Minji has quietly reconnected with fans in a heartfelt way, offering a rare personal update that has quickly drawn attention online.

On May 5, a fan who organized a birthday café event for the idol shared on social media that Minji had personally visited the location and left behind a series of gifts. According to the post, she prepared handmade cookies, a handwritten letter, and four-cut photo prints, placing them in front of the café as a surprise for fans, known as “Bunnies.”

In her letter, Minji wrote warmly, “Hello, Bunnies. It’s been such a long time. You have all been doing well, looking cool and having fun, right? I’ve been spending my time thinking a lot about Bunnies.” She went on to acknowledge the numerous birthday celebrations organized in her honor this year, adding, “I heard that so many places are celebrating my birthday with me this year! I wanted to give something back too, so this time I prepared cookies that I made myself.”

The message also hinted at the complex period she has been going through. “There have been so many different things going on, and I have so much I want to say, but I hope today can be a happy day,” she wrote, before concluding with gratitude: “Let’s keep being together from now on too. Thank you, as always, Bunnies. Thank you for celebrating my birthday.”

The gesture quickly resonated with fans, many of whom viewed it as a sincere and emotional attempt to maintain a connection during uncertain times. The fact that Minji personally baked the cookies and delivered them herself added an extra layer of intimacy, reinforcing her image as someone deeply appreciative of fan support.

As a member of NewJeans, Minji debuted in July 2022 and rapidly rose to global popularity. However, the group’s activities have been overshadowed in recent months by an ongoing contractual dispute with their agency, ADOR. Since November 2024, the situation has remained unresolved, with legal proceedings stretching over nearly a year.

The conflict escalated further after a court ruling last October upheld the validity of the group’s exclusive contracts. Following that decision, all members reportedly expressed their intention to return, though the situation has remained complicated. ADOR later stated that there had been no prior consultation with certain members — including Minji, Hanni, and Danielle — while developments involving other members have added to the uncertainty. Hanni has since returned to the agency, while Danielle was reportedly notified of contract termination. Meanwhile, Haerin and Hyein have not been central to recent updates.

Notably, there has been no official statement clarifying Minji’s current status, making her handwritten letter even more significant. While she did not directly address the legal situation, her words suggested both reflection and a desire to reassure fans.

In a period marked by uncertainty and limited public appearances, Minji’s quiet act of kindness has become a meaningful moment for fans. Rather than making a formal announcement, she chose a personal approach — one that emphasized gratitude, connection, and continuity. For many, it served as a reminder that even amid industry challenges, the bond between artist and fans remains strong.