Singer and musical actress J-Min has officially parted ways with SM Entertainment after an incredible 26 years.

On March 31, J-Min took to social media to share a heartfelt handwritten letter, announcing that her exclusive contract with SM had come to an end.

She wrote, “It feels like just yesterday when I signed my contract with SM Entertainment as a 5th grader, with my messy, childish handwriting. But today, March 31, 2025, marks the end of my exclusive contract after about 26 years.”

Reflecting on her journey, she expressed, “From my trainee days in the basement practice rooms in Bangbae-dong to today’s KWANGYA, it has been an incredible honor to be with SM for so long. There were so many happy and emotional moments, and of course, difficult and frustrating times too.”

She also thanked SM’s staff, mentioning key figures like Director Lee Sung Soo, CEO Tak Young Joon, and her longtime manager Kim Si Yong, who stood by her side.

J-Min first debuted in Japan in 2007 before making a name for herself in Korea through her solo music, SMTOWN projects, and OSTs. She also built a strong reputation as a musical actress, starring in productions like Jack the Ripper and The Three Musketeers.

As she moves on to a new chapter, J-Min ended her letter with a lighthearted note, “P.S. If you have any work offers for me after March 31, 2025, please contact me directly. If you don’t have my number, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram!”

Fans are now curious about J-Min’s next move after leaving the agency she spent almost her entire life with.

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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.

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