In a letter, she wrote,

Hello, this is Son Jihyun.
It feels very new to greet you at the end of the year with a new name.
I think you might be surprised because of my sudden greeting.
This takes me back to when I first debuted in June 2009.
We received so much love, and as I promoted within that, I matured little by little.
When I look back now, it's a miracle and a blessing that I was able to make memories of connecting to many people.
I am here now thanks to the people who supported me, and I won't be able to forget that gratefulness.
I had a lot of thoughts as I walked the path of an actress.
I was a little chaotic inside as I learned things that were completely new on a road that was completely different.
I don't think that changing my name would make things different, but I wanted to live new as 'Son Jihyun', taking the family name from my mother.
I was uneasy using the name because I was worried that I might have disappointed fans who have believed in me and supported me.
It's a decision I came to after long considerations...
I will be thankful if you understand that I do this with a heavy heart.
I will give back by working hard as I made this hard decision.
Thank you for reading this while you are busy concluding the year.
I hope you be careful of colds as the weather gets colder, and that you greet a healthy, warm new year.
Thank you.
- Son Ji Hyun, December 2017