On June 23, P NATION stated via Baby DONT Cry’s official account, “We acknowledge the concerns and controversy raised by some fans and the public regarding the music video teaser for our debut title track ‘F Girl.’ We sincerely apologize to those who felt discomfort or concern due to the video.” Baby DONT Cry released the teaser for ‘F Girl’ on June 20.
The teaser begins with a member entering a store and placing candy on the counter. The candy is packaged in a way that resembles a condom, causing the store clerk to appear visibly flustered. Subsequently, member Yihyun unwraps the candy and puts it in her mouth. Additionally, the video features a yellow rug resembling a sanitary pad and a scene where red cherry juice is spilled on it, prompting criticism from international K-pop fans for including inappropriate symbolism, especially given the presence of minor members in the group.
P NATION clarified, “‘F Girl’ conveys a message of breaking free from external standards, such as grades (A to F), and asks to be seen and understood as we are. The opening scene of the first teaser was intended to create a rebellious yet playful atmosphere, with actions like ‘chewing gum’ or ‘eating candy.’ The overall flow and content of the full music video do not include any provocative or suggestive elements.”
The agency added, “Regardless of the reasons, to prevent misunderstandings and controversy, we have decided to remove the controversial scenes from the final music video. This decision is primarily to protect Baby DONT Cry’s members and to respect the valuable opinions of our fans.”
Regarding the group’s cherry symbol, P NATION explained, “We chose the cherry as the group’s symbol because it aligns with the members’ image of being small yet vibrant. Cherries are widely used as a positive image in various global brands and content. In our planning process, no negative meanings or associations with cherries were ever considered or intended.”
P NATION concluded, “Baby DONT Cry is a precious entity to everyone involved in its creation and deserves to be protected. We earnestly hope that the members’ hard work and efforts will be fully conveyed to fans, allowing their dreams to shine brightly.”
As Baby DONT Cry approaches their highly anticipated debut, P NATION’s swift response underscores the company’s commitment to listening to fans and safeguarding its artists. With the controversial scenes removed and the message clarified, attention now turns back to the group’s music and performance.
