Lisa’s Alter Ego: The Real Her in “New Women”?

Koktail Magazine

19 Aug 2024


Lisa’s just dropped “New Women,” and it’s not just another banger, it’s a full-on statement. This track feels like her way of smashing through those strict K-Pop beauty standards, showing us a more real, unfiltered side. But here’s the thing is this the real Lisa we’re seeing, or just another layer of her complex identity?

 

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Visual Vibes

In “New Women,” Lisa’s gone for a vibe shift. The flashy, bright aesthetics of K-Pop are out; in come the moody, muted tones. She’s all about introspection now, and it shows. Those mirror shots? Total metaphor for self-reflection. It’s like she’s saying, “This is me, take it or leave it.”

 

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Lyric Lowdown

The lyrics hit hard, no doubt. Lisa’s basically challenging the whole K-Pop scene, questioning the rigid roles she’s been boxed into. It’s deep, and you can feel her trying to break free from the industry’s expectations. Right from the start, you can feel her smashing through the walls of expectations with lines like “Bangin’ it, bangin’ it, wanna crack these walls.” It’s like she’s done with the cookie-cutter K-Pop image and is ready to show us the real her. But what’s this new side she’s revealing? 

 

Let’s dive in.

Breaking Free and Owning It

Lisa kicks off by talking about breaking down barriers and making her voice heard. The repeated “Bangin’ it, bangin’ it” isn’t just catchy; it’s a statement. She’s not just here to play by the rules, she’s here to rewrite them. The whole vibe of the song screams reinvention, like she’s stepping out of the shadows and into her own light.

Turning Pain into Power

“Purple into gold” is more than just a pretty phrase. It’s Lisa saying she’s been through it, but she’s come out shining. She’s taken her pain, walked through the fire, and turned it into something golden.

It’s like Lisa’s got the Midas touch, turning every challenge into something golden. Just like King Midas, who turned everything into gold, Lisa’s flipping her struggles into pure strength and brilliance. This line really resonates with anyone who’s faced tough times and come out stronger. It’s all about growth and finding beauty in the scars that shape you.

Empowerment on Her Own Terms

Lisa’s not just talking the talk; she’s walking the walk. With lines like “I’m a new woman” and “Focus on my mind, taking my time,” she’s telling us she’s in control now. She’s done with rushing or fitting into someone else’s timeline. And when she says, “Bitch, you better swerve,” it’s clear. She’s not letting anyone mess with her vibe. It’s a total flex of confidence and self-assurance.

A Full-On Transformation

The song is about what’s on the outside! Lisa’s talking about a whole transformation, inside and out. When she mentions her “Face, eyes, body go wild,” she’s showing off her new look, but there’s more to it. “I’m all about mind” reminds us that this change is also about her mental state. She’s grown, she’s evolved, and she’s not afraid to show it.

Rosalía’s Vibe Check

Rosalía jumps in, backing up Lisa’s energy with her own vibe of confidence. She’s all about flaunting who she really is, not what she’s got. Lines like “Por todo lo que soy, yo puedo frontear” (For everything I am, I can flaunt it) fit perfectly with the theme of staying true to yourself. Her verse adds another layer to the track, reinforcing that they’re both here to serve authenticity, not just looks.

 

Defying the Norms

Both Lisa and Rosalía use this track to push back against the pressures of their industry. Lisa’s “Gimme that Alpha” is rising up and taking control, while Rosalía’s bold statement, “Puta, soy la ROSALÍA, solo sé servir” (Bitch, I’m ROSALÍA, I only know how to serve), is pure fire. Together, they’re challenging the idea that they need to fit into any box, showing they’re in charge of their own narrative.

“New Woman” is a manifesto. Lisa and Rosalía are here to show that they're icons of empowerment. They’ve turned pain into power, broken free from the past, and are now strutting into the future on their own terms. This track is all about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and it’s a vibe we can all get behind.

 

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Style Switch-Up

Let’s talk fashion.  Lisa’s style is on point, thanks to her go-to Thai  stylist Nista ‘Nan’ Permpoon (@nanist), who’s got her looking flawless every time. For her videos, Georgia Pendlebury (@georgia.pendlebury) steps in with those killer looks that make every shot pop. Lisa’s ditched the hyper-feminine, colourful looks for something more street and avant-garde. She’s mixing and matching, and it’s a total rebellion against her old image. When it comes to hair, Hyeyeon Jang (@janghyeyeon) is the genius behind those iconic styles, while Jiyeon Kim (@2nakimm) works her magic with natural makeup, She’s showing her real self, no filter needed and Sojin Oh has her nails looking next-level. 

 

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Dance Feels

The choreography in “New Women” screams freedom. Those powerful kicks and flowing movements? They’re all about breaking out and owning the space. When Lisa dances solo, it’s like she’s claiming her independence, proving she’s in control of her story.

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Emotional Ride

But it’s not just about the visuals and the moves, Lisa’s emotions hit different in this video. You can see the vulnerability, the struggle, and the triumph in every expression. It’s raw, relatable, and a major switch from the polished K-Pop personas we’re used to.

 

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Cool Symbols

The video’s packed with symbols that add layers to the narrative. The colour red pops up a lot, symbolising both passion and change. The mirrors? They’re a nod to the different sides of her identity. And the mix of urban and natural settings? That’s Lisa balancing her public persona with who she really is behind the scenes.

 

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Industry Clapback and Fan Hype

Fans are loving it, and the internet’s blowing up. Some are calling it Lisa’s most authentic work yet, while others are buzzing about what this means for her future in K-Pop. Either way, “New Women” is a game-changer, and it’s got everyone talking.

“New Women” is a low-key critique of the K-Pop industry. Through her bold visuals and lyrics, she’s pushing back against the idea of a one-dimensional idol. It’s a powerful move, especially for fans who feel the pressure to conform in their own lives. There’s been a bit of a stir among Korean fans about Lisa not singing in Korean anymore. With her latest tracks being in English and Spanish, some are feeling like she’s drifting away from her roots. Part of Lisa’s identity is deeply tied to Korean culture, but underneath that, she’s also proudly Thai. Fans are wondering if she’ll ever sing in these languages again, or if her new direction is all about reaching a global audience.

It’s clear that the language an artist chooses says a lot about who they’re trying to connect with. At this point in her journey, it seems Lisa is aiming beyond just being seen as a Thai K-pop idol. She’s carving out a new identity, one that’s bigger and broader than what fans and the media have previously defined her as. She’s evolving into something different, something more.

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Old vs. New Lisa

When you stack “New Women” against her earlier stuff, the evolution is clear. Lisa’s gone from being part of a group to standing strong on her own. It’s about personal growth and an artistic transformation that’s all about keeping it real. In a nutshell, “New Women” is Lisa’s way of redefining herself and pushing back against the pressures of K-Pop. With this, she’s an artist ready to shake up the music scene and make her mark on the Billboard charts. She’s taking on all who came before her and setting the stage for those who’ll follow.