On May 15, Haerin posted a short birthday message on the group’s shared Instagram account, @mhdhh_friends, thanking fans for their love and thoughtful gestures. “I received so much support and celebration that I wanted to leave a short message to express my gratitude,” she said warmly. “In times like these, I’m thankful just to be able to receive birthday wishes.”
Dressed casually in a striped T-shirt, what caught viewers’ attention most wasn’t just her words—it was the cap she wore. The accessory was identical in style to the one worn by Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, during her now-infamous press conference where she fiercely criticized HYBE and addressed the group’s legal situation.
While Haerin made no direct comment about the symbolism, the fashion choice has not gone unnoticed. Fans and observers quickly speculated whether the cap was a deliberate nod to Min Hee-jin, who is widely seen as a key figure in NewJeans’ formation and branding. The visual echo led to discussions online about whether Haerin was subtly expressing support amid the group’s legal struggles with the agency.
Alongside the video, Haerin also shared a heartfelt handwritten letter:
“The letters were incredible. Writing a letter takes a lot of energy, so thank you for taking the time. I’m grateful that you celebrated someone else’s birthday like this. And especially in such a difficult time, I’m so thankful for your quiet support — it’s just been one surprise after another.”
She concluded, “Today feels surreal for me too. Thanks to all of you, I think I’ll have a really happy day.”
Meanwhile, NewJeans has been in a legal battle with ADOR since November after attempting to end their exclusive contract and go independent. The court ruled in favor of ADOR, blocking their solo activities and endorsement deals. Although the group appealed, it was denied, leading to a halt in their independent promotions under the name ‘NJZ’ and a suspension of group activities.