From Muay Thai to Tuk-Tuks: Lisa's "SaWaDiKa" Music Video Brings Full Thai Vibes — 22 Million Views and 90,000 Comments in Just 8 Hours [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.

Muay Thai, Tuk-Tuks, and Hua Lamphong Station… Lisa’s “SaWaDiKa” Captures the Essence of Thailand Entirely; Thai Fans Touched

BLACKPINK’s Lisa returned with a new song brimming with Thai sensibility, sparking enthusiastic reactions from fans worldwide.

On the morning of the 4th at 9 a.m., Lisa simultaneously released her new single “SaWaDiKa” and its music video globally. As a pre-release track for the EP “PRESS PLAY,” set to drop on October 23, the title carries the Thai meaning of “hello.” The music video was directed by Bang Jae-yeop, who has collaborated with numerous K-pop artists, and filmed across various locations in Bangkok, Lisa’s hometown.

The music video is notable for prominently featuring Thai identity. It opens with a look pairing a red leather bodysuit with a side cutout and boxing shorts, adorned with “SaWaDiKa” lettering made of LINE stones along the waistline. This is followed by a fighter concept evoking Muay Thai athletes, featuring black gloves, a red crop top, and heavy eyeliner makeup; a black feathered outfit and platinum blonde bob showcased on a spiral staircase; a gold headdress inspired by traditional Thai aesthetics; and metallic streetwear looks.

The video alternates between gritty street scenes and glamorous fashion sequences set against a dark, cinematic urban backdrop. According to YouTube comments, the final dance sequence includes a camera pan from bottom to top that reveals Hua Lamphong Station (Bangkok Central Station), prompting Thai local fans to express, “It was touching to see such a familiar place.”

This concept is interpreted as a continuation of Lisa’s “Thai identity” series. Overseas media noted that while her 2021 solo debut single “LALISA” featured traditional Thai attire and dance motifs with backgrounds reminiscent of Buriram architecture, and her 2024 track “Rockstar” showcased modern Bangkok settings like Chinatown, this “SaWaDiKa” further strengthens the narrative by placing Muay Thai, Tuk-Tuks, and a Thai greeting at the forefront. Prior to release, red outdoor advertisements bearing the phrase “HELLO SaWaDiKa (Thai)” appeared in major cities including Bangkok, New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City, sparking fan curiosity.

Reactions immediately after release were explosive. According to overseas media, the music video surpassed 1 million views within one hour of its launch, while the previously released teaser video reached 1.69 million views in just 24 hours. The official music video itself hit 22 million views and over 90,000 comments within eight hours, proving its immense popularity.

YouTube comment sections were filled with praise for the meticulous inclusion of Thai cultural elements such as Muay Thai and Tuk-Tuks. One Indonesian fan commented, “Lisa is not just a pride for Thailand but for all of Southeast Asia,” while another fan identifying as Sri Lankan wrote, “Although I am not from Thailand, Lisa has made me feel immense pride in Thai culture.”

Praise also poured in regarding her rap and vocal performance. Fans remarked, “Lisa truly showcased her core identity through her rap,” and “The chorus part is incredibly catchy.” Some fans noted similarities to last year’s “Rockstar,” with interpretations such as, “It feels like a sister track to ‘Rockstar.’ Lisa did it again.” However, a minority expressed disappointment over the song’s three-minute length, wishing for a longer runtime.

The track features production by Tom Bridge and songwriting duo OZVOLTA. Lisa, who also serves as an “Amazing Thailand Ambassador” for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is credited with using this music video to further promote Thai culture globally. Coincidentally, on the same day, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo released her new single “Click,” bringing both members’ solo activities into the spotlight simultaneously.

Lisa will hold her first-ever solo residency concert by a K-pop artist, titled “VIVA LA LISA,” at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, USA, on the 13th–14 and 27–28. All tickets sold out within ten minutes of going on sale. Additionally, the documentary film “Always Lalisa” is scheduled for global theatrical release on October 12, ensuring continued interest in Lisa’s solo endeavors for the foreseeable future.

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*This content was translated by AI.