BLACKPINK’s Lisa is opening up about a difficult chapter from her trainee years in her new documentary Always Lalisa. The singer addressed the controversy surrounding a leaked video in which she and fellow BLACKPINK members were seen performing a rap song containing a racial slur.
The footage resurfaced online in March 2025, shortly before Lisa was preparing for her first solo Coachella performance. The documentary reveals that Lisa wanted to publicly address the situation, but her current company LLOUD’s attempt to release a statement was reportedly opposed by her former agency, YG Entertainment.
Lisa Addresses Leaked Trainee Video And Controversy
The footage dates back to Lisa’s trainee days at YG Entertainment, before BLACKPINK debuted in 2016. According to Always Lalisa, Lisa was asked to learn and perform the rap song for a trainee evaluation. Lisa explained that she had moved from Thailand to South Korea as a young trainee and that English was not her first language.
She said she did not understand the historical meaning of the racial slur at the time or realise that using it was inappropriate. Speaking to Variety in connection with the documentary, Lisa acknowledged the incident and apologised, saying that she has since educated herself about the word and would not use it again.
YG Entertainment Reportedly Blocked Planned Statement
One of the more significant revelations in the documentary concerns Lisa’s attempt to respond publicly after the video resurfaced. Her current agency, LLOUD, reportedly wanted to issue an official statement addressing the controversy. However, according to the documentary, YG Entertainment opposed the plan.
Lisa said she felt that she should apologise and make clear that she understood why the incident was wrong. The situation became more difficult as death threats against Lisa reportedly emerged. LLOUD eventually decided not to pursue the statement, while the exact reason for YG’s reported opposition remains unclear.
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Lisa Says Controversy Affected Her Coachella Preparation
The controversy resurfaced at a particularly important moment in Lisa’s solo career. She was preparing for her first solo performance at Coachella in 2025 when the leaked footage became public. In the documentary, Lisa recalled wanting to concentrate on the performance but finding it difficult to ignore the situation surrounding her.
The leaked footage and resulting reactions added another challenge as she prepared for the major career milestone. Always Lalisa gives viewers a closer look at this period while also documenting Lisa’s transition into her solo career, including the creation of her debut solo album Alter Ego and her acting debut in The White Lotus.
Always Lalisa Shows A New Chapter For Lisa
The documentary follows Lisa through a year of major personal and professional changes as she established LLOUD and began building her career outside the BLACKPINK umbrella. It also explores experiences from her years as a YG trainee that she previously felt unable to discuss openly.
Lisa reflected on how difficult it was to express her thoughts during those early years, particularly as a young trainee. Now, with her exclusive contract with YG Entertainment having ended, she described being able to live her own life. Always Lalisa, directed by Sue Kim, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and is scheduled for a limited theatrical release beginning October 12.
Final Take
Lisa’s revelations in Always Lalisa shed new light on the circumstances surrounding the leaked trainee footage and her decision to address the controversy years later. Alongside her apology, the documentary also documents the pressure she faced while preparing for Coachella and beginning a new chapter outside YG Entertainment.
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