Lee Naeun faces backlash ahead of drama comeback amid bullying controversy
Former APRIL member turned actress Lee Naeun has been officially cast in the new ENA action-thriller Eye Shopping, confirmed by Namoo Actors on July 18. The role marks her return to acting with a grittier character named Somi, a young woman caught in a violent world after being abandoned as a child.
Instead of praise, Lee Naeun’s casting reignited old flames of controversy. Back in 2020, former APRIL member Lee Hyunjoo accused her groupmates of bullying. Though the case faded with no legal action, public opinion remains split, with many still critical of Naeun’s silence and accountability.
Many netizens voiced harsh reactions:
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 welcome her return, critics accuse her of pushing forward without addressing the bullying scandal. As Eye Shopping gears up for production, questions swirl about how viewers will react to her performance and whether the controversy will overshadow her comeback.
Lee Naeun has remained mostly silent since the accusations first surfaced, and her re-entry into acting is fueling renewed discussion on the unresolved issue of idol bullying in the industry.
