BLACKPINK's Lisa Spotlights Thai Identity and Culture in New Single SaWaDiKa

Lisa’s official music video for “SaWaDiKa” hit 1,931,085 views within two hours of its Sept. 4 release on the LLOUD Official YouTube channel, signaling rapid early traction for the rollout.
The track was released on online music platforms at 9 a.m. on Sept. 4 (Korea time), with “SaWaDiKa” positioned as the pre-release single ahead of the Oct. 23 EP “PRESS PLAY.”
Thailand’s Tourism Authority publicly welcomed the “SaWaDiKa” campaign: Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool praised Lisa for bringing greater international attention to the Thai greeting “and the hospitality behind it.”
The “PRESS PLAY” era is backed by industry distribution details: “SaWaDiKa” is described as the first official release from the six-track EP arriving Oct. 23 through RCA Records, under an exclusive license from Lloud Co.
At the start of the residency plans connected to “PRESS PLAY,” reporting said every seat for Lisa’s “VIVA LA LISA” shows at Caesars Palace (Nov. 13–14 and 27–28) sold out within 10 minutes of ticket sales.
BLACKPINK's LISA launched her new era on September 4 with "SaWaDiKa," a hip-hop track that puts her Thai identity front and center. Fame Magazine reports the song combines her signature rap style with the Thai greeting meaning "hello." The music video racked up nearly 2 million views in just two hours, signaling strong early momentum for the rollout.
"SaWaDiKa" arrives as the pre-release single from LISA's upcoming six-track EP "PRESS PLAY," dropping October 23 through RCA Records. All K-pop notes the track was released at 9 a.m. Korea time on September 4 across all streaming platforms. Every seat for her "VIVA LA LISA" Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace sold out within 10 minutes of ticket sales.
The "SaWaDiKa" music video leans heavily on recognizable Bangkok imagery. Rolling Stone Philippines reports director Bang Jae Yeob filmed the video in LISA's hometown, featuring Muay Thai styling, tuk-tuks, and appearances of the historic Hua Lamphong railway station. This marks a shift from her earlier work, spotlighting more specifically Thai locations rather than generic Bangkok backdrops.
Thailand's Tourism Authority publicly welcomed the "SaWaDiKa" campaign. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool praised LISA for bringing greater international attention to the Thai greeting and the hospitality it represents. The pre-release campaign featured billboards carrying "HELLO สวัสดีค่ะ" in major cities worldwide before the full track title was revealed.
Billboard Philippines notes the track is produced by Thom Bridges and Ojivolta. Stay Free Radio describes "SaWaDiKa" as a powerful and personal song that carries an unmistakable sense of occasion. The production blends hip-hop and trap elements with LISA's rap style, creating a sound that reflects both her artistry and Thai musical influences.
LISA will follow the EP release with her "VIVA LA LISA" residency in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace in mid-to-late November. Shows are scheduled for November 13–14 and 27–28. Every ticket sold out in just 10 minutes, reflecting massive demand from fans eager to see LISA perform songs from the new era live.
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