BLACKPINK Lisa finally breaks silence on N-word controversy

Lisa is finally addressing one of the most uncomfortable controversies surrounding her pre-debut years.

The BLACKPINK star has spoken about leaked trainee footage in which she and fellow group members Jennie and Rosé were seen performing rap songs containing the N-word.

During a Q&A session at the premiere of her documentary film Always Lalisa at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held on Friday, September 11, the K-pop idol explained that she was very young at the time. 

She recently left Thailand that time, was still unfamiliar with the history and cultural weight of the word and English was not her first language.  

As a trainee, the Rockstar singer recalled now, she was required to perform rap songs and did not understand the painful history associated with the slur or realize that using it was unacceptable.

Her explanation comes after the footage, reportedly dating to the period before BLACKPINK’s 2016 debut, was leaked online in March 2025 by someone claiming to be a former YG Entertainment employee.

Rather than dismissing the controversy, the LALISA vocalist said she has since taken the time to educate herself and understand why the word is deeply offensive.

She made clear that her position today is different from when she was a young trainee and understands the issue now and would never use the word again.

The controversy also reportedly became a difficult situation for Lisa’s team. According to her account, her current agency, LLOUD, wanted to issue an official statement addressing the situation. However, YG Entertainment opposed the idea.

Lisa said the decision was also influenced by the intense backlash she was already facing online, including death threats.

Her team ultimately chose not to make a public statement because they feared doing so could cause the situation to escalate further.