Lee Young-ji makes breakthrough with 1st album in 5 years
Lee Young-ji's song "Small Girl," which tells her personal story, is dominating domestic music charts and TV music shows. Courtesy of Mainstream
Lee Young-ji, nicknamed "big girl" given her height of 175 centimeters, has taken over the domestic music charts and TV music shows with her song "Small Girl," which tells her own story.
Despite fierce competition against K-pop groups like aespa, NewJeans and RIIZE, the song, released on June 21, has topped Melon's daily chart and held the second spot on the weekly chart for three consecutive weeks.
It has also reached No. 1 on TV music shows such as SBS's "Inkigayo," MBC's "Show! Music Core," and Mnet's "M Countdown."
On Billboard's Global 200 chart, it peaked at 38th place. On her social media, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "I feel like I'm going to faint. Truly, thank you."
"16 Fantasy," the album featuring "Small Girl," marks Lee's first release in five years since winning Mnet's "High School Rapper 3" in 2019.
The delay in her album release was due to her focus on TV appearances after winning "Show Me The Money" Season 11 and becoming a sought-after variety show guest.
She demonstrated her bold and humorous personality on shows like MBC's "Hangout with Yoo" and tvN's "Earth Arcade."
Pop culture critic Hwang Jin-mi analyzed her popularity, saying, "Her always confident demeanor makes her an even more attractive character."
Singer Lee Young-ji / Captured from her Instagram channel
Straightforward and confident character
Her web mukbang (eating) show has garnered 349 million cumulative views on YouTube in two years, showcasing her affinity, quick wit and sense of humor as a host.
Famous producer Na Young-seok of "Earth Arcade" praised her, saying, "She has incredible energy and knows how to fluidly switch between her identities as a celebrity and a creator. She represents the emergence of a new generation."
Known as "President of Generation MZ," Lee's candid and confident nature shines through in her album "16 Fantasy."
Generation MZ is a Korean term referring to both millennials and Gen Zers.
The album's narrator is 16-year-old Young-ji. In the short rap intro, she introduces herself, "170 and 5-centimeter Peter Pan / I'm a sixteen-year-old with a grown-up head."
Lee, who is physically tall, admires small-sized girls but acknowledges she can't conform to societal standards.
In "Small Girl," featuring EXO's Do Kyung-soo, she reveals the psychology of a woman who accepts her complexes and tries to embrace her current self. The song is based on her real-life experiences while dating her boyfriend.
Music critic Kim Do-heon said, "She naturally and comfortably expresses her charm as a straightforward and confident character through relatable and easy-listening songs, resonating with her peers."
'Unknown Guy' reflects her family story
During her appearance on KBS2's "The Seasons - Zico's Artist" on July 5, Young-ji explained that "Unknown Guy," one of the double title tracks alongside "Small Girl," is about her father who left the family when she was young.
"I haven't seen my father for such a long time that I barely remember him now. I wanted to think of the man who disappeared as just a stranger," she said.
Despite rising to fame by consecutively winning hip-hop audition programs, her first album deviates from traditional hip-hop, instead filled with easy-listening R&B and pop-infused hip-hop.
Fans who expected "Rapper Lee Young-ji" to deliver hardcore hip-hop expressed some disappointment.
"Amid high expectations, she seems to have chosen to convey her message comfortably and honestly rather than forcing a direct approach with hardcore hip-hop," said critic Kim Do-heon. "Her future challenge will be to continue growing and proving her talents."
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.