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

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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 prominently features Thai identity. It opens with a look featuring a red leather bodysuit with side cutouts paired with boxing shorts, adorned with “SaWaDiKa” lettering made of LINE stones along the waistline. This is followed by a fighter concept inspired by Muay Thai athletes, complete with black gloves, a red crop top, and heavy eyeliner makeup. Additional visuals include a black feathered outfit showcased on a spiral staircase, a platinum blonde bob haircut, 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 emotional reactions such as “It was touching to see a familiar place.”

This concept is interpreted as a continuation of Lisa’s series celebrating her “Thai identity.” Overseas media noted that after her 2021 solo debut single “LALISA” (featuring traditional Thai attire and dance motifs, with a backdrop reminiscent of Buriram architecture) and the 2024 track “Rockstar” (set against modern Bangkok locations like Chinatown), this “SaWaDiKa” further strengthens that narrative by prominently featuring Muay Thai, Tuk-tuks, and a Thai greeting. 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 the 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 accumulated thousands of 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 only a pride of Thailand but of all Southeast Asia,” while another fan who identified as Sri Lankan wrote, “Although I am not from Thailand, Lisa has made me feel great pride in Thai culture.”

Praise also poured in for 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 like, “It feels like a sister song to ‘Rockstar.’ Lisa did it again.” However, a minority expressed disappointment over the song’s short length of just three minutes, wishing for a longer runtime.

The track features production by Tom Bridge and songwriting duo OZVOLT. 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 as 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.View Original