For six-member girl group StayC, the year 2025 marks a turning point in many ways.

All members are now in their 20s, and they are attempting a bold transformation.

StayC unveiled its fifth EP “S” on Tuesday, a record that drew attention prior to its release for the range of new styles it included.

Since its 2020 debut, the group has made its name with its positive and energetic "teenfresh" concept, so fans were surprised with the more intense and mature images that accompanied the new release.

“We were teenagers when we pursued a bright and fresh image, but now that we’re in our 20s and have entered our fifth year as a K-pop group, we felt it was the right time to show a new side of ourselves,” Sieun told reporters in a group interview at L7 Hongdae by Lotte, in Mapo-gu, Seoul, last Wednesday.

Sieun further explained that the new concept is an attempt to expand StayC’s musical and conceptual spectrum.

“Rather than leaving ‘Teenfresh’ in the past, we wanted to show that we are capable of more, that our range is broader. This album is about adding new elements to the music and styles we can pull off,” she said.

The main track, “Bebe,” is a funky house track conveying the determination to express one’s true self, undeterred by societal biases and judgments.

“The song’s narrator is a person with great self-confidence and pride. We wanted to express just how much StayC loves and takes pride in ourselves, and how ready we are to fully showcase who we are,” said Sieun.

The album also includes “Diamond,” an Afro-rhythm R&B track that talks about confidence about the future, and “Pipe Down,” a song featuring an addictive brass sound.

Yoon noted that while the group experimented with a completely new style in terms of fashion, makeup and performance, the message in their music remains the same.

“In prior songs like ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Bubble’ we talked about our desire to be perceived as who we are, free from unnecessary criticism. The only difference is that previously we delivered that message in a cute and cheerful way, but this time, we’re expressing it with a more serious and charismatic attitude.”

Sumin admitted she had concerns about shifting away from the bright image StayC had before, but ultimately wanted to go all out on the transformation.

To embody the new concept, she studied Rihanna’s performances, focusing on deeper vocal tones and stronger technique. Sieun added that she took inspiration from Blackpink’s Jennie, who has been pursuing her solo career.

Following the album’s release, StayC will kick off its second world tour, “Stay Tuned,” with concerts at Olympic Hall, Songpa-gu, Seoul, April 12-13. The group’s first world tour, “Teenfresh,” spanned six months from September 2023 to March 2024, covering 15 cities.

“We are putting a lot of effort into the production of this tour. This time, we’ve created a new set list with plenty of performances that fans would enjoy,” said Seeun.

As they embark on this new challenge, the members hope to surprise the public with their transformation.

“We want people to say that StayC has ‘shed its old skin.’ It would be great if they felt like a new chapter of our group has begun," said Yoon.