisa’.” Browse more stories.