How Lisa from BLACKPINK Learned Korean: Dedication and Immersion

Introduction

Lisa, a member of the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK, is originally from Thailand. After joining YG Entertainment as a trainee, she immersed herself in Korean culture and made significant strides in learning the language. This article explores the methods she used to achieve fluency and the factors that contributed to her success.

Methods of Language Acquisition

While the exact language program Lisa used is not widely publicized, it is common for K-pop trainees to combine various methods to learn Korean. These methods include:

Language classes: Entertainment companies provide language classes to their trainees to help them communicate fluently in the industry. These classes typically cover Korean, Japanese, and English. Self-study apps: Popular language learning apps like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone are widely used by trainees. Immersion experiences: Living in a Korean-speaking environment and interacting with fellow trainees improves fluency. Practice with fellow trainees: Conversations with other trainees, especially members of the same group, are a crucial part of language acquisition. Consuming Korean media: Listening to music, watching dramas, and participating in variety shows help reinforce vocabulary and grammar.

Lisa's Journey to Fluency

Lisa, upon joining YG Entertainment, knew only ' ????? ' (Anneyonghaseyo), the Korean greeting. Outside of language classes, she largely relied on immersion and interaction. Here are some key points:

Initial struggles: When she arrived in Korea, Lisa did not know any Korean but was fluent in Thai and English. Support system: Jennie, another BLACKPINK member who knows English, helped Lisa during her initial days. However, Jisoo, who only speaks Korean, did not assist her with language learning. Perfect Korean: While Lisa has an American accent, her Korean is not perfect. She has shown off her English and Thai language skills in various interviews and performances. Language in her performances: Lisa's rap lines, such as "I'll be the Bonnie. And you be my Clyde." as showcased in "As If It’s Your Last," demonstrate her proficiency in English.

Conversations and Media Consuming

Lisa's dedication to her environment and her interactions with other trainees were crucial in her language acquisition. Her young age at the time also contributed to her quick assimilation into the language. Here's a deeper look:

Support from teammates: Lisa got to know Korean by regularly conversing with her fellow trainees, especially her members. This continuous interaction helped her to pick up the language naturally. Language classes: Lisa attended the language classes hosted by YG Entertainment, which covered not only Korean but also Japanese and English. Immersive media consumption: Consuming Korean entertainment, such as music dramas and variety shows, helped Lisa to further understand and adopt the language.

Conclusion

While the path to language mastery is unique for each individual, Lisa's journey illustrates the effectiveness of combining structured language classes with immersive experiences. Her dedication and environment played a crucial role in her language acquisition, leading her to become one of the most talented and versatile members of BLACKPINK.