Kentaro Sakaguchi And Lisa’s ‘Dream’ Short Film Breakdown: Meaning Behind the Lyrics & Cinematic Symbolism

BLACKPINK's Lisa Releases Emotional Short Film 'Dream' Featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi and Symbolic Story of Love and Loss

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BLACKPINK’s Lisa has dropped a powerful five-minute short film for her song Dream, the final track from her solo debut album Alter Ego. Released on August 14, 2025, the film co-stars Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi and tells a heartbreaking story of love, memory, and farewell through stunning visuals and deep symbolism.

Directed by Ojun Kwon, the short film takes a cinematic approach, contrasting warm flashbacks of a past relationship with the cold reality of loss. The video has already sparked discussions among fans for its emotional depth and artistic storytelling.

The Story Behind Lisa’s Dream Short Film

The film opens at a funeral, where Lisa’s character quietly leaves with Kentaro Sakaguchi’s character. They drive along tree-lined roads, mirroring the song’s lyrics:

“We can catch up, drive down our old street.”

As they travel, flashbacks show their past moments together—cooking in a sunlit kitchen, walking in gardens, and sharing intimate conversations. In one scene, Lisa says she would want to be a tree in her next life, to which Kentaro replies he would be a lake to reflect her beauty forever.

The twist comes when it’s revealed that Lisa has been alone the whole time. The passenger seat holds an urn with her lover’s ashes. The film ends with her rowing to the middle of a lake, scattering the ashes, and fulfilling their earlier conversation about trees and lakes.

The Meaning of the Lyrics and Symbolism

Dream is one of Lisa’s most personal tracks, co-written with Ali Tamposi, Feli Ferraro, Shintaro Yasuda, and her0ism. The lyrics reflect on a past relationship, possibly from 2019, with lines like:

“Whenever I close my eyes / It’s taking me back in time / Been drowning in dreams lately / Like it’s 2019, baby.”

The short film amplifies the song’s theme of longing by turning emotional distance into a permanent separation. The tree and lake symbolize their bond—the tree as something steady and lasting, while the lake reflects and preserves memories.

Some fans speculate the song could be about a past relationship, possibly linked to former YG Entertainment artist Jung Jaewon (One), though Lisa has never confirmed this. Others believe it’s a broader metaphor for loss, whether through breakup, distance, or change.

Lisa’s Growth as a Solo Artist and Visual Storyteller

This short film marks another step in Lisa’s evolution as a solo artist. Unlike her high-energy tracks like Rockstar or Born Again, Dream showcases her softer, more vulnerable side. The film also highlights her acting skills, following her appearance in The White Lotus.

Her album Alter Ego, released on February 28, 2025, explores different sides of her artistry. It debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Album Sales chart, proving her success beyond BLACKPINK.

Fan Reactions and MTV VMA Nomination

Fans have praised the short film for its emotional impact and cinematic quality. Many took to social media to share their interpretations of the symbolism.

Meanwhile, Lisa has also secured her third MTV VMA nomination this year for Born Again with RAYE and Doja Cat. If she wins, she’ll be the first solo artist to win the K-pop category three times, having previously won in 2022 and 2024.

Where to Watch the Short Film

The Dream short film is available on LLOUD Official’s YouTube channel. Fans can also stream Alter Ego on major music platforms.

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