LISA is putting her Thai roots front and center with the release of the official music video for SaWaDiKa, the first single from her upcoming EP PRESS PLAY. The BLACKPINK star combines contemporary hip hop energy with imagery inspired by her home country, creating one of her most culturally focused solo releases yet.
The title SaWaDiKa is a stylized version of the Thai greeting “sawasdee ka,” which translates to “hello” and is commonly used by women in Thailand. The phrase gives the track an immediate connection to LISA’s identity, while the song itself marks a return to her rap and hip hop influenced sound. Produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta, the track pairs her confident delivery with a sleek, modern beat.
The visual, directed by Bang Jae Yeob, was filmed in Bangkok and turns the city into an essential part of the video’s story. LISA moves through recognizable locations while the production incorporates tuk tuks, Muay Thai, Thai textiles and other elements of local culture. Historic Hua Lamphong railway station also features prominently, giving the video a distinctly Bangkok backdrop.
Rather than simply using Thailand as scenery, SaWaDiKa makes the country’s culture part of its identity. The video’s mix of traditional references, modern fashion, choreography and urban settings presents Thailand through the perspective of one of its biggest international stars. The result is a visual that feels rooted in local culture while remaining firmly connected to the global pop landscape.
LISA also incorporates Thai language and references into the song itself, further strengthening its connection to her heritage. The lyrics include the Thai phrase “เก่งมาก,” meaning “great job,” as well as references to the Thai baht and Bangkok, adding another layer of local identity to the track.
The release marks the beginning of a new solo chapter for LISA ahead of PRESS PLAY, which is scheduled to arrive in October. Following her global success with previous solo releases, SaWaDiKa offers a more direct celebration of where she came from while showcasing how far her career has taken her.
The music video’s impact was immediate. According to The Nation, SaWaDiKa passed 1 million views within its first hour and more than 1.9 million views within two hours of release. It later surpassed 70.8 million views in its first 24 hours, setting a 2026 record for YouTube’s highest first day view count worldwide at the time.
With SaWaDiKa, LISA offers a global introduction to the culture that shaped her, turning a simple greeting into a confident musical statement. The official video is a celebration of Thailand, Bangkok and LISA’s evolution as a global solo artist.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyS5dAywkEo&list=RDFyS5dAywkEo&start_radio=1
