Red Velvet’s Irene has officially launched her solo career with the release of her first mini album, Like A Flower, and it's already a huge success.

Released on November 26, Irene's Like A Flower sold over 250,000 copies on its first day, according to the Hanteo Chart. The album also claimed the top spot on the Circle Chart's daily retail album chart, showing just how much fans were excited for her solo debut.

In addition to its impressive sales in South Korea, Like A Flower topped iTunes' Top Album Charts in 21 countries, including New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Finland, and Brazil, among others.

The album also hit number one on China’s QQ Music Digital Album Sales Chart and dominated Japan’s AWA Real-Time Rising Chart, where its tracks claimed the top 1-3 positions.

The mini album features 8 tracks in various genres, all rooted in pop, with the title track Like A Flower standing out.

The song blends lively Afro rhythms with smooth, dreamy sounds and carries a message of courage and growth, comparing life to a flower blooming beautifully.

Irene will also be appearing on SBS PowerFM’s Wendy’s Young Street on November 27 at 8 PM, continuing to promote her successful debut.

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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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