Despite the passage of time, the uncomfortable gaze directed at Lee Na-eun continues. Will this be a burden she bears for the rest of her life?
Public opinion remains harsh, with anyone even slightly associated with Lee Na-eun facing significant criticism. Recently, YouTuber KwakTube found himself in the crosshairs.
On September 16th, KwakTube, who had previously shared his own experiences as a victim of school bullying, faced backlash for featuring former APRIL member Lee Na-eun, who is still facing unresolved bullying allegations, in one of his YouTube videos. Lee Na-eun debuted as a member of APRIL in 2015 and also pursued a career in acting. However, in early 2022, APRIL was engulfed in controversy concerning bullying within the group, with accusations that Lee Na-eun was involved in the harassment of fellow member Lee Hyun-joo during their time together.
Additionally, Lee Na-eun was also implicated as a perpetrator of school bullying. In response, her legal team filed a defamation lawsuit against “A” , the individual who accused her of these actions, leading to “A” being found guilty of disseminating false information. Despite this legal victory, the scandal contributed to the disbandment of APRIL. Furthermore, Lee Na-eun had to step down from her role in SBS’s drama “Taxi Driver” and took a much-needed hiatus.
In light of the backlash, the video featuring KwakTube and Lee Na-eun has since been removed from YouTube. The Ministry of Education’s public service advertisement for the 2024 School Violence Prevention Campaign, which featured KwakTube, has also been made private.
KwakTube is not alone in facing criticism for associating with Lee Na-eun. Actress Ji Ye-eun and broadcaster Dex also came under fire after posting selfies with her on social media, with some mocking them as “birds of a feather” .
The public perception of Lee Na-eun remains frosty. While she may be free from legal issues, the reality is starkly different. She now carries the stigma of being a “controversial celebrity” .
Currently, Lee Na-eun is preparing for her return to acting. How will the public’s chilly reaction impact the success of her upcoming projects?
The only avenue for Lee Na-eun to distance herself from the controversies might be through her acting prowess. Her return is already highly anticipated, with all eyes on whether she can shed the label of a “controversial celebrity” and become an actress capable of resonating with the public through her performances.
Source: Daum
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