Lee Na-Eun’s Recent Update
Lee Na-eun, a former member of the K-pop group April, recently shared glimpses of her daily life on Instagram. On December 19, she posted photos with the caption, “Ugh, it’s cold! I’m collecting all the things I like.” The pictures showed her wearing a doll hat and trying her hand at woodworking. A day earlier, she uploaded more content, posing in front of a cake at a café with captions like “I love you, my little one” and “Hi.”
Her updates come roughly three months after a controversy involving travel YouTuber Kwak Tube (real name Kwak Jun-bin). The two were spotted traveling together in Italy, sparking renewed discussions about Lee’s past and Kwak’s stance on bullying issues.
Controversy in Italy: The Background
In September, Kwak Tube’s video featuring Lee Na-eun ignited criticism. Kwak is known for openly speaking about his experiences with school bullying and advocating for victims. His collaboration with Lee, who has faced accusations of bullying during her time in April, left many viewers frustrated.
Kwak apologized twice after the backlash. In his statements, he admitted to making poor judgments and failing to consider how his actions could hurt others. “I was arrogant and didn’t think through how this might harm victims further,” he said, emphasizing his regret.
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The History of Allegations
Lee Na-eun has faced scrutiny for two major controversies:
- School Violence Allegations: In 2020, claims surfaced accusing her of bullying during her school days. These allegations were later proven false, with the accuser admitting to fabricating the story and issuing an apology.
- April Group Bullying: In 2021, Lee was accused of bullying fellow member Lee Hyun-joo. The case gained significant attention but did not result in legal action. Authorities concluded that there was discord among group members but found no evidence of definitive bullying.
In Kwak Tube’s Italy video, he spoke about unblocking Lee on social media after learning that the school bullying allegations were false. “I misunderstood you,” he told Lee, adding that he felt guilty for contributing to the secondary harm caused by the false claims.
However, the video did not address the accusations involving April. This omission angered viewers, who felt Kwak overlooked Lee’s controversial history with her former groupmate.
Public Reaction and Consequences
The public backlash was swift. Many of Kwak’s followers expressed disappointment, pointing out the contradiction between his anti-bullying stance and his collaboration with Lee.
Critics accused Kwak of being insensitive, especially given his personal history as a bullying victim. Some viewers believed he should not have portrayed Lee in a positive light without acknowledging her unresolved controversies.
Comments flooded Kwak’s YouTube channel, with users questioning his actions:
- “How can you defend someone accused of bullying when you’ve spoken against it for years?”
- “You’re a hypocrite for letting personal bias cloud your judgment.”
The fallout extended beyond social media. The Ministry of Education, which recently featured Kwak in an anti-bullying campaign, removed the video from public view. Additionally, a petition was filed on the government’s e-People platform, calling for Kwak’s removal from an upcoming travel fair in Busan.
Other influencers close to Kwak, such as fellow YouTuber Pani Bottle, were also dragged into the controversy. Pani Bottle responded angrily to accusations on Instagram, defending himself against unfair criticism.
Unresolved Questions
As of now, Lee Na-eun has not addressed the controversy. The accusations against her remain a topic of debate, with no definitive resolution regarding her alleged behavior within April.
The situation highlights the complexities of public perception. While Lee has moved on from her school bullying accusations, her past with April continues to cast a shadow. For Kwak, the controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges influencers face when navigating sensitive issues.
Conclusion
The backlash surrounding Lee Na-eun and Kwak Tube underscores the importance of accountability in the public eye. For fans and critics alike, this controversy raises critical questions about trust, personal biases, and the power of influence in shaping narratives.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
