Even with the joyous wins of SM artists, netizens noticed the absence of a familiar name in their acceptance speeches.

On the afternoon of the 18th, aespa and NCT won the Digital Song of the Year Award (July) and the Physical Album of the Year Award (1st Quarter) respectively at the "Circle Chart Music Awards 2022" held at KSPO Dome (Gymnastics Stadium) in Bangi-dong, Seoul.

aespa, who was named the Digital Song of the Year Award winner for July, said, "We want to thank everyone who has supported and liked us a lot. Thank you for loving our 'Girls' album so much last year."

They continued, "No matter what activities we do in the future, please give us a lot of attention as we come back with great music. Thank you to our company colleagues and our sisters and brothers, and please continue to support us."

aespa added, "We are grateful to our fans who support us more than anyone else. Please expect us to come back with great songs this year. Please also look forward to our concert next week."

Representing NCT, who was named the Physical Album of the Year Award winner for the 1st Quarter, member Doyoung, who took the stage, said, "I am really grateful to receive this award. I would like to thank our fans who support us and the NCT members who could not attend because of their schedules".

He continued, "NCT was able to receive this great award thanks to the fans who support us and our sisters and brothers who are always there for us. We will work hard without being shaken by anything as long as we have our sisters and brothers." He pledged, "NCT will become even cooler and bigger this year. Please look forward to NCT of the Year."

It is notable that there was no mention of Lee Soo Man, the former general producer of SM, who appeared as a regular at every award ceremony where SM-affiliated artists won awards.

SM artists have never missed the chance to mention "Thank you, Teacher Lee Soo Man" in their acceptance speeches for big and small awards.

However, amid the current conflicts within SM's management, with Lee Soo Man sold his shares to HYBE and allegations of overseas tax evasion through subsidiaries, his name was missing from the acceptance speeches of SM-affiliated artists, which was a meaningful trend.

Source[1]

NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.

On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.

Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”

She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”

Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”

Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."

She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”

Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.

However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.

The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.

Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.

Source: [1]