2NE1’s Dara recently caught attention after sharing a behind-the-scenes story about BLACKPINK’s trainee days especially about Lisa. On the show “Under 15,” she recalled, “During BLACKPINK’s monthly evaluation, I was there… These days everyone uses their mic, right? But they told Lisa not to turn on hers because her voice was too powerful. It really felt like watching Lisa back then.”
Netizens couldn’t contain their anger toward YG Entertainment, believing the company had deliberately held Lisa back from fully expressing her true potential. Their frustration was especially focused on her vocal abilities — an area where Dara couldn’t stop praising her. Many fans felt a deep sense of regret, wondering how much more Lisa could have shined if only she had been given the proper opportunities to showcase her talent.
Netizens reacted strongly:
- “YG sabotaged you. Lisa please cut ties completely, I’m so serious”
- “They were already holding her back as a trainee?”
- “Damn YG for limiting her potential”
BLACKPINK was once accused of copying 2NE1, but the group has long outgrown that label, with each member achieving massive solo success. Lisa, in particular, has risen as a true global star, becoming the first K-pop soloist to win at the MTV VMAs and achieving worldwide recognition with her solo album LALISA and international brand deals.
While Dara’s nostalgic remark was meant as a compliment, it ended up reminding fans of the struggles Lisa may have faced early on — making her current success feel all the more hard-earned and well-deserved.
