Why is Lisa’s new single titled with a Thai greeting?
The song’s identity and the music video’s setting point in the same direction, but claims surrounding a prop should be considered separately.
Enjoying new music and evaluating a creative-credit controversy cannot be judged by the same standard.
3-Line Summary
1. Lisa’s “SaWaDiKa” was released on September 4
2. It is a pre-release track from the EP scheduled for October 23
3. Claims of prop similarity have not been conclusively resolved
A Title Meaning “Hello,” Set Over Rap and Hip-Hop
Lisa, a member of BLACKPINK, released her new single “SaWaDiKa” on September 4. According to a Yonhap News report, the song is a pre-release track from the new EP “PRESS PLAY,” scheduled for release on October 23. The fact that the single has already been released and the EP’s scheduled release should be considered separately. The single can be heard, but the EP’s full composition and completed flow have not yet been revealed.
SaWaDiKa is a Thai greeting meaning “hello.” Sony Music Entertainment Korea introduced the song as one that highlights a hip-hop sound and Lisa’s rapping. NewsPim reported that the track embodies Lisa’s identity as a Thai artist. The title is not merely in Thai; the explanation is that Lisa’s roots have been placed at the forefront of the song.
The song title has also been described as a Thai greeting politely delivered by a female speaker. Thus, “SaWaDiKa” is a familiar greeting when translated into Korean, but within the song it serves as a marker revealing Lisa’s origins and language. The contrast between the light word greeting and the strong rap and hip-hop foundation is also an element shaping this single’s impression.
There is no need to explain Lisa’s Thai identity only through a vague atmosphere. Three verifiable elements come together: the Thai title, the agency’s description of the rap and hip-hop sound, and the Bangkok shoot that follows. As these three elements interlock, the song has a clearer starting point than simply being a pre-release track promoting a new EP.
Bangkok’s Scenery Is Not the Song’s Background but Its Signifier
The music video was filmed in Bangkok, Thailand, introduced as Lisa’s hometown. According to a TenAsia report, it was directed by Bang Jae-yeop and features Lisa’s performance and diverse styling against various locations symbolizing Bangkok. Bridge Economy also reported that location filming took place amid Bangkok’s urban and street scenery.
The locations thus became more than simple filming sites; they served as a device visually connecting the song title and the artist’s roots. Since the structure involves hearing a Thai title and then seeing Bangkok’s streets and city center, the video is less like decoration added to the song and more like a screen displaying the identity the song puts forward.
Therefore, when viewing “SaWaDiKa,” it is more appropriate to look at how the title, sound, and Bangkok setting connect than to separate the song and video. Rather than accepting the expression “Thai elements” as a vague image, the discussion should begin with the concrete elements of the Thai title and Bangkok location shoot.
However, this does not mean that it defines all of Lisa’s musical direction. It is only a choice revealed in this single and music video. Based solely on the information currently available, it is difficult to conclude how far the EP scheduled for release in October will expand this trajectory.
The Headphone Similarity Issue: Separating Jaina’s Claim from the Confirmed Response
Another issue became attached to the music video. According to a report cited by Vietnam.vn, Jaina, an artist of Syrian origin, claimed that an accessory appearing in the video resembled headphones she had designed and that no source attribution had been provided. Jaina explained that her design came from Arab cultural heritage and her personal creative process, and raised the issue that the prop had imitated her work.
The point Jaina challenged was not merely the impression that the appearance was similar. She also raised the fact that her creative idea was not mentioned in information related to the music video. On social media, people compared the two designs, while others argued that if the design had been used as a source of inspiration, the original creator should have been credited.
At this point, a claim of similarity must not be immediately changed into a confirmed case of imitation. What can be confirmed from the material provided is that Jaina raised the issue and that comparisons and debate continued on social media. There is no information that a final determination has been made regarding copyright infringement or responsibility.
The same report also said that NANIST, a visual artist who participated in the music video project, contacted Jaina and, after their conversation, added Jaina’s name to the sketch. This can be viewed as a response related to credit attribution. However, the mere fact that the name was added does not mean that the entire initial claim has been legally or factually resolved.
A Musical Signifier and a Separate Issue Overlapping in One Work
“SaWaDiKa” is a new single in which Lisa reveals her point of departure through a Thai greeting and Bangkok’s scenery. The key point confirmed in the released song and video is the combination of music and visuals placing Thai identity at the forefront. It is also clear that the song is a pre-release track connected to “PRESS PLAY,” scheduled for release on October 23.
By contrast, the prop controversy is at the stage where a creator’s public claim and subsequent credit-related response have become known. The impression that the two designs look alike, the demand that the creative source be disclosed, and a final determination of responsibility are stories at different levels.
The most important thing when discussing this work is not to mix the two. The new song’s mode of expression can be considered through the released result, but the suspicion surrounding the prop should be read within the scope of the claim and response, without adding an unverified conclusion.
References
Tags #Lisa #BLACKPINKLisa #SaWaDiKa #SaWaDiKa #PRESSPLAY #PRESSPLAY #LisaNewSong #LisaMusicVideo #BangkokMusicVideo #ThaiGreeting #LisaEP #CreativeCredit