1 month ago
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“I know there are fans who are waiting for my return as an idol…”
Just now
In April 2022, former Apink member Son Naeun made her official exit from the 2011-debuted girl group—as media reports speculated the decision to be for her to focus on her acting career.
Son Naeun Has Officially Withdrawn From Apink
Years later, in an interview following her successful starring in the JTBC K-Drama Romance In The House, the idol-turned-actress mentioned the withdrawal and addressed the fans’ hope for her return to K-Pop.
SHINee’s Minho (left) and Son Naeun (right) for “Romance In The House” | IMDbWhen asked about the intense backlash she received in the process of leaving the group, Son Naeun said it didn’t bother her.
Calling her time as Apink a “beautiful and precious memory” from her teens and 20s, Son Naeun agreed that it was “a great loss” she didn’t get to participate in the final album promotions.
Apink as a seven-membered group at debut, with Son Naeun sitting down front left. | theqooI overthink often, and I regret and hold on to past events. But to be honest, it all feels pointless. The present is the most important, and I want to focus on what’s happening now.
I don’t feel wronged [about the backlash from leaving the group]. I filmed everything for the 10th anniversary album’s music video, but due to scheduling conflicts, I couldn’t participate in the activities. I was sorry to the members and the fans, and I myself felt a great sense of loss. But we were together for a long time through our teens and twenties, [Apink] remains a beautiful and precious memory.
— Son Naeun
Son Naeun noted, however, that she no longer stays in touch with her former group mates…
Fans Suspect Son Naeun’s Latest Instagram Story Is Directed At Apink Members
I had a strong desire to stay with the team until the end, but it came to a point that such was not possible and I just had to accept. So, instead of feeling wronged or regretful, I decided to let things go as it did.
I don’t keep in touch with the members now, but as a fan, I will always cheer them on. I was happy to see Eunji’s work (Miss Night and Day) doing well, and I was glad my work got to air after hers. I look up and watch whatever the members are involved in. They are all working hard, and I support them wholeheartedly.
— Son Naeun
…and respectfully clarified that she has no plans of returning to the K-Pop scene for a while.
| @marcellasne_/InstagramNow is a time for me to focus on acting and figure myself out on this new career path. As I’ve started to enjoy acting more, I’ve developed a desire to learn further. Of course, I know there are fans who are waiting for my return as an idol. If the opportunity arises in the future, I would like to hold a fan meeting to satisfy their thirst for my music.
— Son Naeun
Son Naeun’s acting in Romance In The House garnered great response from the viewers. Check out her viral kiss scene chemistry with her fellow idol and co-star, SHINee‘s Minho:
SHINee Minho’s New K-Drama Steamy Kiss With Idol-Turned-Actress Is A Chemistry Explosion
English (US) · 