Lee Na-eun Returns to Spotlight After 6 Years: First Press Conference Post-April Controversy

Former APRIL member and actress Lee Na-eun has faced the press for the first time in six years.

The press conference for the short-form drama ‘My Little Chef,’ held on the 21st at Starfield Goyang, marked Lee Na-eun's official public appearance following the bullying allegations that rocked girl group APRIL.

Lee Na-eun expressed her feelings about returning to such a public forum after six years, stating with a nervous voice, "It feels like a very long time since I've had the opportunity to communicate with fans and reporters in a public setting, so I was nervous but came with a fluttering heart."

She added, "Although I was nervous about attending a press conference after six years, I'm glad to have this chance to show a new side of myself."

The ‘APRIL incident,’ which first surfaced in 2021 due to accusations from former member Lee Hyun-joo's family, involved allegations that Lee Na-eun and other APRIL members bullied Lee Hyun-joo. This led to a protracted war of words and legal battles, culminating in APRIL's disbandment in January 2022.

As a result of the controversy, Lee Na-eun halted her entertainment activities, including stepping down from the SBS drama ‘The Fiery Priest.’

After leaving DSP Media, APRIL's former agency, and joining Namoo Actors, Lee Na-eun sought opportunities for her comeback. She made special appearances in dramas like SBS’s ‘Flex x Cop’ and ENA’s ‘Crash’ last year, gradually resuming her career. In July, she officially returned to acting with the lead role of Somi in ENA's drama ‘A Shopping,’ and ‘My Little Chef’ is expected to showcase her new charm as an actress.

‘My Little Chef,’ based on a popular game, is anticipated to reveal a new facet of Lee Na-eun's acting. The drama tells the story of Choi Noma, the heir to a major food conglomerate, who becomes an influencer and gets caught in a plot by her aunt, leading to a culinary showdown.

Lee Na-eun plays the female lead, Choi Noma, who transforms from a chaebol heiress to a chef. "What attracted me most to Noma was her consistently positive and hopeful personality," she shared. She also confessed, "I’ve been playing the game ‘My Little Chef’ for about four years, so when I received the casting offer, I thought, 'Is this destiny?'" She concluded by saying, "It was great to be able to be with fans and reporters after such a long time."

Netizens reacted positively to Lee Na-eun's appearance, with comments such as 'It's good to see her face after 6 years,' 'I hope she only shows good sides from now on,' and 'Looking forward to the new drama,' showing support for her comeback.