With her Thai roots front and centre, LISA is kicking off a bold new chapter—and she's making sure the world hears her.
LISA has officially said “hello” to her next era.
The BLACKPINK star is back with her latest solo single, “SaWaDiKa,” and if the title wasn't already a big enough hint, this comeback is all about going back to where it began.
Released on September 4, “SaWaDiKa” is the first taste of LISA's upcoming solo EP, ** PRESS PLAY **, arriving October 23 via LLOUD Co. and RCA Records. And with its hard-hitting hip-hop production, confident rap delivery and celebration of her Thai identity, LISA is making one thing clear: this era is going to be unapologetically hers
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So... What Does “SaWaDiKa” Mean?
Let's start with the obvious question.
“SaWaDiKa” is a stylised version of sawatdee ka, a traditional Thai greeting meaning “hello.”
For LISA, the title feels especially fitting.
Born and raised in Thailand before becoming a global K-pop superstar, the artist has made her heritage an important part of this new chapter. From the title itself to the music video being filmed in Bangkok, “SaWaDiKa” puts LISA's roots right at the centre of the spotlight.
And honestly? What better way to introduce a new era than with a giant hello?
LISA Is Back in Her Rap Bag
If you were missing LISA's sharper, rap-heavy side, consider this your notification.
“SaWaDiKa” leans into the hip-hop sound and rap prowess that have been central to LISA's artistry, with punchy production and an attitude-filled delivery that feels made for the stage. The track was produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta, bringing together a beat that gives LISA plenty of space to own the track.
Rather than playing it safe, LISA comes in with confidence from the very first moments.
It's bold. It's braggadocious. And it sounds like someone who knows exactly who she is.
Bangkok Takes Centre Stage
The music doesn't get all the attention—the music video deserves its own moment.
Filmed in LISA's home country of Thailand, the visual takes viewers across Bangkok while putting her performance, choreography and fashion firmly in the spotlight.
And, of course, LISA delivers the looks.
From dramatic silhouettes to statement styling, the video feels less like a simple music video and more like a full introduction to the visual world of the PRESS PLAY era.
LISA didn't just come back. She arrived with a wardrobe.
Welcome to the PRESS PLAY Era
“SaWaDiKa” isn't just a standalone comeback—it's the opening chapter of what's coming next.
The single serves as the lead release from LISA's upcoming EP, ** PRESS PLAY **, scheduled for October 23. The project follows her 2025 debut solo album Alter Ego and marks another step in LISA's evolution as a solo artist.
While there's still plenty left to discover about the EP, “SaWaDiKa” already gives us a pretty good idea of what LISA wants this era to feel like: confident, energetic, personal and deeply connected to her roots.
And we're only at track one.
The Internet Said Hello Right Back
LISA's return didn't exactly go unnoticed.
The “SaWaDiKa” music video passed 100 million views on YouTube in approximately two days and four hours, making it the fastest music video released in 2026 to reach that milestone at the time.
Clearly, the world was ready for LISA to say hello.
And with BLACKPINK's members continuing to explore their individual sounds alongside their group activities, LISA's latest release gives fans another look at the artist she is becoming outside of the group.
A New Era, Same Lalisa
There's something fitting about calling your next era “hello” when you've already achieved global superstardom.
LISA doesn't need to introduce herself. She knows the world knows her name.
Instead, “SaWaDiKa” feels like an introduction to a newer version of LISA—one who is embracing her Thai identity, returning to her rap roots and stepping confidently into whatever comes next.
And if this is only the beginning, PRESS PLAY might just be one of the releases to have on your radar this October.
LISA has said hello. Now it's our turn to press play.
