Some people raised their brows to Son Naeun who signed an exclusive contract with new agency YG Entertainment as an actress amidst being a member of the girl group, Apink.
This is after the group's much-awaited comeback received sour responses following the announcement that Naeun will not join the team during its promotions and activities.
In particular, after leaving Play M (hereinafter IST Entertainment) in April 2021, Son Naeun announced participation in Apink's 2022 comeback on Dec. 22 last year.
However, it's not a full comeback since she will only be joining the sound source, MV and album jacket shooting, but Naeun will not participate in the group's stage activities.
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As a result, the female idol and its new agency received backlash for the news. In context, YG Entertainment stated on Jan. 18, "It was not easy to coordinate the schedule for the next work under discussion with Son Naeun. We cannot participate in activities except for the jacket and music video shooting for the special album."
YG used the keyword "coordination." However, according to K-pop insiders, YG did not coordinate the schedule with Apink's side.
First of all, Apink's comeback is already scheduled, but YG didn't discuss a predetermined schedule with the production company for Naeun's new work outside the group. Also, insiders called the act of YG "disrespectful" for announcing "absence" instead of "reschedule."
"If it was difficult to coordinate with the production company, we should discuss the next best option with Apink. But, YG unilaterally decided not to attend and even the opportunity flew away," a music industry official stated.
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Aside from YG Entertainment, some people pointed to Son Naeun as one of the "roots" of the problem. As it was a one-sided notification of absence from stage activities, Apink suffered the consequences the most.
An official from the music industry said, "If one member is missing, the damage will be attributed to the rest of the members. The remaining members need to work together again with the revised song and choreography."
Apink's 10th-anniversary comeback is only a month away, and it is not only a celebration of the group's new milestone but a special comeback after about two years.
During the pandemic, music broadcasts have reduced the pre-recording time for music shows. Thus, it is not a kind of schedule to go to work early in the morning and leave work in the evening as before. Popular idols spend three to four hours a day on music shows.
An official from a broadcasting company said, "There is no broadcaster that will refuse Apink's comeback stage. They can do what they want. We can move up the pre-recording order or reduce the duration of our activities."
After all, stage activities are a matter of will. In fact, Apink prepared the 10th-anniversary album in consideration of Son Naeun's personal schedule as much as possible.
Apink held a year-end fan meeting last year. Son Naeun who attended even said, "We will all show good performance in our respective positions. I hope you will be next to Apink."
Due to this, the music industry and K-pop fans are waiting for Son Naeun's official statement.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
