Baby DONT Cry Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for November: Exclusive Photos
In the vibrant landscape of K-pop, a fresh wave of energy has emerged with the debut of the girl group Baby DONT Cry. Bursting onto the scene during the summer, these four talented girls have captivated audiences with their bold and relatable pop-rock sound. Their debut track, “F Girl,” serves as a spirited anthem for their generation, boldly declaring, “School is such a snooze, hitting the books is lame / Besties are always fun, mom’s in a nagging mood.” This catchy chorus resonates with their peers, reflecting the everyday struggles and joys of adolescence. The group, led by Yihyeon, born in 2006, along with Kumi and Mia from 2007, and the youngest member, Benny, born in 2008, embodies a youthful exuberance that speaks directly to their audience, eschewing nostalgia for a real-time exploration of growing up.
What sets Baby DONT Cry apart from many rookie girl groups is their distinct sound, which leans into a clear and energetic K-pop style rather than the more common hyperpop or dreamy synths. They are also the first girl group to debut under P NATION, the label founded by the iconic PSY, known for his groundbreaking hit “Gangnam Style.” Their journey is documented in a five-part series on YouTube, where PSY himself introduces them, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. This connection to a legendary figure in the industry not only adds to their credibility but also highlights the potential for their growth and success. Yihyeon’s candid reflection on the lyrics of “F Girl” reveals the group’s emotional depth, as she shares how expressing feelings like “What do you want from me?” has been unexpectedly empowering.
Following up their debut with the second single “I DONT CARE,” Baby DONT Cry has continued to embrace their youthful spirit, showcasing their growth and enthusiasm during music-show promotions. Their message is clear: strength lies in embracing one’s feelings rather than suppressing them. With their authentic approach and relatable themes, Baby DONT Cry is not just another K-pop group; they are a voice for their generation, proving that they are more than capable of leaving a mark in the music industry. Recently recognized as Billboard’s K-pop Rookie of the Month, Baby DONT Cry is poised to make waves, inviting listeners to join them on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The four girls of
Baby DONT Cry
first burst onto the scene in the summer heat, swept in on a wave of bright pop-rock — and they made a declaration as fearless as their youth:
“School is such a snooze, hitting the books is lame / Besties are always fun, mom’s in a nagging mood.”
From that moment, it was obvious that Baby DONT Cry’s debut track “F Girl” wasn’t aimed at adults. It spoke directly to kids their own age. Leader Yihyeon, born in 2006, followed by Kumi and Mia of 2007, then the youngest Benny, born in 2008 — their world isn’t built on nostalgia. It’s happening now, in real time, in the thick of growing up.
While many rookie girl groups gravitate toward hyperpop or dreamy, synth-washed ease, Baby DONT Cry arrived with something bolder: crystal-clear, straight-shooting K-pop energy. The group is also notable as the first girl group launched by P NATION, home to musicians like Crush and Hwasa. Their five-part documentary series on
YouTube
opens with none other than PSY telling the girls, “You’re a team now.” Yes — that PSY. The artist who once sent “Gangnam Style” to No. 2 on the
Billboard Hot 100
, long before BTS rewrote pop history.
When asked which lyric from “F Girl” resonated with her most, Yihyeon laughed and said,
“I’d never once imagined saying ‘What do you want from me?’ in my life — but thinking like that helped way more than I expected.”
With their second single “I DONT CARE,” Baby DONT Cry returned to the stage, relishing every moment of their second round of music-show promotions. Baby DONT Cry doesn’t cry — but they understand something important: Strength has nothing to do with burying your feelings. They are young, and brave enough to feel everything. Meet Billboard’s K-pop Rookie of the Month — Baby DONT Cry.
