BLACKPINK Member Lisa Signs Landmark Deal, Redefining Solo Career

The global music landscape has witnessed a transformative shift as Lisa, the record-breaking BLACKPINK star, secures a monumental solo partnership that grants her unprecedented autonomy over her artistic future.

Lalisa Manobal, known globally as Lisa, the Thai-born rapper and dancer of the K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK, has officially formalised a strategic partnership between her management firm, LLOUD, founded in February 2024, and the major American record label RCA Records.

While Lisa remains a member of BLACKPINK for group activities under YG Entertainment, this new arrangement marks her definitive departure from traditional K-pop trainee-style management for her solo ventures. The deal is described as a 'landmark partnership' that allows Lisa to retain full ownership of her master recordings while gaining the global distribution and marketing muscle of Sony Music's RCA.

This move is a rarity in the industry, where labels typically hold the rights to an artist's output. The formal announcement of this global expansion was made in April 2024, but the partnership reached its peak in early 2026, as Lisa transitioned into her role as a global style icon and Golden Globe presenter. The partnership bridges Lisa's base in South Korea and Thailand with the global music hub of New York, as she prepares to launch a new era of English-language content aimed at the Western market following the massive success of her 2025 debut studio album, Alter Ego.

The collaboration represents a bold evolution in the 'creator-first' economy, where established idols are increasingly seeking to become CEOs of their own brands. By launching LLOUD in 2024, Lisa signalled her intent to transcend the idol label, and this latest alliance with RCA, home to icons like Doja Cat and SZA, provided the infrastructure to scale her 'Rockstar' persona to new heights. Industry analysts suggest this deal sets a fresh benchmark for K-pop artists, proving that global superstars can successfully navigate independence while maintaining their group commitments.

Total Creative Autonomy and Ownership

The most significant aspect of Lisa's new contract is the retention of her master rights. In an industry historically known for restrictive, long-term contracts where the agency owns the intellectual property, Lisa's ability to own her music is a power move that echoes the strategies of artists like Taylor Swift. This autonomy ensures she has the final say on her sonic direction, visual branding, and release frequency.

For RCA Records, the acquisition of Lisa's solo distribution is a major win. She brings a massive, dedicated fanbase, known as 'Lillies', and a proven track record of breaking Guinness World Records, including the most-viewed YouTube music video by a solo artist in 24 hours for her hit 'Lalisa.' The label recently supported her multi-continent promotional tour for Alter Ego, which featured high-profile collaborations with artists such as Rosalía ('New Woman') and Tyla.

A Multi-Hyphenate Global Icon

Beyond music, Lisa's career redefinition includes a significant foray into acting and fashion. She made her onscreen debut in February 2025 in the third season of HBO's The White Lotus, playing Mook, a resort manager in her native Thailand. This crossover into Hollywood positions her as a 'multi-hyphenate' entertainer capable of commanding both the music charts and the small screen.

Her fashion influence also remains a cornerstone of her brand. In early 2026, Lisa further solidified her mogul status by signing a long-term global partnership with Nike and becoming a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. The RCA deal further synergises with these luxury brands, integrating music videos into high-end fashion campaigns to maximise her commercial reach across Europe and the Americas.

The Future of K-Pop Independence

Lisa's move is being closely watched by other members of the 'Big Four' agencies in South Korea. As the first member of BLACKPINK to secure such a major independent distribution deal, she is paving the way for other idols to follow. The balance between her high-octane solo projects and her continued commitment to group activities suggests that the 'group first' model is evolving into a more flexible, hybrid system, with a full BLACKPINK group comeback and world tour currently slated for 2026.

In 2026, Lisa is expected to headline major global festivals following her history-making appearance as a Golden Globe presenter earlier this year. With the backing of LLOUD and RCA, the 'Thai Princess' of K-pop is no longer just a member of a group; she is a self-made mogul reshaping the rules of global stardom on her own terms.