On December 6, 2020, Twice revealed and performed the song for the first time during the
2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards. In a 2022 documentary released by
Mnet,
Jihyo said that their agency,
JYP Entertainment, was hesitant to release "Cry for Me", but let Twice perform it at the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards after the members insisted. On December 10, JYP Entertainment announced the release of the song via Twice's
Twitter account. The next day, JYPE announced the date of the release of the song on December 18 with a new teaser image as well as the date of the concept photo for the song. On December 14, the concept film for "Cry for Me" was uploaded on JYP Entertainment's
YouTube channel. One day later, the first concept photos of members
Momo and
Mina were revealed. On December 16, JYPE released the concept photos of
Dahyun and Jihyo. Then followed the concept photos of members
Sana and
Tzuyu on December 17. Finally, the last concept photos of
Chaeyoung and
Nayeon were revealed on December 18. "Cry for Me" was released on December 18, 2020, for
digital download and
streaming in various countries. On April 28, 2021, Twice performed the song on
The Kelly Clarkson Show. == English and Japanese versions ==