Rookie girl group Baby DONT Cry is going against its own name with “Bittersweet,” a song that evokes the ache of nostalgia — a feeling that can sometimes lead to tears.

“The lead track ‘Bittersweet’ reminds me of the moments that felt painful at the time but ultimately shaped me into who I am today,” said leader Yihyun during a press showcase for Baby DONT Cry’s first EP, “After Cry,” at Blue Square in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Tuesday.

“I believe the song will make everyone nostalgic [for something],” she added.

“After Cry” is scheduled to be released at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Baby DONT Cry — consisting of Yihyun and Beni from Korea and Kumi and Mia from Japan — debuted last June under P Nation, a K-pop agency founded by singer Psy. Soyeon, a member of the girl group i-dle, produced the quartet’s first single, “F Girl” (2025).

Baby DONT Cry’s unique name represents the members’ determination to use their confidence and youthful energy to defy the stereotypes that come with the word “baby.”

However, with its first and latest EP, “After Cry,” the group aims to explore “not merely the moments after you finish crying, but the story behind why you shed those tears in the first place and how you ultimately wiped them away,” according to Yihyun.

“After Cry” kicks off the “Tears” trilogy, with “We Bloom” and “Beyond the Limit” to follow. The release dates and formats of the upcoming installments have yet to be revealed.

The latest album features five songs: the lead track, “Bittersweet,” and B-sides “Mama I’m all right,” “Moves like Ciara,” “Tears on My Pillow” and “Shapeshifter,” the last of which was another prerelease.

“Bittersweet” was produced by prominent songwriter Ryan Jhun, known for smash hits such as girl group IVE’s “Eleven” (2023) and boy band SHINee’s “Lucifer” (2010). Jhun — alongside famed lyricist Kim Eana, best known for her work on singer IU’s discography, including “Good Day” (2010) — was also credited on every other track except for “Moves Like Ciara.”

According to the members, the lead track mirrors their own struggles and growth.

“This song reminded me of my earlier days in Korea,” said Mia. “At the beginning, I used to struggle because I was far away from my family and alone in a foreign country. But now I’m standing on a stage like this [...] which makes me feel really grateful and happy.”

“The song ‘Bittersweet’ and the album are not necessarily sad,” noted Benny, who said that the lead track reminded her of her trainee days, when she had little time to make memories with her friends and classmates at school.

“Instead, the songs capture our growth — how we moved past that kind of sadness and continued to develop.”

Now nearing its first debut anniversary, the group reflected on its growth over the past year.

“A year ago, when we held a debut showcase at exactly where we are right now, we were really nervous and scared,” Benny shared. “But now I feel like we’ve gained the skills and confidence to express ourselves more clearly.”

Looking forward, Yihyun wished that Baby DONT Cry would become a team that “inspires confidence” in others.

“We hope to fly to every place in the world where our fans are,” she added.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]