In a stunning testament to her global impact, LISA (Lalisa Manoban) has been named to the prestigious Golden Disc Powerhouse 40 list, a special recognition honoring the 40 most influential figures in the 40-year history of Korean pop music. But what makes this achievement truly historic? LISA stands as the only non-Korean individual on the entire list.
The Golden Disc Awards (GDA) secretariat compiled the Golden Disc Powerhouse 40 to celebrate the pioneers and titans who have shaped K-Pop since 1986. The list is a who’s-who of K-Pop legends, featuring iconic groups like BTS, BLACKPINK (as a group), Girls’ Generation, BIGBANG, and H.O.T., alongside industry-defining producers and artists such as Cho Yong Pil, J.Y. Park, Bang Si Hyuk, and PSY.
As a Thai national, LISA’s inclusion as a solo artist and industry mover marks a pivotal moment in the genre’s history. It is a powerful acknowledgment of her unparalleled global reach, artistic contribution, and revolutionary role in transforming K-Pop into a truly international phenomenon. Her journey—from a non-Korean trainee at YG Entertainment to a record-breaking solo artist and global fashion icon—epitomizes K-Pop’s expansion beyond its national borders.
This remarkable honor for LISA not only highlights her personal success but also validates the immense, boundary-breaking power of artists from diverse backgrounds within the K-Pop world. The non-Korean K-Pop influence is no longer just a global trend; it is now officially etched into the history books. LISA has definitively proven that the biggest powerhouse in Korean popular music can indeed hail from anywhere in the world.
