BLACKPINK’s Lisa released her new single “SaWaDiKa” on September 4, 2026, featuring a high-fashion music video shot in Bangkok and sparking controversy over a disputed headphone design. The track is the lead single from her upcoming EP Press Play, set for October 23.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa made a bold return with her new single “SaWaDiKa,” a Thai greeting meaning “hello,” released on September 4, 2026. The track, described as a “hard-charging” rap single, features Lisa rapping over a bass-heavy beat, with lyrics like Hello Sawadika/ Yeah you know my wrist is cold/ Got this timepiece from Geneva/ If you know it then you know,
she raps at the top of the high-fashion, action-heavy video for the song, which dropped on Friday (Sept. 4) and was shot in the singer’s native Bangkok, Thailand. The song’s music video, shot in her native Bangkok, showcases a series of avant-garde outfits, including a red leather bodysuit and boxing shorts with the song’s title in rhinestones, as well as a neon-blue bikini and a black feather headdress. The video, directed by Bang Jae Yeob, includes appearances at Thai landmarks such as Hua Lamphong railway station and Dib Bangkok art museum, according to Lifestyle Asia.
The single is the first solo effort from the singer/rapper/actress this year, following on the heels of her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Goals” with Anitta and Rema. In addition to an upcoming documentary, Always Lalisa (Oct. 12), Lisa is gearing up for her Viva La Lisa Residency in Las Vegas at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 13, 14, 27 and 28. The track is the first taste of Lisa’s upcoming Press Play EP, which will drop on Oct. 23. According to Lifestyle Asia, the visual is a tour of Thai landmarks, including stops at the Hua Lamphong railway station, the former central passenger terminal in Bangkok, the Soi Charoen Khet 1 neighborhood and Dib Bangkok, the sleek, contemporary art museum that opened last year.
Controversy Over ‘Coined Headphone’ Design
BLACKPINK'S Lisa Drops Fierce, High-Fashion Video Rap Single 'SaWaDiKa
The single’s release coincided with a controversy involving a Syrian artist, Zeina, who accused Lisa’s team of copying her original design for a coined headphone worn in the video. Zeina, a London-based designer, claimed the headpiece was her creation, inspired by her Arab heritage, and argued it should have been credited. The dispute gained traction on social media, with users criticizing Lisa’s team for not acknowledging the designer. However, Lisa’s team later clarified that they had worked with visual artist Hathairat NAN NIST Permpoon, who confirmed Zeina’s inspiration sketches were credited. Zeina later stated she had no intention of attacking Lisa but emphasized the importance of crediting original creators.
The controversy highlights tensions around cultural and creative ownership in global pop culture.
Upcoming Projects and Career Moves
“SaWaDiKa” marks Lisa’s first solo single of 2026, following her collaboration on the FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Goals” with Anitta and Rema. The track is the lead single from her Press Play EP, set for release on October 23. The EP will be distributed via LLOUD Co./RCA Records, as reported by Rolling Stone. Lisa is also preparing for her Viva La Lisa residency in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 13, 14, 27, and 28 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Additionally, her documentary Always Lalisa will premiere on October 12, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her solo career.
Lisa Unveils New Single 'SaWaDiKa' and Stunning Music Video
The single’s release aligns with Lisa’s broader push to expand her brand beyond K-pop. Her recent projects, including the FIFA anthem and the upcoming residency, reflect her strategy to establish a global presence in music, fashion, and entertainment. The Press Play EP is expected to further solidify her identity as a solo artist, with the track’s aggressive rap style and high-fashion visuals positioning her as a versatile performer.
What Remains Uncertain
Blackpink's Lisa Sparks Controversy With Music Video As Syrian
Lalisa Manobal, known as Lisa, is one of the biggest K-pop stars in the world. Lisa is a Thai rapper, singer, dancer, and actress who enjoys millions of followers worldwide. Lisa rose to global fame as a member of the K-pop band Blackpink. While she’s originally from Thailand, she moved to South Korea in her teens. The reason behind this was that she passed an audition for YG Entertainment, leading her to make her debut in 2016 as the main dancer and lead rapper of the band Blackpink, and her band went on to become one of the most influential K-pop girl groups of all time.
The video for the spare, bass-heavy song produced by Thom Bridges (KATSEYE, John Summit) is like an entire Paris fashion week in three minutes, from the black feathered catsuit in the first shot to a spangly, space-age burgundy two-piece with matching, jewel-dripping headphones the K-pop superstar sports as she slinks sideways down a street at night amid her crew of black-clad dancers in the clip directed by Bang Jae Yeob (Stray Kids, Aespa). She’s in full Las Vegas showgirl mode with a towering black feather headdress soon enough for a rooftop dance shot, then glowing like a futuristic TRON character in a neon blue bikini with matching hair in an underground tunnel and action-ready in a red leather bodysuit with boxing shorts that feature the song’s title in rhinestones across the waist in a bit inspired by Muay Thai boxing.
The rapper-singer is ushering a new era ahead of her Press Play EP, which arrives on Oct. 23. The rapper-singer has released her new supercharged single “SaWaDiKa,” which is a Thai greeting for “hello.” The track finds Lisa returning to her rap roots, as she spits bars with the sharp prowess she’s known for. I’m that bitch on your TV/In my Ferrari, indigo/La Lalisa, la diva,
she raps over sputtering drums. Produced by Thom Bridges, who has worked with Katseye and John Summit among other artists, and songwriting duo Ojivolta, the track is a thumping first look into Lisa’s forthcoming EP, Press Play, which arrives on Oct. 23 via LLOUD Co./RCA Records. Along with the song, Lisa has also shared a show-stopping music video.
The single is the first solo effort from the singer/rapper/actress this year, following on the heels of her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Goals” with Anitta and Rema. In addition to an upcoming documentary, Always Lalisa (Oct. 12), Lisa is gearing up for her Viva La Lisa Residency in Las Vegas at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 13, 14, 27 and 28. Check out the “SaWaDiKa” video below.
