BLACKPINK’s Lisa is turning the next chapter of her solo career into something more cinematic — and she says fans will need to simply “press play” to experience it.
The Thai-born superstar, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, recently opened up about her upcoming six-track EP ‘PRESS PLAY’ during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The project is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026 and follows the release of her lead single “SaWaDiKa.”
Lisa described PRESS PLAY as a project built around her journey from her roots in Thailand to her life as a global entertainer.
“This EP is about my journey from my roots to where I am right now today,” Lisa said on the show.
She also revealed that Thai influences are woven throughout the project, with each song designed to have its own personality.
“Every single song has their own character, their own vibe and we combine it together. It’s like a movie. So you just press play,” she explained.
‘SaWaDiKa’ Opens Lisa’s New Chapter
The EP’s first released track, “SaWaDiKa,” takes its name from the Thai greeting “sawasdee ka” and serves as an introduction to the musical direction Lisa is taking with PRESS PLAY.
The song was released earlier in September, with Lisa incorporating Thai influences into the music and its visual presentation.
But Lisa isn’t revealing everything just yet.
During her Tonight Show appearance, she teased that the EP’s fourth track will become the next single, revealing only that its title begins with the letter “T.” The full tracklist has not yet been publicly revealed.
That mystery has given fans another reason to watch closely as the October release approaches.
Lisa’s Solo Story Gets the Big-Screen Treatment
The music rollout comes alongside another major project: ‘Always Lalisa,’ Lisa’s first feature documentary.
Directed by Sue Kim, the film follows a pivotal period in Lisa’s career as she stepped away from BLACKPINK activities to pursue her solo ambitions, including music, acting and her growing identity as an individual artist.
The documentary covers the period surrounding her ‘Alter Ego’ album, her acting debut in HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3 and her preparations for her solo appearance at Coachella. Reuters reported that the film follows Lisa through triumphs and setbacks during 2024 and 2025.
Lisa has said she felt ready to tell more of her story because she is more confident now and hopes her experiences can encourage people who have their own ambitions.
The film premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, where Lisa received a major reception from fans on the red carpet.
Singapore BLINKs Will Get a Chance to See ‘Always Lalisa’
For fans in Singapore, there is also a theatrical opportunity.
CNA reported that ‘Always Lalisa’ will screen in Singapore from October 12 to 17, with showings at selected Golden Village and Shaw Theatres locations. Selected Shaw locations will also offer IMAX screenings.
Sony Music Vision has announced that the documentary will receive a limited worldwide theatrical and IMAX release beginning October 12, before moving to YouTube Premium later this year.
Lisa Isn’t Leaving BLACKPINK Behind
Despite her expanding solo career, Lisa has also made clear that BLACKPINK remains part of her future.
In comments reported by CNA from her Variety interview, Lisa said she still wants to be part of BLACKPINK decades from now, emphasizing that the members remain connected even as they pursue individual projects.
That comes after BLACKPINK’s return to group activities in 2026 and the release of their mini-album ‘DEADLINE.’ Reuters reported that Lisa rejoined the group after her period of solo work, underscoring the parallel paths of her individual career and BLACKPINK activities.
What Comes Next for Lisa?
The next few months are shaping up to be particularly busy.
First comes the theatrical release of ‘Always Lalisa’ on October 12. Eleven days later, Lisa will release her six-track ‘PRESS PLAY’ EP on October 23.
She is also scheduled for her ‘VIVA LA LISA’ Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in November, with four announced shows. Sony Music Vision said the shows sold out in less than 10 minutes.
For fans, the sequence is striking: a documentary looking back at Lisa’s transformation, followed by an EP that she describes as a cinematic reflection of her journey.
And with the identity of the fourth track still under wraps, Lisa has left BLINKs with one question before the next chapter officially begins:
What exactly is waiting when they press play?
