BANGKOK/HANOI (VnExpress/Vietnam News): Blackpink member Lisa has drawn mixed reactions after including a US$25 (RM101) thong in the official merchandise collection for her debut solo mini-album, "Press Play".
The Thai singer released the mini-album on Oct. 23, featuring tracks including "Tarantino," "SaWaDiKa," "V12" and "Sweat." The project follows her first studio album, "Alter Ego," which came out in February 2025.
To accompany the release, Lisa introduced a merchandise range featuring the "Press Play Thong," a black thong with "Press" printed on the front and "Play" on the back, priced at US$25.
The item has attracted attention because intimate apparel is rarely sold as K-pop merchandise, which typically consists of photocards, posters, clothing and light sticks.
Hong Kong news outlet HK01 described the move as a significant departure from the traditional K-pop idol merchandising model.
Online reactions have been divided. Some users expressed surprise and criticised the product as excessive, while supporters praised its daring design, saying it reflected Lisa's personality and Western-influenced fashion style.
Critics also questioned whether the merchandise was suitable given the singer's substantial underage fanbase, according to Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao. Some argued that artists with significant influence over young audiences should exercise greater caution when choosing products to sell.
Lisa's increasingly bold image has attracted scrutiny since her 2023 performance at the Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris.
Some commentators have interpreted her fashion and performance choices as part of a shift away from her earlier K-pop idol image toward a more mature, Western-oriented pop persona.
The mini-album's commercial performance has also sparked discussion. According to Hanteo Chart, "Press Play" sold more than 27,000 copies during its first few days of release.
Some online critics considered the figure disappointing for an artist of Lisa's international prominence, with others suggesting that her popularity was declining. Fans rejected those claims, arguing that early album sales alone do not accurately reflect her overall commercial success.
They noted that Lisa also distributes albums through her company LLOUD's website and other retail channels, with some products reportedly selling out, according to Koreaboo.
Comprehensive sales figures covering all distribution channels have not been independently verified.
Despite the criticism, Lisa has continued to achieve milestones in her solo career. Her single "SaWaDiKa" debuted at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In September, she won Best Pop at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards for "Dream," becoming the first Asian solo artist to receive the award in that category. -- VnExpress/Vietnam News
