[Trigger Warning/Content Warning: Bullying]
APRIL's Naeun admits struggling psychologically but now insists on pursuing comeback.
Amid the controversy over school bullying, APRIL's Lee Naeun dismissed rumors and said it was groundless and expressed that she will proceed with her scheduled comeback schedule.
On July 23, DSP Media said that Naeun's alleged school bullying claimed in an online community is "groundless" and that she went through a thorough check-up process not only through the artist herself but also her acquaintances since she recognized the article posted on the internet.
The agency then warned of legal action and stressed that there would be no leniency or agreement for spreading false information.
APRIL is set to make a comeback with the special summer single "Hello Summer" on the 29th. With a week left before the comeback date, the agency, including Naeun, is perplexed by the bullying accusations. However, she continues to prepare for the group's upcoming event, even in a mentally challenging situation.
"Lee Naeun is preparing for her comeback next week," an agency official said. "She will also proceed with her scheduled comeback and appearance on music shows."
Thus, a confirmation from one of the officials declared, "In terms of our care for our artists, we let them rest today's dance practice."
On the 22nd, a netizen, who claimed to be Naeun's elementary school classmate, posted a message on the online community that she had been bullied by the idol in the past. The accuser said they attended an academy with Naeun, and said, "I still remember (Lee Naeun) whispering in front of me, looking up and down, pointing at me and saying I looked like a disabled person."
The netizen added, "She also evaluated my face and body."
As to why the netizen has not been able to reveal it so far, she said, "Whenever I see her face, I remember my past memories." The disclosure has since then been deleted after Naeun's agency announced its position to warn of legal action against groundless claims.
Naeun debuted in the group APRIL in 2015. Later in 2018, she appeared in the web drama "A-TEEN" and gained popularity for her visuals and acting skills.
APRIL is slated to release "Hello Summer" and is expecting to present a refreshing performance to fans.
