LISA
Member LISA of the group BLACKPINK personally apologized regarding an incident where a video from her trainee days in which she used a racial slur was leaked.
LISA granted an interview to the American entertainment media Variety on September 14 (local time) and spoke about her trainee days as well as her solo activities featured in the documentary “Always Lalisa”. The work also revisits the process that became controversial when a practice video shot before her debut with BLACKPINK was belatedly leaked.
The video in question shows LISA during her childhood and the members of BLACKPINK using a derogatory expression toward Black people while singing a song. The person who leaked the video reportedly later made death threats against LISA. The documentary also traces the situation at the time when opinions differed between LISA‘s camp and her agency regarding whether to issue an official statement.
While explaining that she didn’t really know the meaning of the expression at the time, LISA acknowledged her mistake. She presented her apologies, stating: “Growing up in Thailand, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn more about this expression, so I didn’t know its meaning at that time”, adding: “Now, I know it full well and I will never use it again. It was clearly bad behavior.”
The moment the video leaked coincided with the period when she was preparing for her first solo stage at Coachella last year. LISA recalled that period: “I wanted to focus on the performance, but an unexpected event happened and it was difficult”, adding: “It was something I couldn’t control, but I ultimately managed to pull off the performance.”
She also spoke about her trainee life at YG ENTERTAINMENT, which started at the age of 14. At the time, trainees were subject to restrictions regarding alcohol consumption, romantic relationships, obtaining a driver’s license, and going out with friends. LISA confided: “It was similar to attending a boarding school. Every day, I went to the company to learn singing, dancing, rap, languages, then I returned to the dorm”, adding: “At that time, we all had nothing in mind except our debut.”
Regarding BLACKPINK‘s activities, she expressed her desire to stay together for a long time. LISA declared: “Even when I am 50 years old, I want to be part of BLACKPINK”, adding: “I also often talk about the group’s future with the members. Even if each of us conducts solo activities, we will continue to be together.”
Meanwhile, LISA released on September 3 the pre-released song “SaWaDiKa” from her new EP album “PRESS PLAY”. “Always Lalisa” will be released in movie theaters worldwide on October 12, and she will release “PRESS PLAY” on the 23rd of the same month. In November, she will give four solo concerts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, United States.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS LISA, lloud
