By Chris Rennirt
There are few things that divert our attention from horror, sci-fi, and fantasy at Space Jockey Reviews. However, the beautiful, South Korean hip-hop rapper and vocalist Lee Young-ji (이영지) is one who does exactly that, every day. As an out-of-this-world singer, songwriter, dancer, and crowd-hyping performer, Young-ji is a force of creativity, worthy of accolades and tributes throughout the galaxy and beyond! How and why? Listen to her music just one time, and you’ll never ask the question again. In English or Korean, no matter the language, Young-ji’s commanding, contralto voice and lyrics are captivating and addictive, with rhythm understood universally. With electrifying personality and uncommon talent for rapping (faster than anyone we’ve heard), she shines ever brighter as a standout star. As Young-ji says to her energized fans singing along, “Get your wings up! Put your wings up!” And indeed they always do, waving their arms all the more as she sings. What’s more? A lot! Young-ji’s beauty and music are the muses for many a review and article written here at Space Jockey Reviews! Instead of “The Face That Launched a Thousand Ships,” she’s more like the “Face [and the voice] that Launched a Thousand Reviews.”
Born September 10th, 2002, Young-ji is currently 23 years old, already with more accomplishments and awards under her hip-hop belt than many far older. Yong-ji is the winner of High School Rapper 3 in 2019, and the first female winner of Show Me the Money, in Season 11 of 2022. Known as a “rap queen” and “hip-hop icon” in South Korea, she is also the only person to win both High School Rapper and Show Me the Money.
As of early 2025, Young-ji has a discography including 25 – 30 songs that she has either sung, written, or been featured in, since her debut in 2019. As we’d expect from such a star, she’s written most of her songs herself, including the hit song “Small Girl,” from her debut EP, 16 Fantasy, in 2024. “Small Girl” (one of our favorites at SJR) has the bonus of including more R&B elements than most of her other songs. And what a show of her many talents it is! Check out Young-ji singing “Small Girl” (with Doh Kyung-soo) in the second video included below!
Young-ji is also the host of the popular YouTube show Nothing Much Prepared (Korean: 차린건 없지만), with its later, rebranded name being Absolutely Nothing Prepared (Korean: 차린건 쥐뿔도 없지만). The show features a candid, unscripted format where Young-ji invites celebrities to her home to drink, eat, and have intimate conversations. A novel idea for sure, made a breakout success with Young-ji’s uncommon trio of wit, charisma, and talent, on top of her already stellar fame as rapper. Over 4 million subscribers to the show’s YouTube channel currently agree!
“If I got a two small cheeks and a bright pink lips, Baby would you’ve wanted to kiss me?” ~ Lee Young-ji, “Small Girl”
In another of our favorite music videos (also included below), Young-ji sings “APT.” with Blackpink’s Rosé! Awesome, and possibly even better than Rosé’s version with Bruno Mars…believe it or not! And for yet another (as the favorites of Young-ji are endless), is the pop track, “Trouble,” released as a digital single in September of 2024. “Trouble” features lyrics and vocals from both Young-ji and the Danish singer-songwriter Christopher. Our favorite “Trouble” video is the one performed on South Korea’s Tiny Desk Concert series! Of course, “Trouble” is below too. As the lyrics insist, “Trouble keeps finding me.” And, with Young-ji singing, it certainly will! But, with her, Trouble has never been so happily found! 🙂
“I got a big laugh, big voice, and big personality. Would you guarantee?” ~ Lee Young-ji, “Small Girl”
Coincidentally (or maybe not), as a timely treat, Young-ji’s latest song “ROBOT” was released on the day of this article’s publication, February 28th, 2026, complete with an ultra-cool robot-themed video and love story with a heart…literally! Along with the song’s addictive new rhythm and style is Young-ji’s trademark brand of humor and romance, magically and metaphorically blended as a musical, visual poem (as we see in “Small Girl”). Yes! In true Wizard of Oz spirit, the tin girl gets a heart! Also showcased are ultra-fresh Young-ji vocals, proving again that no range, even Mezzo/Soprano, is beyond her. And, of course, I’ve included “ROBOT” below! Be sure to subscribe to Young-ji’s YouTube channel (@youngji_2022) for all the latest videos, news, behind-the-scenes videos, and more!
And, with what could be saving the best for last (for some) is the fact that Lee Young-ji is not the total distraction from movies (particularly horror) mentioned earlier. IMDb does credit her with a role in a 2020 television series titled Zombie Detective! Although little information about the series is available, Google and IMDb do prove it to be so! Apparently, Young-ji made a cameo appearance as a paramedic in the series. And with that, Young-ji makes a 360 degree trip around the solar system and back at SJR!
Whether it be for dancing, relaxation, review writing, finding a muse, or just listening to some darn good music, check out Lee Young-ji! Even if you don’t speak Korean, or Hip-Hop isn’t your cup of tea (or sky full of stars), step outside your solar system for something fresh, fun, uplifting and, as we say at SJR, “of cosmic proportions.” Hyperboles aside (or maybe not), as Young-ji sings, “Put your wings up! Get your wings up!” Finding the beauty, rhythm, and passion in Young-ji’s music requires no exaggerations. And, as for language, she speaks (and sings in) English too! Enjoy!
Rocket Rating – 10
Chris Rennirt is a movie critic and writer in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as editor in chief at Space Jockey Reviews. He has been a judge at many film festivals, including Macabre Faire Film Festival and Crimson Screen Film Fest, and he attends horror and sci-fi conventions often. Chris’ movie reviews, articles, and interviews appear in Effective Magazine and are published regularly on Space Jockey Reviews.