“Bully” Idol’s Upcoming Comeback Met With Fierce Backlash
On July 18, Namoo Actors announced that former APRIL member turned actress Lee Naeun has been officially cast in the upcoming ENA action-thriller Eye Shopping. While the casting marks her return to the small screen, public reaction has been far from warm.
In Eye Shopping, Lee Naeun takes on the role of Somi, a resilient young woman abandoned as a child and adopted into a dark and violent world. The role marks a shift from her previous youth-oriented characters and was expected to be a fresh opportunity for the actress to showcase her range. However, instead of praise, her casting has reignited criticism tied to her past.
Back in 2020, Lee Naeun was swept up in a major controversy when former APRIL member Lee Hyunjoo accused her groupmates of bullying. Although the issue quieted over time and no legal consequences followed, public sentiment surrounding Naeun has remained divided. Now, with her comeback confirmed, many netizens are expressing disappointment, claiming she is attempting to quietly resume her career without addressing the unresolved controversy.
- She didn’t “overcome” the controversy. She “trampled” allover it.
- When did she even take a break? She kept trying to size up a chance to come back.
- Did she even apologize?
- Please don’t let these sort of kids back on screen. There’s so many great rookies out there. Why are they using people like her?
- Go back.
- Since you’re not the victim, go back.
While some fans have welcomed her return, others argue that she is bypassing accountability and jumping straight into the spotlight. As Eye Shopping prepares for production, questions remain about how viewers will receive Naeun’s performance — and whether the controversy will continue to follow her. Despite being relatively silent on the matter since the initial allegations, her re-entry into acting is drawing renewed attention to the unresolved issues of idol bullying in the K-entertainment industry. You can read more about her comeback below.
