BLACKPINK’s Lisa Finds Korea More Like Home Than Thailand

BLACKPINK’s Lisa recently sparked an interesting conversation online after she shared where she feels most at home. During a U.S. radio show earlier this year, reported by Diva Phoenix in January, Lisa was asked, “As a solo artist now promoting globally and traveling all over the world, where feels the most like home to you: Thailand or Korea?” Without hesitation, she said:

> “I think it’s probably, definitely Korea.” Lisa

This straightforward answer caught the attention of fans and netizens in both Korea and Thailand, igniting various reactions.

It’s no secret that Lisa has spent a significant part of her life in South Korea and even holds permanent residency there—legal proof she’s made Korea more than just her workplace. Many Korean netizens recognized this when the discussion started circulating online, understanding why she might feel Korea is her true home.

On the flip side, some Thai fans showed disappointment and expressed mixed feelings, highlighting the complicated nature of identity and loyalty tied to Lisa’s international journey. Comments from Thai netizens included statements like:

> “At some point, I hoped Lisa would return to Thailand and become prime minister, but that dream has been shattered.”

> “It’s Korea that made Lisa famous. We just benefit indirectly because she’s Thai. When Lisa achieves something, people who didn’t know her will look her up, and only then realize she’s Thai.”

> “If Lisa hadn’t gone to Korea and stayed in Thailand, she probably would’ve ended up in BNK48, the Thai version of Japan’s AKB48.”

> “K-pop made it all possible. It’s the same for Nichkhun and BamBam. Without K-pop, she wouldn’t be where she is now. Thailand didn’t do anything for her.”

> “If she says she represents Thailand, it could come off as dismissing the contribution of YG and Koreans, so she has to be careful.”

> “If she hadn’t gone to Korea, she never would’ve become world-class.”

> “She grew up and spent most of her life in Korea, so it makes sense.”

> “If she had said Thailand, she would’ve been attacked by antis in Korea. She gave a good answer. Thai fans don’t need to get emotional. I support Lisa because she’s Thai.”

> “I want to tell Lisa not to forget Korea. Without BLACKPINK, she wouldn’t even have been chosen in Thailand in the first place.”

These opinions sparked responses from Korean netizens who jumped in with their take on the situation. Many were surprised by some of the Thai fans’ comments but also showed understanding and defended Lisa’s choice, emphasizing her long tenure and life in Korea. Some noted that had she chosen Thailand as home, Koreans might not have minded as much as some expected—while others pointed out that online haters often look for reasons to slam foreign idols regardless.

A selection of K-netizen reactions includes:

> “Oh, so she has permanent residency too.”

> “If she had said Thailand, wouldn’t she have gotten attacked by antis in Korea?”

> “Even if she had said Thailand, I don’t think any Koreans would’ve felt upset lol.”

> “If someone is mad at a Thai person for saying Thailand feels like home, that person’s the weird one.”

> “I feel bad because Koreans have thrown a lot of unnecessary hate at Lisa… ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Lisa’s always been good to us.”

> “Even if she had said Thailand instead of Korea, I don’t think Koreans would’ve been upset lol. But I guess some really were.”

> “It totally makes sense that she feels more at home in Korea. Especially idols who’ve moved out of the dorms—it really becomes their own home. My fave is also a foreigner and has lived in Korea since they were young, and honestly, they sometimes know less about their birth country. Not just trends, but practical stuff like messenger apps, payment apps, shopping platforms, etc. It’s only natural to adapt to where your life actually is… and Lisa’s probably the same.”

> “I thank Lisa for answering so kindly.”

> “I can tell that Lisa is really loved in Thailand.”

> “Whether it’s Korea or Thailand doesn’t matter. If Lisa feels that way, that’s the end of it lol.”

> “I was curious about the conditions for getting permanent residency, and looking into it, Lisa more than qualifies—makes total sense lol.”

> “Since Lisa came to Korea after her identity was already somewhat shaped and has lived here for a long time, it’s understandable that Korea feels most like home.”

> “She lives and works in Korea and pays taxes here, so she probably qualified for permanent residency.”

> “Oh, she has permanent residency… didn’t know that. Now I kind of understand why people feel disappointed when Lisa doesn’t say she’s Korean lol.”

> “Lisa probably loves both Korea and Thailand.”

> “It would actually be stranger if Lisa didn’t have Korean permanent residency lol.”

> “Yeah, but considering she spent so much time in Korea and went through her teen years here, it makes sense she’d say that.”

> “Lisa is basically an honorary Korean lol.”

> “Why would anyone attack her for saying Thailand is her home? It’s her country. Even if she says Korea feels more comfortable now, it’s only natural that she still loves Thailand more.”

> “Why would anyone criticize a Thai person for saying Thailand feels like home? That kind of thinking is ridiculous.”

> “She’s lived in Korea for a long time, so it makes sense. I also feel more at home where I live now than in my actual hometown.”

Lisa’s answer reflects the complex feelings artists like her often face, constantly balancing their roots with the places where their careers and lives have evolved. It shows how home isn’t always a simple label and can mean different things depending on one’s experiences and everyday life.

What do you think about Lisa’s statement and the reactions that followed?