Lisa is reclaiming her crown as a YouTube hitmaker after her latest single ‘SaWaDiKa’ scored the biggest 24-hour music video debut of 2026 and became the fastest music video released this year to reach 100 million views.
Released on September 4, the music video drew 70.8 million views in its first 24 hours and crossed the 100-million mark in just over two days.
It has since surpassed 144 million views on the platform.
The ‘SaWaDiKa’ music video, which was filmed in Bangkok, puts Lisa’s Thai roots on full display.
It features Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai, along with Thai fabrics and popular locations across the city.
The pop star also shows off powerful dance moves throughout the video, including a high-energy choreography during the outro, where she is joined by her backup dancers.
‘SaWaDiKa’ makes strong Spotify debut
The feat adds another YouTube milestone to Lisa’s solo career.
In 2021, her single “LALISA” drew 73.6 million views in its first 24 hours, earning her a Guinness World Record for the most-viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours by a solo artist.
Apart from its YouTube success, “SaWaDiKa” also made waves on Spotify, debuting at No. 13 on the platform’s Global Daily chart with 2.79 million filtered streams.
The debut was reported as the biggest by a K-pop soloist on Spotify this year, and the song remains on the chart at the time of writing.
The pop-rock song is the first taste of Lisa’s upcoming EP ‘PRESS PLAY’.
Ahead of its release, the EP climbed to No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 10 Countdown chart with more than 370,000 pre-saves.
‘PRESS PLAY’ is set for release on October 23.
Lisa on going solo
As Lisa continues to build her solo career, she also opened up about the challenges of performing without her Blackpink bandmates Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé.
In an interview with Owen Thiele on his YouTube channel, Lisa said one of the biggest adjustments she experienced was taking the stage on her own after years of performing as part of the group.
“I’ve done Coachella with Blackpink twice, but last year, it was like my solo stage,” Lisa said, referring to her performance at the Sahara Stage, where she performed songs from her album ‘Alter Ego’.
“I was like, ‘How am I going to survive this 50-minute show?’” she recalled.
Despite her initial fears, Lisa said she enjoyed the experience, saying a little manifestation and prayer helped her through it.
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When will Blackpink return?
When asked about Blackpink’s comeback as a group, Lisa said the members are currently focused on their individual careers and need some time to pursue their own goals.
“When the timing is right. Because right now we’re focusing on our solo,” she said.
“I think we need a little ‘solo’ time.”
Still, Lisa assured fans that the group would reunite after the members accomplish what they want individually.
“But after we’ve accomplished everything that we want, of course,” she said. “They’re my family, they’re my best friends.”
The singer also revealed that the four members remain close and regularly keep in touch through their group chat.
Big events ahead
Following the release of ‘SaWaDiKa’, Lisa is now gearing up for another major event.
Her documentary ‘Always Lalisa’ will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11.
Directed by Sue Kim, the film follows Lisa’s journey as a solo artist, including the release of her album ‘Alter Ego’, her acting debut in ‘The White Lotus’ and her preparations for Coachella.
‘Always Lalisa’ will open in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on October 12.
Lisa is also nominated at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for Best Pop and Best K-pop for ‘Dream’ feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, adding another major event to her busy schedule.
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