Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching a wide-eyed teenager from Thailand dominate the dance floor in those early YG trainee videos. But time moves fast in the K-pop world. If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably seen the question popping up everywhere: how old is Lisa now?
It’s a fair question. Between her massive solo rebranding, her acting debut in The White Lotus, and her recent appearance as the first K-pop artist to present at the Golden Globes in January 2026, her vibe has shifted from "talented maknae" to "global powerhouse."
The Real Numbers: How Old Is Lisa Manobal Today?
Let’s get the hard facts out of the way first. Lalisa Manobal was born on March 27, 1997.
As we sit here in mid-January 2026, Lisa is currently 28 years old.
She’ll be hitting that big 29 milestone this coming March. It’s wild to think about because she’s been in the public eye since she was barely 19. If you do the math, she’s spent nearly a third of her life as a member of BLACKPINK.
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People often get her age confused because she is the "maknae" (the youngest member) of the group. In the early days, the industry marketed her with a youthful, energetic image. But at 28, she's clearly in her "main character" era, running her own label, LLOUD, and making major moves in Hollywood.
Why People Get Her Age Wrong
Age in the entertainment industry is always a bit of a shell game. For a long time, the "Korean age" system added an extra year to everyone's profile, making her seem older in Seoul than she did in Bangkok or Los Angeles. Even though South Korea officially moved toward the international age system recently, the old habits die hard among fans.
There’s also the "trainee lag."
Lisa moved to South Korea in 2011 after being the only person to pass the YG auditions in Thailand. She was 14. She trained for over five years before the world ever heard the name BLACKPINK. When you see someone debut, you often forget they’ve already put in a decade of work behind the scenes.
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A Timeline of Her Growth
- 14 years old: Moves to South Korea alone (2011).
- 19 years old: Debuts with "Boombayah" and "Whistle" (2016).
- 24 years old: Launches her solo career with LALISA (2021).
- 27 years old: Founds her own agency, LLOUD (2024).
- 28 years old: Stars in The White Lotus and presents at the 2026 Golden Globes.
The "28-Year-Old" Rebrand: From K-Pop to Global Icon
What’s really interesting isn't just the number, but how she’s using it.
Most K-pop idols start to "fade out" or shift to hosting duties by their late twenties. Lisa did the opposite. She doubled down. By launching her own agency, LLOUD, and signing a solo deal with RCA Records, she took total control of her narrative right as she hit 27.
Look at her recent fashion choices. At the 2026 Golden Globes, she wore a sheer Jacquemus gown that some critics called "too daring," while others praised it as a sign of her maturity. She isn't trying to look like a teenager anymore. She’s embracing the 28-year-old version of herself—someone who knows her worth and isn't afraid to take risks.
What’s Next for Lisa in 2026?
We aren't just looking at her age; we're looking at her stamina.
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Right now, she is wrapping up the DEADLINE World Tour with BLACKPINK, which is scheduled to conclude in Hong Kong on January 26, 2026. After that, she isn't slowing down. There’s heavy talk in the industry about a solo world tour later this year to support her Alter Ego album.
Plus, she’s expanding into film. Beyond her guest role as "Mook" in the third season of The White Lotus, she’s reportedly linked to the Extraction spin-off, Extraction: Tigo. This is a woman who is essentially starting a second career at an age when many people are just figuring out their first.
If you want to keep up with her journey, the best thing to do is watch her upcoming project releases. Her age is just a backdrop to the fact that she’s currently one of the most influential women in the world.
Check her official LLOUD social media channels for the definitive tour dates as they drop. If you're in Hong Kong, her Alter Ego pop-up store is open until February 7 at AIRSIDE—it's the best place to see her creative evolution in person.