Blackpink’s Lisa solo rise: Breaking records, battling backlash, and boldly owning the spotlight

Blackpink is in the area, and through the waves of criticism and admonitions hurled at them, ranging from being called ‘lazy, unprofessional’ and worse. Yet, their fandom in their sold out stadiums speak the loudest, and just like the girls, discard the hate.

It has been a while since the girls have been seen together, with each heading off in different directions since 2023, establishing a solo career for themselves. While Jisoo furthered her acting career and pursued a new album, the others made the powerful climb too, proving that they were just as impactful solo, as they were in a band.

And Lisa—breaking records and landing a role in The White Lotus—was completely on brand. The cheery artist who can spit fire as a rapper already has a rich, record-setting career. Her 2021 smash “SG,” a fiery collaboration with DJ Snake, Ozuna, and Megan Thee Stallion, hit No. 19 on the Billboard Global 200 and earned her first No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart. She followed it up with her solo debut Lalisa, which brought her historic wins at the MTV Video Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards, along with multiple Guinness World Records—including for being the most followed K-pop artist on Instagram.

That wasn’t all. Her solo album Alter Ego dropped in 2025, with hits like “Rockstar” and “New Woman” breaking Spotify streaming records and landing her spots on the Billboard Global 200 and Hot 100 charts — milestones rarely reached by K-pop soloists. That’s just music: Beyond that, she made her debut on HBO’s The White Lotus, and center stage at global events like Coachella and the MTV VMAs, becoming the first solo K-pop artist to perform there. She dominates the fashion scene too, representing brands like Celine, Bulgari, and Louis Vuitton, while her authentic endorsements with MAC Cosmetics and Samsung also put her marketing power on display. She even launched her own management company and comic book line, embracing full creative control.

But with global visibility comes intense scrutiny. Lisa has faced her share—from criticism over calling her fans “Lilies” instead of “Blinks,” to a recent controversy surrounding her Met Gala look, where she was accused of allegedly embroidering Rosa Parks into her bodysuit. During a behind-the-scenes look at her final fitting before the iconic charity gala, White Lotus star Lisa shared that her formfitting Louis Vuitton lace blazer and bodysuit—designed by Pharrell Williams, the brand’s men’s creative director—was inspired by artist Henry Taylor, who also created Pharrell’s recent Vogue cover.“It recreates an artwork by Henry Taylor,” Lisa said in the May 6 YouTube video, urging the person filming to zoom in on the intricate lace design. “It’s crazy, you have to see all the details.” In a recent statement to Vulture, a representative for Taylor clarified: “The figure featured in Lisa’s Louis Vuitton look is not Rosa Parks, but one of Henry’s neighbors.”

She performed in the Oscars 2025, but that wasn't enough: There was much scathing criticism around her performance to.

And the trolling surrounding Blackpink, especially Lisa at concerts when she turns unusually bold and experimental furthers the intense speculation and backlash around her.

Still, Lisa keeps her head high and keeps dancing—collecting awards, breaking records, and proving that she and her sisters are always, unapologetically, in the area.