K-pop star Lisa arrived to piercing screams from fans as she walked the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of her new documentary, “Always Lalisa.”
Lisa, who rose to international fame as a member of the K-pop girl group Blackpink, is followed throughout the film during a year of her life after she stepped away from the band to pursue a solo career.
Speaking to Reuters after the Friday premiere, Lisa said she had set out to explore new possibilities for herself during that period. “I just tried to find new things — like what can I do more than this?” she said. The star, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, added that she initially believed a year away would be enough time, but said she is still working out what she loves and what challenge she wants to take on next.
“Always Lalisa” tracks her experiences between 2024 and 2025, including the release of her debut solo album “Alter Ego,” her acting debut on HBO’s series “The White Lotus,” and her preparation to perform solo in front of large crowds at the Coachella music festival.
The documentary was directed by Sue Kim, who previously served as an executive producer on Apple TV’s 2024 documentary series “K-Pop Idols.” Kim told Reuters that the film offers a rare look at Lisa beyond the tightly controlled image often associated with the K-pop industry. “This is this incredible opportunity to get to know someone who we’re only ever given a very specific image of because of the music system that she comes from. We get to have this unprecedented access, proximity and exposure to her … It’s not the world of K-pop,” Kim said.
Since Lisa’s return to Blackpink, the group released the mini-album “DEADLINE” in February, marking their first release together in more than three years.
“Always Lalisa” is set to open in cinemas on October 12.
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