Recent remarks from 2NE1’s Dara have ignited a wave of criticism directed at YG Entertainment regarding alleged restrictions placed on BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s vocal capabilities. During the airing of the March 22 episode of the survival show Under Fifteen, available on CReA STUDIO’s YouTube channel, Dara reflected on her experiences with the agency’s management style.
In a standout moment from the audition, trainee Anyapan from Thailand captivated the panel with an energetic rendition of Lisa’s song ROCKSTAR. Dara reminisced about a monthly evaluation at YG Entertainment, where she experienced firsthand some of the limitations imposed on the younger talents.
Dara recounted the agency’s directive aimed at Lisa, discouraging her from utilizing her full vocal range. She elaborated on how Lisa’s exceptional voice often drew attention, citing that she was advised to keep her microphone off during evaluations to prevent overshadowing her peers. Dara commented:
“I remember when I was with BLACKPINK friends, before their debut, during their monthly evaluation; I was there once. Watching each of them perform on stage. These days everyone uses a mic, right? Yeah, they told Lisa not to turn her mic on because her voice was so powerful.”
Exprssing her admiration for Anyapan, Dara went on to say:
“It feels exactly like watching Lisa back then.”
The clips from Dara’s discussion quickly went viral across social media platforms, prompting fans to voice their opinions on YG Entertainment’s alleged practices. Critics assert that these restrictions have persisted since Lisa’s trainee days and beyond, fueling debates among fans on platforms like X.
“Damn YG for limiting her potential,”a fan remarked.
“Is that why YG trained her to be a rapper so they could bury her vocals and brainwash K-pop stans into thinking she can’t sing? Cause lilies already know that she can definitely sing, especially when she uses her chest voice,”another fan chimed in.
“Told her to turn the mic off because her voice was so powerful, told her to hold back during group dances so the skill difference wouldn’t ruin the group performance, and didn’t give her a main rapper position because she already had a main one. LALISA A TRUE ACE,”a user highlighted.
Conversely, some netizens criticized Dara’s remarks by referencing previous lip-syncing allegations against Lisa.
“Just because Lisa’s voice is powerful doesn’t mean she’s got a great singing voice lol the way Lisa’s fans are acting like Dara praised her having great vocals or it was proof she’s mistreated is funny,”one user noted.
“Lol the bf must have paid Dara. Imagine how tired we are,”humorously stated another.
“Now she even not turning on when it’s needed,”a netizen remarked.
Lip-Syncing Allegations Resurface After Oscar Performance
On March 2, 2025, BLACKPINK’s Lisa made history at the Academy Awards, becoming the first K-pop idol to perform at the prestigious event. Following the release of her solo album Alter Ego on February 28, she graced the stage with her track Born Again, featuring Doja Cat and Raye. However, the performance sparked significant backlash as many fans accused Lisa of lip-syncing, not showcasing her true vocal ability.
This incident wasn’t isolated, as Lisa has faced similar accusations in the past, including during her performances at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2024 Global Citizen Festival.
In addition to her musical endeavors, BLACKPINK’s Lisa made her Hollywood debut on February 16, 2025, starring in the HBO Max series The White Lotus, created by Mike White. In her role as Mook, a health mentor at The White Lotus in Thailand, she continues to expand her influence beyond the music industry.