LEE Young-ji has finally released the teased collaboration with EXO’s D.O., Doh Kyung-soo, titled “Small Girl” which was immediately adored by K-pop fans for its lyrics and music video.
The music video, which was also released on June 21, features Young-ji and Kyung-soo as love interests in an unconventional trope of a tall girl dating a man of the same height.
The song broke stereotypes of how men supposedly preferred women who were shorter, daintier, have softer voice, and gentle personality. This song’s lyrics shared the sentiments of a “tall girlie,” or not the conventional beauty that men often fantasize about. It was from the point-of-view of a girl who was extremely insecure about not adhering to the “male gaze” standard.
Kyung-soo then sings his verse of the song by pointing out that he does not care if Young-ji does not meet the usual standards because his fantasy is to love her. It was also shown that Kyung-soo’s character ignores these standards and just shows affection toward Young-ji. The dream of every tall girlie!
Most of all, what gained the attention of fans was the acting between the two K-pop idols as seen in the music video. Their pair got positive reactions and giddy responses from the netizens due to the high ~kilig~ moment they shared, starting from the teaser video wherein Young-ji and Kyung-soo were jamming to the song, to the bonus clip at the end of the music video wherein Kyung-soo kissed Young-ji on the cheek.
It was reported that Young-ji couldn’t look Kyung-soo in the eyes after their shared moment in the music video. In Kyung-soo’s “BLOOM” concert slash fan meeting in Taipei on June 6, Young-ji surprised the fans when she guested and performed “Small Girl” with him.
In the fan-cams uploaded by those who attended, Kyung-soo approached Young-ji toward the end of the song for a sweet moment. Young-ji shied away and acted embarrassed (somehow implying that their moments from the music video still made her feel kilig as well!), which then made them both burst into laughter. This was also the first time that the song was performed live after its release.
Fans continue to look forward to more performances from the two K-pop idols as they share more cute moments on stage.
“Small Girl” is now available on all streaming platforms!
