Lisa credits 'whole village' for SaWaDiKa release ahead of Press Play EP
Synopsis
Lisa's new single 'SaWaDiKa' is more than a comeback track — it's a cultural statement. Bridging Thailand, Korea, and LA, the pre-release single from her upcoming EP Press Play shows a global superstar doubling down on her Thai identity, backed by a fanbase and a team that span continents.
Key Takeaways
Lisa (Blackpink) released pre-release single 'SaWaDiKa' on 4 September ahead of her upcoming EP Press Play .
She thanked collaborators across Thailand , South Korea , and Los Angeles in an Instagram post, saying it took a 'whole village.' Her debut solo album Lalisa (2021) sold 736,000 copies in its first week in South Korea — a record for a female artist.
Her 2025 studio album Alter Ego debuted in the top ten of the US Billboard 200 ; 'Rockstar' reached No.
1 on the Billboard Global chart.
Lisa made her acting debut in The White Lotus (2025) and has been recognised as a cultural ambassador by Thailand's Ministry of Culture .
Lisa, Thai singer and member of South Korean K-Pop group Blackpink, has expressed heartfelt gratitude following the release of her new single 'SaWaDiKa' on 4 September, describing the collaborative effort behind it as taking a 'whole village.' The track serves as a pre-release single from her upcoming EP, Press Play.
Lisa's Message to Fans and Team
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Lisa thanked collaborators spanning Thailand, South Korea, and Los Angeles for their roles in bringing the song to life. She also reserved a special mention for her fanbase, whom she affectionately calls Lilies.
'It's been one day since SaWaDiKa is released to the world!! From Thailand to Korea to LA, it took a whole village to bring this to life, so a huge Thank you to every single person that was involved,' she wrote. She added: 'And also shoutout to Lilies for supporting and loving SaWaDiKa. I truly cannot do this without you guys and excited to show you everything coming up.'
What 'SaWaDiKa' Signals for Lisa's Solo Career
'SaWaDiKa' arrives as a preview of Press Play, Lisa's forthcoming EP, and underlines her continued push as a solo force after years as a cornerstone of Blackpink, which debuted in August 2016 and became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The single's title is a phonetic rendering of the Thai greeting 'Sawasdee Ka,' reflecting Lisa's pride in her Thai roots.
Notably, this release follows an extraordinary run for Lisa as a solo act. Her 2021 debut single album Lalisa made her the first female artist to sell 736,000 copies in its first week in South Korea, while the music video for 'Lalisa' set a record as the most-viewed debut in the first 24 hours on YouTube by a solo artist.
A Record-Breaking Solo Trajectory
Lisa's debut studio album Alter Ego, released in 2025, debuted in the top ten of the US Billboard 200. Its lead single 'Rockstar' reached number one on the Billboard Global (Excl. US) chart, while 'Born Again' and 'Dream' topped the Official Thailand Chart. She also made her acting debut in 2025 in the television series The White Lotus.
Beyond music, Lisa has been honoured as a cultural ambassador by Thailand's Ministry of Culture, with former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha acknowledging her contributions to spreading Thai culture globally. With Press Play on the horizon, fans can expect further announcements in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Thailand, and South Korea simultaneously is rare, and the cultural ambassador designation from Bangkok adds a soft-power dimension that few pop artists can claim. Whether Press Play translates that momentum into a sustained solo discography, rather than a series of viral singles, is the real question for her next chapter.
NationPress
5 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lisa's new song 'SaWaDiKa' about?
'SaWaDiKa' is a pre-release single from Lisa's upcoming EP Press Play, released on 4 September. The title is a phonetic rendering of the Thai greeting 'Sawasdee Ka,' reflecting her Thai identity and cultural roots.
What is Lisa's upcoming EP Press Play?
Press Play is Lisa's forthcoming EP, for which 'SaWaDiKa' serves as the first pre-release single. Further details about the EP's full tracklist and release date have not yet been announced.
Who are Lisa's 'Lilies'?
'Lilies' is the name Lisa uses for her dedicated fanbase. She gave them a special shoutout in her Instagram post following the release of 'SaWaDiKa,' crediting their support as essential to her work.
What are Lisa's biggest solo achievements so far?
Lisa's debut album Lalisa (2021) sold 736,000 copies in its first week in South Korea, a record for a female artist. Her 2025 studio album Alter Ego debuted in the top ten of the US Billboard 200, and 'Rockstar' reached number one on the Billboard Global chart.
Why is Lisa considered a cultural ambassador for Thailand?
Thailand's Ministry of Culture honoured Lisa as a cultural ambassador for her role in spreading Thai culture globally through her music and public profile. Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also acknowledged her contributions in this regard.
