BLACKPINK Lisa Talks Goal to Live Happily, Embracing Authenticity, Biggest Change, and More 

BLACKPINK Lisa recently had an interview with W Korea where she shared insights about happiness and personal growth.

In W Korea’s August issue, BLACKPINK Lisa had an insightful interview about her happiness and personal growth. Below are some highlights from the interview.

Q: This is the first time such powerful rock music has been played continuously in our studio. It felt like CELINE’s fashion week at the Walton Theater in LA last year was brought here.

Lisa: At any moment during my photoshoot, I felt that everyone here was playing rock music. I wore skinny jeans again after a long time. They were so tight that I couldn’t even bend my knees. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn outfits like this. That’s why it feels so new and fresh to me. Only by putting on these clothes can I truly understand what Hedi Slimane wants to convey through my skin.

Q: You shared this before, didn’t you? That you felt like a cat walking on the runway when you wore Celine? 

Lisa: After changing into this outfit, my walk changed too. I became a ‘cool kid’ naturally to the point where I didn’t even realize it. Even when it’s just a simple t-shirt and jeans, I think the power of the clothes is very strong. Because they can inflate the confidence of the person wearing them. More importantly, they make me feel like I’m being “myself.”

Q: Do you remember the first Celine item you owned?

Lisa: It was a black belt bag before my debut, I think I bought it during my teenage years. At that time, I carefully considered which brand’s bag I should buy. I wanted to find something that I could carry throughout my life without worrying about the budget. So then, my cousin, who has a great sense of fashion, suggested CELINE, and after hearing that advice, I set my eyes on a CELINE bag and wanted to buy it at first sight.

Q: So you went to the store with your mom?

Lisa: I went to the store by myself. I took a taxi in the morning, right when the store opened.

Q: That’s the trend, buying as soon as the store opens, right?

Lisa: I seemed to be the first customer on that day. The staff there had a puzzled look, staring at a kid requesting a belt bag. I chose a crescent moon bag because I have a high interest in various accessories that match with me. I was very cautious about that bag because it was my first luxury bag. I don’t usually wear them. 

Q: You and Hedi Slimane have a few things in common, right? You must have a big passion for photography since you recently released a photobook.

Lisa: I think I have more cameras than bags. I can mention Contax or Leica; I use many different brands. When I debuted, social media became a big trend. I started my photography journey with the idea that I wanted to use a good camera instead of a phone to preserve beautiful pictures forever. As I started to use a variety of cameras, I found the cameras and film rolls that really match my style. But I share many other common points with Hedi Slimane too. Both Hedi and I have pets, so whenever we meet, we show off our dogs and look at each other’s photos. While Hedi’s dog ‘Elvis’ is on vacation in Saint-Tropez or Nice, my dog ‘Love’ always lies on the sofa, which is an interesting point I found out. The conversation will never end when it comes to our dogs.

Q: Are there any recent memories that you want to cherish forever?

Lisa: Of course, that would be the memory of COACHELLA. When I set foot on the Coachella stage for the first time in 2019, I didn’t worry too much. My thoughts about the stage that day were just a normal performance; I usually do it without much pressure, but this time, I understood. I knew how the crowd would react when we were on the stage. Moreover, we were the headliners this year, so I felt very honored. After the performance ended and I stepped off the stage, I started crying. When I think about it, I feel that it was a positive pressure before I got on stage. After completing the performance, I felt that there were some parts where I could have done better, but my heart felt truly light, and most importantly, I was extremely happy.

Q: Although it was just a few hours-long performance, you must have felt a significant personal growth.

Lisa: Yes. I received a lot of inspiration and positive energy. While enjoying the performances of other artists, I wanted to find a new direction for myself.

Q: Your positive energy must have touched the audience.

Lisa: Even if I’m not in a good mood, I try to improve myself quickly. I don’t like making others feel uncomfortable because of my bad mood. If that happens, I will feel even more uncomfortable.

Q: Have you had any moments where you felt like you made a huge leap forward?

Lisa: Instead of just in a short moment, I think over time, I have become more confident. Because when my confidence increases, my stage presence also changes. Of course, the experience of performing at Coachella still plays a crucial role. I felt like Coachella was not just a festival but also a turning point in my life. I’m thinking about how I can make a loop from performing a comeback and other activities, practicing after those activities, and then having another comeback, feeling more exciting. But after Coachella, my mindset has become more open, and I think I found a way to stand on stage and enjoy it to the fullest. It’s not just me; I’m sure the members have experienced this as well.

Q: What is 26-year-old Lisa like?

Lisa: When it comes to “Singer Lisa,” people will have different perspectives, but I think I’m quite free. There’s no food that I dislike too much, and I’m not too sensitive. When describing myself, I think “free” comes to my mind.

Q: How are “Singer Lisa” and “Lalisa Manoban” similar and different?

Lisa: I don’t think there’s a big difference here. The fans will probably know. In some ways, the way I am as a person is as understandable as my appearance. I tend to live truthfully with my thoughts and actions. Even when I meet someone for the first time, I tend to reveal my true self. I don’t like to portray myself as perfect in others’ eyes. I just think, “This is me, so what?” So I often go out with friends without makeup, wearing sleepwear.

Q: What has been the biggest change you’ve experienced in the past year?

Lisa: Recently, I’ve been reflecting on certain things. The things we can do vary depending on our age, right? Lately, I’ve been thinking about the things I won’t be able to do as I get older. So whenever there’s something I want to do or say, I always try to accomplish it. No matter what it is, I don’t think, “It’s okay, it’ll be fine,” but rather, “Yes, I really want to do it.” Now, I live more truthfully with myself.

Q: What is your greatest desire?

Lisa: To live truly happy. Recently, I’ve been striving to care more about my own happiness. I’ve been more honest about pursuing my own happiness as long as it doesn’t bother anyone else.