Lee Youngji Aims to Highlight ‘Musician Mode’ & Party With Fans on First U.S. Tour

In Korea’s pop culture scene, Lee Youngji has become synonymous with vibrant and unfiltered entertainment, particularly through her viral YouTube series Nothing Much Prepared. Here, she shares drinks with members of K-pop supergroups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN. However, 2024 is significant for the 21-year-old as she returns to her musical roots and highlights her talent as a performer and musician. Though many fans might recognize her first for her comedic exploits, Youngji initially embarked on her entertainment journey through music — a fact she aims to remind everyone of during her ongoing world tour, which will reach the U.S. at the end of August.

Her debut album, 16 Fantasy, released in June, marked a substantial statement of her artistic identity and potential for a promising musical future. The lead single, “Small Girl” featuring EXO’s D.O., not only topped the charts in South Korea but also made it into the Top 40 of the Billboard Global 200. Her b-side cuts like “ADHD Girl” and hit collaborations with top acts like Dynamicduo and BSS showcase her versatility and ability to elevate each new song release.

“This year is really important for me musically,” Youngji shares during an evening FaceTime call from Seoul ahead of the U.S. leg of her tour. “I’ve had a lot of collaborations and a variety show on my YouTube channel, so many people know me through various roles…but I want to spotlight my musician mode this year.”

As she embarks on the U.S. leg of her All or Nothing World Tour, Lee Youngji is keen to connect with fans on a more personal level, bringing not just her music but also her unique energy to the stage. “I try to communicate with the audience, ask them questions, and just talk to them. I think U.S. fans will like that a lot,” she says, hinting at the interactive nature of her shows. The All or Nothing Tour invites fans to experience Lee Youngji in her purest form as a musician and entertainer.

Youngji’s varied entertainment roles, from her variety show to her music collaborations, are well-known. Still, she’s determined to spotlight her musical talents this year. Her track “Small Girl” gained a great response, even in the U.S., providing a timely confidence boost for her musician persona.

In her childhood, Youngji believed she might become a famous person, but never a musician. Her participation in the survival show High School Rapper 3 in 2019 marked the first time people noticed her through rap, even though she never wanted to be labeled solely as a rapper.

Regarding her transition from rapping to broader musical pursuits, she explains, “When I won the rap survival show, I wondered if ‘rapper’ was now my job, but I wanted to show more than just rapping.” Consequently, it took five years after High School Rapper for her to release her debut album, which features a diversity of musical styles.

Her favorite song from the album, “Small Girl,” is praised not just for its popularity but because it tells an honest story about herself. The song is intended to boost confidence in those who feel insecure, making it particularly special to her.

Another notable track from her album is “ADHD Girl,” inspired by Youngji’s experiences and those of friends who struggle with ADHD. “I’ve heard from teachers and parents that I have ADHD, and many of my friends also struggle with it. The song draws from these shared experiences,” she says.

Discussing her creative process, Youngji prefers using her iPhone to jot down ideas and make preliminary recordings. She cites this method for creating the hit song “Not Sorry,” inspired by her experiences on the competition show Show Me the Money. “My music-making process always starts with writing titles on my phone and doing gibberish recordings,” she reveals.

When dealing with online criticism and hate comments, she tries to understand the reasons behind the negativity but stands firm in her self-worth. “I can understand you, but I don’t have to agree with you. I always think that nobody knows me better than me,” she says, emphasizing that she sees and sometimes even responds to hate messages.

Preparing for her U.S. tour, Youngji aims for direct interaction with her audience, something she feels is more prevalent in America compared to other regions. “I plan to bring audience members on stage to dance or perform together. I want this tour to introduce myself as an artist to U.S. audiences,” she elaborates.

Known for her dynamic personality, Youngji continues to engage with her audience, despite the limitations on activities like drinking with them. She plans to make her performances as interactive and engaging as possible.

Reflecting on her varied collaborations across genres, she expresses gratitude for the opportunities to work with different artists. “Collaborations push me to the next level. Every time I get asked for a feature, I think about how I can do better,” she says.

With her return of Nothing Much Prepared, Youngji promises plenty of exciting content. The first episode features Lisa, who she describes as “smart, pretty, young, rich, and hilarious.” She has already recorded several episodes with various idols and actors.

Looking to the future, Youngji vows to work hard so she can connect with U.S. fans more frequently. “I have a lot of songs ready and can’t wait to see U.S. fans’ reactions. This tour is just the beginning of my ambitions,” she concludes.

Source: Variety, Billboard