BLACKPINK member Lisa revealed in her documentary “Always Lalisa” that K-pop culture prohibits public relationships, forcing her to hide past romances to protect the group’s reputation.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa has openly discussed the rigid constraints of K-pop culture, revealing in her new documentary Always Lalisa that idols are effectively barred from public relationships. The film, set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11, includes candid admissions about her past secret romances and the pressure to conceal them to safeguard the group’s popularity.
A Culture of Secrecy: Why K-Pop Idols Can’t Date
In K-pop culture, we cannot date,
Lisa stated in the documentary, according to multiple sources including Chosun and Complex. If we are caught by paparazzi meeting someone, our popularity declines.
This sentiment echoes reports from koreatimes.co.kr and vietnam.vn, which highlight the industry’s longstanding practice of enforcing dating bans to maintain an image of romantically obtainable
artists. The restrictions, as explained by BBC News in Complex, are designed to prevent scandals that could alienate fans.
Lisa’s revelations align with broader trends in the K-pop industry, where trainees and newly debuted acts face strict rules against public relationships. koreatimes.co.kr noted that idols are often required to submit monthly performance tapes for review, adding to the pressure to conform. I didn’t dare speak up or express my thoughts,
Lisa recalled in koreatimes.co.kr, describing her early years at YG Entertainment. I had to hide when dating.
The Song That Broke the Silence: ‘Dream’ and Its Secret Inspiration
Central to Always Lalisa is Lisa’s 2025 solo album Alter Ego, which includes the track “Dream.” The song, she explained, was inspired by a past secret relationship. I had a few relationships when I was younger, but I had to hide when dating,
she said in Complex and Yahoo.com. Before releasing the song, Lisa sought her ex’s approval on the condition that fans would not identify the inspiration. People thought they had figured out who the person was, but in my opinion, they have not,
she added, per Chosun.
Rumors and Relationships: From LVMH Heir to Thai Actor
While Lisa’s past relationships remain private, recent rumors have centered on her alleged connection to Frédéric Arnault, an heir to the LVMH luxury empire. Chosun and vietnam.vn note that the pair faced persistent speculation since November 2022 / 2023, after Arnault attended a BLACKPINK concert.
The Documentary: A Glimpse into Lisa’s Solo Journey
Always Lalisa, directed by Sue Kim, follows Lisa’s transition from BLACKPINK member to solo artist. The film, which premiered at TIFF on September 11, includes behind-the-scenes footage of her album Alter Ego and her work with her label, LLOUD. Yahoo.com and Complex highlighted the documentary’s focus on Lisa’s transformative year away from BLACKPINK,
emphasizing the pressures of forging an independent career.
Yahoo.com noted that Lisa’s next solo project, the EP Press Play, is set for an October 23 release, with the single “SaWaDiKa” already dropped on Friday (Sept. 4).
What Comes Next: The Industry’s Response and Fan Reactions
Lisa’s revelations have sparked discussions about the broader implications for K-pop idols. For a K-pop star, and particularly a K-pop woman, it just simply is not possible,
Rosé told Call Her Daddy, a sentiment echoed by Lisa’s admissions.
