LISA releases first solo EP 'PRESS PLAY' reflecting Thai roots
LISA has released her first solo EP, 'PRESS PLAY', which explores her journey from her Thai roots to becoming a global artist. The 6-track EP follows her first full-length album released in February last year.
BLACKPINK's LISA released her first solo EP 'PRESS PLAY' on October 23, featuring six tracks that incorporate Thai cultural elements. The release follows the pre-release track 'SaWaDiKa', which reached number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
BLACKPINK's LISA released her solo EP 'PRESS PLAY' via global music platforms at midnight on the 23rd (Korean time). This marks her first solo EP and comes approximately 1 year and 8 months after her first full-length album 'ALTER EGO' was released in February last year. As an artist from Thailand, LISA included her journey of growing from her roots into a global artist in this album. The EP consists of 6 songs, including the pre-release track 'SaWaDiKa'.
During an appearance on NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' this past September, LISA explained that the album contains stories ranging from her roots to her current self. She stated that she also infused Thai cultural elements into the music. The album title 'PRESS PLAY' was chosen to signify the intention of composing songs with different moods like a single film. The pre-release track 'SaWaDiKa', released on September 4, takes its title from the Thai greeting meaning "hello".
A journey from Thailand to the global stage in her first EP
'PRESS PLAY' is an album through which LISA presents both her origins and her career progression. Speaking on Jimmy Fallon's talk show, she explained that the album captures her story from her roots to the present and reflects Thai cultural elements. She added that while each song has a different atmosphere, they are composed to feel like a movie. The EP includes 6 tracks: 'SaWaDiKa', 'V12', 'Cobra', 'Tarantino', 'Cut U Off', and 'Sweat'.
In terms of release intervals, this new work comes about 1 year and 8 months after her first full-length album 'ALTER EGO' released in February last year. Unlike her previous album, this work is an EP, marking LISA's first EP. Following the pre-release of 'SaWaDiKa' on September 4, the full EP including the remaining tracks was released on the 23rd. 'PRESS PLAY' was produced based on the concept of capturing her background as a Thai artist and her current status built through solo activities.
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Previous Album | February 2025 |
| Pre-release Track Release | September 4, 2026 |
| New EP Release | October 23, 2026 |
| EP Tracks | 6 songs |
Pre-release track featuring a Thai greeting
'SaWaDiKa' served as the pre-release track for 'PRESS PLAY' and used the Thai greeting as its title. LISA announced the upcoming EP by releasing this song on September 4. The track features a hip-hop sound combined with LISA's unique rapping. The music video, released alongside the song, was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand, and features Thai cultural elements such as Muay Thai and Tuk-tuks. Both the title and the video of this lead track serve as elements connected to Thailand as the starting point of the album.
'SaWaDiKa' entered the US Billboard main single chart 'Hot 100' at number 69. Prior to the release, she explained the album's cultural elements and composition on Jimmy Fallon's talk show. Following the album's structure of arranging different moods like a movie, the remaining tracks were released together in the EP after the pre-release track.
'Best Pop' award and solo activities
On the 27th of last month (local time), LISA won the 'Best Pop' award in the main category at the '2026 MTV Video Music Awards' held in Los Angeles, USA, for the song 'Dream' from her first full-length album. This was the first time an Asian solo singer has won in this category. Following her wins in the 'Best K-Pop' category in 2022, 2024, and 2025, this marks her fourth trophy in total. This award is one of the solo achievements following her recent activities leading up to the new EP release.
The new album is the first work released since her first full-length album in February last year. LISA released the pre-release track in September, appeared on a broadcast to explain the album's content and production direction, and released the EP on October 23. The pre-released 'SaWaDiKa' entered the Billboard 'Hot 100' at number 69, and its music video was filmed against the backdrop of Bangkok. This EP was released amidst ongoing music activities, award wins, and planned performances.
Solo residency performance in Las Vegas scheduled for November
LISA will hold a solo residency performance titled 'VIVA LA LISA' at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, USA, in November. The performances are scheduled to take place in two rounds for a total of 6 shows: from November 12 to 14, and from November 27 to 29. The venue is The Colosseum located within Caesars Palace. This residency in Las Vegas is scheduled following the release of the new EP.
Meanwhile, rumors of a romantic relationship have surfaced following sightings of LISA with Thai actor and model Blue Pongtiwat on several occasions. On the 19th, photos appearing to show the two together in Thailand spread online. Neither side has released an official statement regarding the relationship. Amid the release of the new EP and the announcement of the November residency, the confirmed performance plan consists of the 6 shows in Las Vegas.
Covers K-pop for KSW Journal, and also writes about Culture and K-Variety.
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