Seoul, South Korea – July 30, 2026 – In a candid interview held at a chic Seoul café on the afternoon of July 29th, idol-turned-actress Son Naeun addressed persistent rumors surrounding her relationship with her former K-pop group, Apink. Now embarking on her 15th year since her debut in 2011, Son Naeun, who officially departed Apink in 2022, offered insights into her enduring connection with the group and her aspirations as a solo artist and actress. The interview provided a platform for the artist to clarify misunderstandings and reiterate her unwavering support for her former bandmates.

A Decade and a Half in the Spotlight: Reflections on a Pivotal Career

Son Naeun, a foundational member of Apink, has spent a significant portion of her life immersed in the demanding world of K-pop and, more recently, the nuanced landscape of acting. Reflecting on her extensive career, she expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of her fanbase. "I think I have spent almost half of my life working," Son Naeun shared, her voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. "Looking back, all of it is beautiful memories and precious moments. Because of who I was then, I am who I am now. I’m always grateful, and just knowing that there are fans still supporting me gives me great strength. I feel like I need to show better sides of myself as an actress."

Her journey from a fresh-faced idol to a recognized actress has been marked by a dedication to her craft and a deep appreciation for the foundations laid during her time with Apink. This sentiment underscores her continued commitment to growth and her desire to reciprocate the loyalty she has received from her supporters throughout her evolving career.

Navigating the Transition: Apink’s Continued Journey and Son Naeun’s Role

Apink, a group that has consistently maintained a strong presence in the K-pop industry, continued its activities even after Son Naeun’s departure in 2022. This continuation naturally brought Son Naeun into the spotlight whenever the group achieved new milestones or participated in significant events. A recent instance that fueled speculation occurred in May when former member Hong Yookyung, who had left Apink in 2013, attended member Yoon Bomi’s wedding. However, Son Naeun’s absence from the celebratory occasion led to a surge of rumors suggesting discord between her and the current members.

Addressing the Discord Rumors: A Measured and Supportive Response

When directly questioned about these rumors, Son Naeun responded with a calm and measured demeanor, emphasizing her continued positive regard for Apink. "Since it’s a team I’ve been with a long time, I’m always watching with interest," she stated. "I hope many good things happen, and those feelings haven’t changed. I’m always rooting for them." This direct statement serves to dispel the notion of any ill will or strained relationships, highlighting instead a supportive and encouraging perspective from afar. Her words suggest a mature understanding of their individual career paths while maintaining a deep-seated affection for her former group.

The implication of her response is that personal circumstances, rather than interpersonal conflict, likely contributed to her inability to attend the wedding. In the often-scrutinized world of K-pop, where every action is subject to interpretation, Son Naeun’s straightforward explanation aims to bring clarity and put an end to unfounded speculation. Her continued interest and well wishes for Apink underscore the enduring bonds formed during their years together.

The Evolution of an Artist: Aspiring to Be an Actress of Positive Influence

Beyond her reflections on her past, Son Naeun articulated a clear vision for her future as an actress. When asked about the kind of actress she aspires to become, her response was both ambitious and grounded in a desire to connect with audiences on a meaningful level. "I want to be an actress who has a positive influence," she declared. This ambition goes beyond mere performance; it speaks to a desire to contribute to society through her work, to inspire, and to be a role model.

Her vision extends to the impact of her performances. "I hope many people can relate to my acting," she continued. "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." This statement reveals a thoughtful approach to her acting career, focusing on emotional resonance and the creation of memorable characters that viewers can connect with on a deeper level. It suggests a commitment to nuanced portrayals and a desire to explore a diverse range of roles that can leave a lasting mark on the audience.

Supporting Data and Chronology

2011: Son Naeun debuts as a member of the K-pop girl group Apink under Cube Entertainment. The group quickly gains popularity for their innocent and refreshing concepts.

2013: Member Hong Yookyung departs Apink. The group continues as a sextet.

2011-2022: Son Naeun participates in numerous Apink comebacks, establishing herself as a prominent visual and performer within the group. Concurrently, she begins to explore acting opportunities, appearing in various dramas and films.

2022: Son Naeun officially leaves Apink and Cube Entertainment to focus on her acting career, signing with YG Entertainment. Apink continues its group activities with its remaining five members.

May 2026: Apink member Yoon Bomi gets married. Former member Hong Yookyung attends the wedding. Son Naeun is notably absent from the event, leading to speculation and rumors of discord.

July 29, 2026: Son Naeun holds an interview at a café in Seoul, where she addresses the rumors surrounding her relationship with Apink and discusses her future acting career.

Official Responses and Public Perception

While this interview represents Son Naeun’s most direct response to the rumors, the broader public perception has been shaped by various factors. Apink’s continued success and the members’ strong bond have always been a source of pride for their fans, known as Pink Pandas. When Son Naeun departed, many understood it as a natural progression for an artist seeking to pursue different career avenues. However, the K-pop industry thrives on a narrative of group unity, and any perceived divergence can be amplified.

The attendance of Hong Yookyung at Yoon Bomi’s wedding, while a positive sign of continued connections for some, inadvertently highlighted Son Naeun’s absence for others. This event, combined with the passage of time since her departure, created a fertile ground for speculation about the nature of her current relationships with the group.

Son Naeun’s current agency, YG Entertainment, has not issued a formal statement regarding the rumors, likely allowing their artist to address such matters directly when appropriate. However, the professional handling of her transition and her consistent positive remarks about her past with Apink suggest a supportive environment focused on her individual growth.

Implications and Future Outlook

Son Naeun’s interview holds significant implications for both her career and the narrative surrounding Apink. By directly addressing the rumors with grace and reiterating her unwavering support, she aims to:

• Rebuild Trust and Clarify Misunderstandings: Her candid remarks offer a more nuanced perspective, moving beyond speculative headlines and providing a personal account of her feelings.
• Strengthen Her Image as a Mature Artist: Her measured response demonstrates professionalism and emotional intelligence, qualities essential for a successful acting career.
• Reassure Fans: By emphasizing her continued support for Apink, she aims to reassure fans that the bonds formed within the group remain meaningful, even as individual paths diverge.
• Focus on Her Acting Career: Her clear articulation of her aspirations as an actress signals her dedication to her current profession and her desire to be recognized for her acting prowess.

The future looks bright for Son Naeun as she continues to carve out her niche in the acting world. Her commitment to delivering performances that resonate with audiences and her desire to be an actress of positive influence suggest a career path defined by substance and impact. While the dynamics within a long-standing group can evolve, Son Naeun’s recent statements indicate that her connection to her Apink roots remains a cherished part of her journey, underpinning her present endeavors and shaping her future ambitions. As she continues to take on new roles and challenges, audiences will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation, eager to witness the unfolding of her promising acting career.