On 18 July 2025, Namoo Actors announced that idol-turned-actress Lee Naeun had been officially cast in the upcoming ENA K-drama The Defects.
The action thriller tells the story of children who survive near‑death experiences and seek revenge after being adopted by their new parents.
Former APRIL Member Lee Naeun Cast in New ENA Thriller Despite Past Allegations
Lee Naeun will play Somi, one of the abandoned children who lives with strong energy despite her painful past. This garnered much attention as she has mainly played roles focused on youth stories.
The announcement comes after Lee Naeun was embroiled in bullying allegations by former APRIL member Lee Hyunjoo in 2020. Hyunjoo claimed she was harassed by other group members during her time with APRIL, with Naeun accused of being the main perpetrator in the bullying scandal.
Following the controversy, Lee Naeun posted a statement online denying all allegations made against her. No legal action was taken despite the public accusations.
Netizens Express Mixed Reactions to Lee Naeun’s Comeback After Years of Absence
After the 2020 controversy, Lee Naeun temporarily suspended her professional activities. APRIL disbanded in 2022 after a prolonged period of inactivity stemming from the scandal.
The casting announcement has sparked significant online discussion. Many netizens expressed shock at her return to the entertainment industry.
Comments on theqoo included reactions such as “Looks like the perpetrator is more active than the victim” and “Shouldn’t it be Hyunjoo that’s making a return after the controversy?”
Other netizens questioned the casting choice with comments like “Who’s going to watch it, though?” and “Didn’t she have school bullying allegations, too?”
Some users expressed concern about public perception, with one commenting “People might actually think she’s the victim while reading this.”
The mixed reactions highlight the ongoing division in public opinion regarding Lee Naeun’s involvement in the bullying allegations.
While some netizens acknowledged her absence from the industry and expressed willingness to give her a second chance, others criticised both Naeun and the drama crew for attempting to repair her reputation without accountability.
The Defects is set to premiere on 21 July 2025.
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