aespa's Karina almost missed her chance to pitch, but she made it happen!

On June 9th, Karina threw the first pitch before the second game of the doubleheader between the SSG Landers and the Lotte Giants in the '2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League' at Sajik Sports Complex in Busan.

Fans were worried about her busy day. She had a fan signing in Busan at 1 PM, was supposed to pitch at 5 PM, and then had another fan signing in Daegu at 8 PM.

The game on June 8th got rained out and was moved to 2 PM on June 9th. If the first game went long, Karina might not have pitched. But luckily, it all worked out.

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Before pitching, Karina told fans, "I practiced. I can do it!!!" She then stepped onto the field for her first-ever pitch.

Karina said, "It's my first pitch ever, and I'm honored to do it for the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium," adding, "I will throw the ball with the spirit of supporting the Lotte Giants."

She also promoted her group, saying, "Please give lots of love to aespa as well."

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Karina's pitch was a strike. With her long hair flowing and looking stunning, she showed off her perfect pitching skills.

Fans' worries disappeared with her amazing throw.

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]