PSY’s label P Nation has sparked major controversy over the teaser for its new girl group Baby DONT Cry, with many accusing the agency of sexualizing underage members. After intense public backlash, the agency has apologized and confirmed it has deleted a controversial scene from the final music video.
On June 22, P Nation posted an official apology through Baby DONT Cry’s social media accounts. The group, made up of minors Lee Hyun, Kumi, Mia, and Benny, is set to debut with the single “F Girl” on June 23 at 6 PM KST.
In the teaser released on June 20, member Lee Hyun walks into a store and hands over a piece of candy labeled “Baby DONT Cry” — with the wrapper shaped like a condom, according to many viewers. She then unwraps the candy and puts it in her mouth, which stirred heavy criticism online.
The teaser also included a yellow rug shaped like a sanitary pad, with red cherry soda spilled on it, which many interpreted as an inappropriate and suggestive metaphor. Combined with cherries and the bold song title “F Girl,” fans and netizens accused the agency of using sexual imagery — especially alarming since the group members are all underage.
P Nation responded to the backlash, saying:
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by fans and the public. We sincerely apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or concerned after watching the teaser.”
They also clarified the meaning behind F Girl:
“‘F Girl’ is a message about breaking free from judgment, like school grades (A-F), and embracing our true selves. The scene showing the candy was meant to reflect a rebellious but playful tone, not anything provocative.”
Still, the agency admitted that the impact of the scene went beyond their original intentions and confirmed it has now been removed from the final version of the music video:
“Regardless of intent, we’ve decided to delete the scene to prevent misunderstanding or controversy. This is to protect the members and respect our fans’ opinions.”
As for the cherry imagery — which many also viewed as suggestive — the company stated:
“We chose the cherry symbol because it matches the group’s image: small, bold, and colorful. The symbolic meaning used globally is generally positive. Any negative or suggestive meaning was never part of our planning.”
The concept and music for Baby DONT Cry are being led by Jeon So Yeon of (G)I-DLE, under Cube Entertainment, adding to the attention surrounding the group’s debut.
Despite the changes, debate continues online as fans question how such imagery was approved in the first place for a group of minors. With their debut just around the corner, all eyes are now on how Baby DONT Cry’s full music video and concept will be received.
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