K-pop girl group Baby DONT Cry performs during a media showcase for the group's first mini album, "AFTER CRY," at BlueSquare’s Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

Less than a year after its debut, rookie K-pop girl group Baby DONT Cry is stepping into its next chapter, Tuesday, with the reflective single "Bittersweet," fronting its new first mini album, "AFTER CRY."

The group, made up of Yihyun, Kumi, Mia and Beni, introduced the new release during a media showcase at Blue Square’s Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Despite the group's rookie status, the members led the event with unexpected energy and polish, moving seamlessly through their live performances and media interactions without visible nerves.

“This is our first official comeback since ‘I Don’t Care’, and also our first mini album,” Beni said. “We prepared really hard because we wanted to surprise our fans and everyone who has been watching us.”

Beni of K-pop girl group Baby DONT Cry poses during a press event for the group's first mini album release at BlueSquare’s Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

"AFTER CRY" opens what the group describes as a larger “tears trilogy” that will unfold across future releases. A previously unveiled trailer video, titled "The Story Begins Here," teased the narrative arc with the phrases “Chapter 1. AFTER CRY,” “Chapter 2. WE BLOOM,” and “Chapter 3. BEYOND THE LIMIT,” hinting at an emotional storyline.

“This album is about the process that comes before you wipe away your tears,” Yihyun explained. “It is not just about sadness. It is about the moments that shape you.”

Alongside the title track, the five-track set comprises “Mama I’m Alright,” the bass-heavy pre-release single “Shapeshifter,” “Moves Like Ciara” and the dreamy closer “Tears On My Pillow.”

K-pop girl group Baby DONT Cry member Yihyun poses during a press event for the group's first mini album, "AFTER CRY," at BlueSquare’s Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul’s Yongsan District, Tuesday. Yonhap

The title track, “Bittersweet” in particular, brings together lyricist Kim Eana, known for writing K-pop staples like IU’s “Good Day” and Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra,” with hitmaker Ryan Jhun, whose credits span Oh My Girl, NMIXX and IVE. The result is a bright, hook-driven track layered with Korean lyrics tinged with both sweetness and quiet ache.

Source: Korea Times News