Lisa is reclaiming her place as a YouTube hitmaker with her latest single, ‘SaWaDiKa’. The music video delivered the biggest 24-hour debut of 2026. It also became the fastest music video released this year to reach 100 million views.
Released on September 4, the video attracted 70.8 million views within 24 hours. It then passed 100 million views in just over two days. Recent reports also put the video above 144 million views.
The ‘SaWaDiKa’ music video puts Lisa’s Thai heritage at the centre of the visual. She filmed the project in Bangkok and highlighted several elements of Thai culture.
The video features Muay Thai, Thai fabrics and famous locations around Bangkok. Lisa also delivers powerful dance performances throughout the release.
Her backup dancers join her for an energetic choreography sequence during the outro. Together, the visuals give the song a strong Thai identity while maintaining its global pop appeal.
‘SaWaDiKa’ makes strong Spotify debut
The YouTube achievement adds another major milestone to Lisa’s solo career.
Her 2021 single “LALISA” recorded 73.6 million views during its first 24 hours. That performance earned Lisa a Guinness World Record for the most-viewed YouTube music video in 24 hours by a solo artist.
‘SaWaDiKa’ has now added another impressive result. The video recorded 70.8 million views in its opening day. That figure made it the biggest music video debut of 2026.
The track also made a strong start on Spotify. It debuted at No. 13 on Spotify’s Global Daily chart. The song collected 2.79 million filtered streams on its opening day.
The debut also marked a major result for a K-pop soloist in 2026.
Meanwhile, ‘SaWaDiKa’ serves as the first taste of Lisa’s upcoming EP, ‘PRESS PLAY’. The EP is scheduled for release on October 23.
Ahead of the release, ‘PRESS PLAY’ climbed to No. 1 on Spotify’s Top 10 Countdown chart. The project also passed 370,000 pre-saves.
Lisa on going solo
Lisa continues to build her solo career while remaining an important member of Blackpink.
She recently discussed the challenges of performing without her Blackpink bandmates Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé. Lisa explained that performing alone required a major adjustment after years with the group.
In an interview with Owen Thiele on his YouTube channel, she recalled performing at Coachella as a solo artist.
“I’ve done Coachella with Blackpink twice, but last year, it was like my solo stage,” Lisa said. She was referring to her performance on the Sahara Stage.
The singer also remembered her concerns before the show.
“I was like, ‘How am I going to survive this 50-minute show?’” she recalled.
However, Lisa eventually enjoyed the experience. She said manifestation and prayer helped her overcome the pressure.
When will Blackpink return?
Fans also continue to wonder when Blackpink will reunite for another group comeback.
Lisa said the members currently focus on their individual careers. According to the singer, the four members need 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 made it clear that Blackpink remains important to her. She expects the group to reunite after each member completes their individual goals.
“But after we’ve accomplished everything that we want, of course,” she said. “They’re my family, they’re my best friends.”
Lisa also revealed that the four members remain close. They regularly stay in touch through their group chat.
Big events ahead
Following the success of ‘SaWaDiKa’, Lisa has several major projects ahead.
Her documentary ‘Always Lalisa’ will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11.
Directed by Sue Kim, the film follows Lisa’s journey as a solo artist. It covers her ‘Alter Ego’ era, her acting debut in The White Lotus and her preparations for Coachella.
The documentary will open in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on October 12.
Lisa also received nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. She is nominated for Best Pop and Best K-pop for ‘Dream’ featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
The nominations add another major highlight to an already busy period for the singer.
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