Inside the room: What it was like to be with Blackpink's Lisa as race scandal erupted

What the report says

BBC World News says a new documentary, Always Lalisa, offers unusual behind-the-scenes access to Blackpink member Lisa Manobal as she faces a public controversy and pushes ahead with her solo career. The film, made by documentary filmmaker Sue Kim, follows Lisa during a period when leaked rehearsal clips resurfaced online and drew criticism because they appeared to show the group using racial slurs while performing rap songs as teenage trainees.

According to the BBC, the scandal intensified as Lisa was preparing for a major Coachella performance in 2025. Fans called for an apology, while her record label initially did not allow the members to issue a statement. The documentary shows Lisa speaking candidly about the clips, saying she was young at the time, did not understand the term’s history in English, and later learned why it was offensive. The film also captures the pressure of the moment, including concerns about online backlash and safety.

The BBC report says the documentary also follows Lisa’s wider shift from the K-pop system into a more independent career in the US, including her move away from YG and signing with RCA Records. It notes that the project is still a promotional film commissioned by her label, but says the director views Lisa’s access and openness as unusual. The film is due in cinemas on Monday, 12 October, and arrives as Lisa continues balancing solo work with her return to Blackpink.