Blackpink's Lisa Apologizes for Racial Slurs

A new documentary about Blackpink's Lisa offers a rare glimpse into the K-pop star's reaction to a scandal involving the use of racial slurs in leaked videos from her teenage years as a trainee. The videos, which were leaked last year, showed Lisa and her bandmates covering US rap songs during rehearsals, using explicit language including the n-word.

The scandal erupted while Lisa was rehearsing for a performance at the Coachella Festival in 2025. At the time, the band's record label forbade the members from issuing a statement about the scandal. However, in a documentary called Always Lalisa, set to be released in cinemas on October 12, Lisa is seen apologizing for her actions.

In the documentary, Lisa explains that she was 15 or 16 years old when the videos were shot and did not know that the word was sensitive because she is from Thailand and her first language is not English. Having only heard the term in rap music, she was unaware of its offensive history. Lisa has since apologized publicly for her actions in an interview with Variety.

The documentary captures Lisa's vulnerable and human response to the scandal, which is a departure from the typical scripted PR apology. Lisa's debut solo album, called Alter Ego, has also been released. The scandal has sparked a conversation about the use of racial slurs and the importance of education and cultural sensitivity.

## Why it matters The scandal surrounding Blackpink's use of racial slurs highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and education in the entertainment industry. As K-pop continues to gain global popularity, its stars are under increasing scrutiny for their actions and words. The scandal also raises questions about the responsibility of record labels and management teams in handling such controversies.

The documentary Always Lalisa offers a unique perspective on the scandal and Lisa's response to it. By sharing her story, Lisa hopes to raise awareness about the importance of cultural sensitivity and education. The documentary is set to be released in cinemas on October 12, and will likely spark further conversation about the scandal and its implications for the K-pop industry.