On June 10, 2024, Lee announced the upcoming release of her debut EP 16 Fantasy on June 21.[1] Four days later, she announced that singer Doh Kyung-soo of boy band Exo would be the featured singer of the song.[2]
Composition
The lyrics of the song was entirely penned by Lee herself. She collaborated with music producer Peejay for the composition. The song is primarily performed in English, narrating Lee's experience dating boyfriends who were around the same height or a little shorter than her. The song highlights her admiration and envy of shorter girls whilst discussing her inability to conform to societal standards. Lee claimed to have written the song right away after being annoyed when a little girl asked her how she was doing.[3]
Critical reception
Music critic Jung Min-jae gave the song a positive review highlighting Lee's narrations that provide comfort and solidarity.[4]
Music video
Singer Doh Kyung-soo is featured on "Small Girl" and its music video
The music video was released on the same day as the song. Within two days, the music video already surpassed two million views.[5] The music video received backlash from some fans as it featured a cheek kissing scene between Lee and Doh. During an interview with Na Young-seok, Lee clarified that the scene was discussed beforehand. Following the backlash, the director of the music video stated that it was okay to scrap the scene since the rapper "wished to not be hated and meet an untimely death", although ultimately the video remained aired as it was.[6]
^Jung, Eun-yong (June 10, 2024). ""괄쪽이는 이제 안녕"…이영지, 앨범 발매하며 '본업 복귀' 예고→깜짝 스포 보니?" ["Say goodbye to the captain"... Lee Young-ji Announces 'Return to Full-Time Job' with Album Release →Surprise Spobony?]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
^Hong, Hye-min (June 14, 2024). "이영지, 엑소 도경수 협업 깜짝 발표..."타이틀 곡 피처링"" [Lee Young-ji and EXO's Do Kyung-so Collaboration Surprise Announcement..."Featuring the Title Song"]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kim, Ha-na (June 22, 2024). "도경수X이영지 기습 볼뽀뽀 반응 폭발, 'Small girl' 인급동 1위→음원차트 5위" [Do Kyungsoo x Lee Young-ji's surprise cheek-kiss reaction explosion, 'Small girl' ranked No. 1 in In-sup-dong → No. 5 on the music charts]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024 – via Naver.
^Lee, Tae-soo (June 25, 2024). "'MZ퀸' 이영지, 예능 넘어 음악도 통했다…첫 앨범 차트 석권" ['MZ Queen' Lee Young-ji went beyond entertainment and also made music... First album chart-topping]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on July 4, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
^Kang, Seo-jung (June 22, 2024). "도경수, 이영지에 볼뽀뽀..'스몰걸' 200만뷰 돌파+인급동 1위 "기분 째져다"[Oh!쎈 이슈]" [Do Kyung-so, Lee Young-ji's cheek kiss..' 'Small Girl' surpassed 2 million views + No. 1 in the crowd "I'm in a good mood" [Oh!]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024 – via Naver.
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