Son Naeun Reveals She Does Not Keep In Touch With The Apink Members + Speaks About Chemistry With SHINee’s Minho

Former Apink member Son Naeun has addressed various subjects in an interview post the conclusion of the recent drama “Romance In The House.”

Despite having worked in the industry for over 10 years, Naeun has consistently faced criticism for her acting skills. She especially received intense negative reviews for her role as a third-generation chaebol influencer in “Agency” (2023). This is why there were concerns when she transformed into the character of a K-daughter in the recently concluded JTBC weekend drama “Romance In The House.”

However, this time, her efforts seem to have paid off, with many praising her, saying her “acting has significantly improved.” She teared up, saying it “felt like real tears.”

She said, “For the first time, many viewers said they could relate to the character of Mirae. As an actor, I feel happy and grateful. Comments like ‘This is different from her usual characters, but it suits her well’ and ‘She really looks like Mirae’ are really encouraging compliments. It gives me more courage and strength. I understand that there can be a variety of reactions, and I’m thankful for the attention, whether it’s positive or critical. I want to continue improving, take in the feedback with an open mind, and show better performances in the future.”

The drama revolves around a father, Byun Moojin (Ji Jinhee), who returns as the landlord of his family’s building 11 years after being abandoned by his family. Son Naeun plays Byun Mirae, the daughter of Moojin and Geum Aeyeon (Kim Jisoo). Although she’s previously taken on glamorous roles that might have been harder to relate to, she explained, “I wanted to show a different side of myself. I wanted to portray someone as genuine and passionate about her work as Mirae, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. I didn’t find it difficult to understand Mirae as I acted. She was so pitiful that I naturally became emotionally involved.”

It must have been comfortable working with Choi Minho, who played Taekwondo national athlete Nam Taepyung, and Yoon Sanha, who played her younger brother Hyunjae, since both are also idols.

Son Naeun once appeared on the MBC TV variety show “We Got Married” in 2013 as a virtual couple with SHINee’s Taemin (31), and now she has a romance with Minho (32) in this drama, leading some viewers to comment that “the ‘We Got Married’ universe has collapsed.” Son Naeun said, “I found those comments amusing. It’s been over 10 years, and I’m grateful that people are still showing interest. Minho oppa is exactly as he appears. He’s very straightforward, has a great personality, and he’s like the icon of passion, always lifting the energy on set. When I was having a tough time, he would tell me, ‘You can do it. Let’s stay strong.’ Since we worked together before, it felt more comfortable.”

Now in her 30s, Son Naeun expressed a sense of restlessness. “I find myself feeling impatient,” she confessed. “I think a lot and sometimes regret things from the past, but I realize it’s all meaningless. What matters most is the present, and I want to stay focused on that.”

In 2022, Son Naeun left Apink after 11 years. Although they released a 10th-anniversary album that year, she didn’t participate in promotions and announced her departure just two months later.

While many fans were disappointed, especially since Jung Eunji (31) is still actively balancing her activities in both Apink and acting, Son Naeun said, “I don’t feel upset or misunderstood. I filmed the music video and other things for the 10th-anniversary album, but my schedule didn’t allow me to participate (in the promotions). I felt sorry to the members and fans, and I was disappointed too. We were a team for such a long time during our teens and twenties, and I have beautiful, cherished memories of that time.”

She added, “Now, it’s my time to show what I can do on my own. I always wanted to stay with the team until the end, but things didn’t work out that way, and I had to accept it. While we don’t keep in touch now, I’m cheering them on as a fan. Eunji unnie’s recent project did well, and it feels good that I’ll be taking over the baton next. I’m trying to keep up with everything they’re doing, and I’m cheering them on in my heart.”

Source: A