BLACKPINK’s Lisa is set to release her new single “SaWaDiKa” on September 3, 2026. The track serves as the lead single for her upcoming EP “PRESS PLAY”, scheduled for October 23, 2026. While the song celebrates her Thai heritage, the announcement has ignited a wave of criticism. Some K-pop fans are accusing the star of strategically using her cultural roots to pursue Grammy recognition.
The title “SaWaDiKa” comes from the traditional Thai greeting “Sawatdee ka,” which means “hello”. This marks the first time Lisa has used a Thai title for a solo release, a move that has drawn both celebration and skepticism.
What ‘SaWaDiKa’ Means and Lisa’s New EP
Lisa’s upcoming EP “PRESS PLAY” will contain six tracks. It is being described as her most personal project yet, honoring her journey from a K-pop trainee to a global superstar. The EP follows her debut studio album “Alter Ego”, which came out in early 2025.
The lead single “SaWaDiKa” is a direct nod to Lisa’s Thai roots. According to the press release, the song celebrates “how far she’s come, and a reminder of where it all began”. The rollout for the single included a global campaign called “Hello Sawadika,” featuring the word “hello” in 11 languages on a dedicated website. Billboards for the campaign appeared in Bangkok ahead of the official announcement.
Lisa also shared a preview of the song on August 25, 2026. The music video teaser shows a dark blue tuk-tuk and the song title in black text.
This release comes during a busy period for BLACKPINK members. Fellow member Jennie is releasing her EP “Fallen Angel” on August 28, 2026. Another member, Jisoo, will drop her single “CLICK” on September 4, just one day after Lisa’s release. This tight schedule has led to fan discussions about potential competition within the group.
Why Fans Are Accusing Lisa of ‘Grammy Chasing’
The controversy centers on the timing of Lisa’s single announcement. The Recording Academy recently introduced a new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 69th Grammy Awards in February 2027. Some fans believe Lisa’s decision to release a Thai-titled song is a calculated move to qualify for this new category.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed this view directly:
“Lisa is releasing a song with a Thai title right after the new Grammy categories’ eligibility period starts, and it’s her first time doing this lol. thank you bts.”
Another commenter questioned Lisa’s sudden embrace of her Thai identity:
“All of a sudden she remembered she’s thai I wondered why that is.”
A more pointed remark read:
“Never even said hi in Thai in an interview but now that the Grammy rules changed and added the Asian segregation category she’s eager to hire Thai ghostwriters asdfghjkl.”
The criticism also touched on the group’s internal dynamics. One fan commented:
“Oh my God, can’t they really let Jisoo have her moment just once??”
This refers to Jisoo’s own solo release scheduled for September 4, which some fans feel is being overshadowed by the controversy around Lisa’s single.
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The Grammy Category Debate
The new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category has been controversial since its announcement. Critics argue that creating separate categories for non-Western artists could reinforce divisions rather than promote inclusion. Supporters, however, see it as a long-overdue recognition of Asian artists in the global music industry.
The eligibility period for the 2027 Grammys began shortly before Lisa announced “SaWaDiKa”. This timing has led to speculation that Lisa, along with other K-pop artists, might be strategically positioning themselves for the new category. Some fans have pointed out that this is the first time Lisa has used a Thai title for a single, raising questions about her intentions.
Lisa’s Growing Global Presence
Despite the backlash, Lisa continues to expand her influence beyond music. Her documentary “Always Lalisa” will premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, running from September 10 to 20. The documentary chronicles her journey of establishing her own company, LLOUD, and her transition to Hollywood.
In November 2026, Lisa will stage her first concert residency, “VIVA LA LISA,” at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The residency will take place on November 13, 14, 27, and 28.
Lisa’s Thai identity reached a wider audience in 2025 through her acting debut as Mook in the third season of the HBO series “The White Lotus,” which was filmed in Thailand.
Fan Reactions and Divided Opinions
Social media platforms have been flooded with mixed reactions. While Lilies (Lisa’s fandom) are excited about the new music, others remain skeptical. Some fans appreciate Lisa embracing her heritage, while others view the move as opportunistic.
The debate has also sparked conversations about cultural authenticity and the pressures of the global music industry. Some fans argue that Lisa has every right to celebrate her Thai roots, regardless of the timing. Others believe the criticism is unfair, pointing out that Lisa has consistently incorporated Thai elements into her work, from her music videos to her fashion choices.
The timing of the release has also drawn attention to the broader context of BLACKPINK’s 10th anniversary. The members are pursuing individual projects while maintaining their group activities. This has led to speculation about the group’s future, though no official announcements have been made.
Also Read: LISA Confirms Second Solo Album Is Coming, Plans to Connect It With Las Vegas Residency
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