'School Violence Allegations' April Naeun, Agency and Classmates Step Forward to Deny Claims: "Baseless"

Published 24 Jul.2020 07:22(KST)

Group April member Naeun (real name Lee Naeun). Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Lee Na-eun, a member of the group April, has been embroiled in school bullying allegations, but her agency has stated that the claims are groundless. Additionally, Lee Na-eun’s classmates have drawn a clear line, saying the stories differ from the facts. The post exposing the school bullying has since been deleted.

On the 22nd, a netizen A, claiming to be an elementary school classmate of Lee Na-eun, posted on an online community a message alleging that they were bullied by Lee Na-eun in the past.

A said, "Because of what happened when I was in elementary school, I cried a lot and made a fuss at the time. So even now, whenever my mom sees Lee Na-eun on TV, she shudders."

A explained that the three of them?Lee Na-eun, another friend B, and A?used to be close, but from a certain day, A was ostracized. A claimed that they were bullied through deliberate humiliation and exclusion.

He said, "From a certain day, Lee Na-eun whispered with another friend at the academy and looked me up and down," adding, "Because of my timid personality, I couldn’t ask why and was left feeling dejected alone."

He continued, "The reason I haven’t revealed this until now is because I didn’t want to be suspected," and said, "I want an apology. Every time I see Lee Na-eun’s face, memories of the past come to mind."

As the post spread, the agency DSP Media stated on the same day, "From the moment we became aware of the post on the community, we conducted a thorough verification process not only with the artist herself but also through her acquaintances, and concluded that the allegations are groundless. Regarding this matter, we have been collecting all materials since the time the post was made, and today we have appointed a law firm to proceed with strong legal action."

They added, "We will strongly respond to the dissemination of false information about our artist and the acts of spreading such information. There will be no leniency or settlement whatsoever."

In particular, Lee Na-eun’s elementary school classmates also came forward, stating that the school bullying allegations are not true.

One of Lee Na-eun’s elementary school classmates said in an interview with a media outlet, "Lee Na-eun was a bright friend when she attended school. The school bullying allegations are completely groundless," adding, "It’s nonsense. I remember she got along well with all the friends. She was pretty and kind-hearted, and I recall that even the teachers liked her."

Meanwhile, after the agency announced its strong response, the post claiming Lee Na-eun’s school bullying has been deleted.