: Posters featuring the letter "G" appear in the background, signifying the "disappearance" of the restrictive "Girl" label.
: The members portray themselves as dolls who ultimately turn against a "Ken" doll—drugging, kidnapping, and threatening him—to symbolize their refusal to be treated as accessories. : Posters featuring the letter "G" appear in
: The initial scenes with identical wigs and "locked" shoes represent how men may view women as interchangeable or "stuck" within traditional roles. Critical and Commercial Impact Critical and Commercial Impact : During promotions, the
: During promotions, the group frequently omitted the "G" (standing for "Girl") to emphasize their identity as simply "I-DLE" and to distance themselves from gendered labels. Visual Symbolism in the Music Video Released as the lead single of their first
: In the rap verse, Soyeon addresses the prejudice that women who "swear" must also "smoke" or fit a specific look to be valid. By claiming the "Tomboy" label while still wearing feminine clothing in the music video, the group asserts that "Tomboy" is an attitude , not just a fashion choice.
Released as the lead single of their first studio album, I NEVER DIE , "TOMBOY" marked a pivotal moment for (G)I-DLE as they transitioned into a five-member group. Musically, it blends elements, characterized by gritty guitar riffs and an unapologetic, rebellious attitude. Core Themes and Lyrics Analysis
The song's primary message is the rejection of the "perfect girlfriend" archetype or the "pretty little doll" society often expects women to be.