Lisa confronts racial slur controversy in Always Lalisa documentary
K-pop star and Blackpink member Lisa Manobal confronts a historical controversy regarding teenage rehearsal footage in the upcoming documentary Always Lalisa.
Documentary Captures Unfolding Crisis During Coachella Rehearsals
The feature-length documentary follows Lisa during a turning point in her career in 2024 as she steps away from Blackpink for a year of independence. The film chronicles her rise from Thailand to international superstardom, her solo pursuits, and her acting debut. While Lisa was rehearsing for a performance at the 2025 Coachella Festival, leaked videos emerged showing members of Blackpink covering US rap songs during teenage trainee rehearsals with uncensored racial slurs, including the n-word. Offended fans demanded an apology, but the band’s record label forbade the members from issuing a statement.
Director Sue Kim Documents Unfiltered Response
Filmmaker Sue Kim followed Lisa into her dressing room as the crisis unfolded. In the documentary, Lisa lies down on a sofa and speaks unscripted about the leaked clips for an hour. Lisa explains in the film that she was 15 or 16 years old when the videos were shot and did not know the word was sensitive because she is from Thailand and her first language is not English. Having only heard the term in rap music, she was unaware of its offensive history. “Now I would never ever do that because, now, I’ve got education,” Lisa says in the film. “Now I know better. But I did wrong.” Kim notes that the scene features no premeditation and no media training, presenting a genuine reaction.
Always Lalisa Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
Always Lalisa will make its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival as part of the Gala Presentations lineup. Sony Music Vision scheduled the documentary for a worldwide IMAX and cinema release beginning October 12, prior to an exclusive streaming release on YouTube Premium later in the year. Alongside the documentary, Lisa’s independent ventures include starring in and executive producing two upcoming Netflix productions titled TYGO and an untitled romantic comedy inspired by Notting Hill, as well as preparing for her four-night residency VIVA LA LISA at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
“I said, ‘Look, I know this is new. I know you guys are wildly confused and hurt, but this is your time to say whatever you want to say – even if you’re just processing your thoughts and telling us what you’re feeling,” Sue Kim told the BBC.
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