Singer and actress Lee Naeun made her first public appearance before the press in six years, marking her first meeting with reporters since the controversy surrounding her former group April and the alleged bullying of a member.
On October 21, Lee attended the production presentation for the short-form drama 'My Little Chef' at Starfield Goyang in Gyeonggi Province. The series is based on a popular game of the same name and features Choi Bomin, Yoon Hyunsuk, and Kim Doa, all of whom, like Lee, began their careers as idol singers before turning to acting.
This event was Lee’s first official press appearance since the so-called "April incident" in 2021. Although she has appeared at several photo events in recent years, it was the first time she faced direct questions from reporters. Her last drama production presentation took place in 2019 when she appeared in MBC’s 'Extraordinary You.'
When asked about her return to a production event after such a long time, Lee said, “It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a chance to communicate with fans and the press in person, so I was nervous but also very excited.” She added, “I was anxious, but I’m happy to be able to show a new side of myself through this project.”
The “April incident” began in 2021 when the family of former member Lee Hyun Joo claimed that she had been bullied by other members, including Lee Naeun. A series of accusations, denials, and legal disputes followed, and the group eventually disbanded in January 2022. As a result, Lee halted all entertainment activities and stepped down from her role in the SBS drama 'Taxi Driver.'
After leaving DSP Media, Lee joined Namoo Actors and began preparing for her comeback. She slowly resumed her career with cameo appearances in SBS’s 'Flex X Cop' and ENA’s 'Crash.' Earlier this year, she took on a leading role as Somi in ENA’s 'The Defects,' officially marking her return to acting.
Her latest project, 'My Little Chef,' is expected to highlight a new side of Lee as an actress. The story follows Choi Noma, the heir of Korea’s largest food conglomerate “First Group,” who lives as a social media influencer until he becomes entangled in a power struggle with his ambitious aunt. The two face off in a high-stakes cooking competition that tests their skills and determination.
'With My Little Chef,' Lee Naeun appears ready to move beyond the past and reclaim her place in the spotlight. As she described her comeback, it “felt like fate.”
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