Former APRIL member Lee Naeun is officially back in the spotlight — and the internet is buzzing. The idol-turned-actress made her long-awaited return through the new drama The Defects, marking her first public project since her name was swept up in bullying allegations during the peak of the idol school bullying exposés.
In The Defects, Naeun plays a mysterious character called Somi, caught up in the lives of people with superpowers — an edgy, suspense-filled role that is a drastic shift from her previous girl-next-door image.
While the allegations made against Naeun in 2021 were never legally confirmed and were eventually denied by her agency DSP Media, the public backlash was swift and intense. She was pulled from advertisements and dropped from her role in Taxi Driver.
Now, years later, her comeback is stirring mixed reactions. Take a look at her in her hard-hitting role.
She has always been praised for her acting skills.
She previously made a buzz as Kim Ha Na in Eighteen.
Her acting sure leaves nothing to desire.
lee naeun as somi in #TheDefects (2025) #이나은 #아이쇼핑 pic.twitter.com/5YsaFKqere
— ★ (@yoonhoprk) June 26, 2025
Despite the controversy, industry insiders note that her appearance in The Defects is a clear signal that she’s ready to start over in the acting world.
As more stills and teasers from the show roll out, all eyes are on Lee Naeun — and whether the public is ready to accept her back. The Defects is currently airing on Coupang Play.
