“We Won’t Stop” — NewJeans’ Minji Shares Powerful Message in Birthday Letter

Despite the ongoing legal standoff between NewJeans and their agency ADOR, member Minji made headlines on May 7 with a rare public appearance and a deeply personal message to fans on her birthday.

Earlier in the day, fans were surprised and overjoyed when Minji appeared—mask on—at a fan-organized birthday café. She exchanged greetings with attendees, posed for photos, and shyly thanked fans for their continued love and support. When greeted with cheers and a birthday song, Minji smiled and joked, “I don’t think I can go in,” visibly touched by the crowd’s enthusiasm. She reassured fans, saying, “Don’t worry about me,” before quietly heading off to her next schedule.

An Open Letter to Bunnies: “We’re Not Stopping”

Later that day, Minji also published a long, candid note via the group’s independently created social media account on Instagram: mhdhh_friends. In it, she reflected on her current state of mind, her goals, and the challenges she and her members are facing during their pause in group activities:

“I’ve been busy with all kinds of things lately, and before I knew it, it was already May—my birthday,” she wrote. “There’s so much I want to say, but my head feels too full to put it all into words.”

Minji emphasized that her biggest life goal is simple: happiness. While acknowledging that some may see pursuing only present happiness as "naive," she firmly believes it’s unfair to sacrifice today for an uncertain future.

“We might look like we’ve stopped, but we haven’t—and we won’t,” she wrote, assuring fans that although things appear paused, “we’re only growing deeper.”

Where Things Stand Legally

NewJeans has been on hiatus since November 2023, when the members publicly declared their intent to terminate their contracts with ADOR, citing breach of trust. They launched new branding under the name NJZ, but legal roadblocks quickly followed.

ADOR filed for an injunction to block independent promotions, which was granted in full by the court. Although NewJeans challenged the decision, their appeal was dismissed, and the group remains in legal limbo. While they pursue a full lawsuit, members including Minji continue to stay connected with fans through personal updates and appearances.

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