During a press interview held at a cafe in Seoul on the afternoon of July 29, 2026, Son Naeun, a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, addressed the persistent rumors of discord between her and the members of her former K-pop group, Apink. The actress, who is currently celebrating her 15th year since her debut in the entertainment world, used the platform to clarify her current relationship with the group and reflect on her extensive career, which has spanned more than a decade of shifting industry dynamics and personal professional growth.
Son Naeun’s journey began in April 2011 when she debuted as a member of Apink under A Cube Entertainment (now IST Entertainment). Over the next decade, the group became one of the most successful and enduring acts of the "second generation" of K-pop, known for hits like "NoNoNo," "Mr. Chu," and "LUV." However, as the members matured, their individual career paths began to diverge, leading to Son’s eventual departure from the group in 2022 to focus entirely on her acting career under YG Entertainment.
A Career Built on Longevity and Fan Support
Reflecting on her 15-year milestone, Son Naeun expressed a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. "I think I have spent almost half of my life working," she remarked during the interview. "Looking back, all of it is beautiful memories and precious moments. Because of who I was then, I am who I am now." Her transition from a "center" visual in a top-tier idol group to a serious actress has not been without its challenges, yet she credits her fanbase for her continued resilience.
The actress emphasized that the support of her fans remains her primary motivation. "I’m always grateful, and just knowing that there are fans still supporting me gives me great strength," she stated. This sentiment underscores the complex relationship between former idols and their fandoms, where the transition to acting often requires a delicate balancing act of acknowledging one’s roots while establishing a new, independent identity.
The Catalyst for Discord Rumors: The May Wedding
The rumors of a rift between Son Naeun and the remaining members of Apink—Park Cho-rong, Yoon Bo-mi, Jung Eun-ji, Kim Nam-joo, and Oh Ha-young—reached a fever pitch in May 2026. The catalyst was the wedding of member Yoon Bomi, a high-profile event attended by numerous celebrities and industry colleagues.
Speculation intensified when Hong Yookyung, an original member of Apink who left the group in 2013 to pursue her studies, was seen in attendance and posing for photographs with the active members. Son Naeun’s absence from the ceremony was immediately noted by netizens and media outlets, sparking widespread debate online regarding the state of her relationship with her former colleagues. In the highly scrutinized world of K-pop, the presence or absence of former members at significant life events is often interpreted as a definitive statement on their interpersonal ties.
Addressing these rumors directly during the July 29 interview, Son Naeun maintained a calm and composed demeanor. She sought to de-escalate the narrative of conflict by expressing her continued interest in the group’s success. "Since it’s a team I’ve been with a long time, I’m always watching with interest," she said. "I hope many good things happen, and those feelings haven’t changed. I’m always rooting for them."
Chronology of Departure and Career Transition
To understand the context of these rumors, it is essential to look at the timeline of Son Naeun’s professional shift. In April 2021, when the contracts for Apink members were up for renewal, five members chose to stay with IST Entertainment. Son Naeun, however, decided not to renew her contract with the agency, eventually signing with YG Entertainment in May 2021 to bolster her acting prospects.
Despite the change in agencies, IST Entertainment and Son Naeun initially stated that she would remain a part of Apink for future group activities. This arrangement was put to the test during the group’s 10th-anniversary special album, Horn, released in February 2022. Due to scheduling conflicts with her acting projects, Son was unable to participate in the promotional performances for the lead single "Dilemma," although she did appear in the music video and recorded the album.
The difficulty of balancing two demanding careers under different management led to the official announcement of her departure from the group in April 2022. In a handwritten letter at the time, she described the decision as difficult and painful, stating that she would remain a "Pandas" (the name of Apink’s official fan club) and support the group from the sidelines.
The Professional Evolution of Son Naeun
Since her departure, Son Naeun has focused on diversifying her acting portfolio. She has moved away from the "idol-actress" label by taking on roles that challenge her range. Notable projects include her performance in the medical drama Ghost Doctor (2022), where she played an emergency room intern, and her role in the corporate drama Agency (2023), where she portrayed a third-generation chaebol socialite.
Her performance in Agency was particularly noted for its growth, as she held her own alongside veteran actress Lee Bo-young. During the recent interview, Son discussed her aspirations for the future, moving beyond the rumors of the past. "I want to be an actress who has a positive influence," she explained. "I hope many people can relate to my acting. I want to continue greeting audiences with good works. I want to be an actress who can deliver performances that leave a gentle, lingering impression in terms of character."
Industry Analysis: The "Idol-to-Actress" Narrative
Son Naeun’s situation reflects a broader trend within the South Korean entertainment industry. The transition from idol to actor is a well-trodden path, but it is rarely without public scrutiny regarding group loyalty. In the K-pop industry, "solidarity" is a core part of a group’s brand. When a member leaves, even under amicable circumstances, any perceived distance is often framed by the public as "discord."
Industry experts suggest that the rumors surrounding Son Naeun are a byproduct of the high emotional investment fans have in the "OT6" (One True Six) or "OT7" (including Hong Yookyung) formations of Apink. The presence of Hong Yookyung at the wedding served as a nostalgic reminder for fans, making Son’s absence more conspicuous. However, from a professional standpoint, the schedules of high-profile actresses often conflict with private events, a reality that is sometimes overlooked in the heat of fan speculation.
Furthermore, Son Naeun’s approach to the rumors—choosing to respond with well-wishes rather than defensive explanations—is a strategic move often employed by established celebrities to maintain a professional image. By stating she is "always rooting for them," she reaffirms her history with the group without feeling the need to provide a public accounting of her private social calendar.
Broader Impact and Implications for Apink
While Son Naeun pursues her path in cinema and television, Apink has continued as a five-member group. They have successfully navigated the transition, releasing the mini-album Self in 2023 and continuing to hold fan meetings and international tours. The group’s ability to remain active after 15 years is a rarity in an industry where many groups disband after the standard seven-year contract.
The continued interest in Son Naeun’s relationship with Apink speaks to the group’s lasting legacy. For many fans, the members represent a specific era of K-pop history. As the members move into their 30s and prioritize individual goals—whether it be Yoon Bomi’s marriage and variety career, Jung Eun-ji’s solo music and acting, or Son Naeun’s film career—the public’s fascination with their bond remains a testament to the impact they made as a collective.
Future Outlook for Son Naeun
As Son Naeun moves forward, her focus remains squarely on her craft. The interview concluded with her expressing a desire for longevity in the acting world, much like the longevity she achieved in the music world. By addressing the discord rumors with a "gentle, lingering impression" of grace, she seeks to close that chapter of public speculation and open a new one focused on her artistic contributions.
Her upcoming projects, which remain under wraps but are highly anticipated following her success in Agency, will likely define the next stage of her career. For now, Son Naeun stands as a representative example of the modern Korean entertainer: a woman who respects her past as an idol but refuses to be defined solely by it, even as she navigates the complex social expectations that come with a life in the public eye.
In the end, while the media may continue to look for signs of friction, Son Naeun’s words suggest a relationship that has simply evolved from a daily professional partnership into a more distant, yet supportive, mutual respect. As she stated, the "beautiful memories" remain, providing the foundation for whatever roles she chooses to inhabit next.