Lee Hyun Joo's Journey Post-APRIL: From Bullying Allegations to A Flourishing Acting Career
In the ever-evolving world of K-pop, few stories have been as tumultuous and headline-grabbing as that of Lee Hyun Joo, mononymously known as Hyunjoo. The former APRIL member's recent revelations about her past and her subsequent career moves have been a topic of intense discussion among fans and industry insiders alike.
Hyunjoo's entry into the entertainment industry was as a member of the girl group APRIL in 2015. However, just a year into her journey with the group, she took a hiatus, citing health issues. This hiatus eventually led to her departure from APRIL, with DSP Media announcing that she would be pivoting to an acting career.
In a surprising turn of events, Hyunjoo re-emerged in the K-pop scene in 2017, participating in the survival show "The Unit." Her aim was clear: to re-debut in a project girl group. Her efforts bore fruit as she secured fifth place and became a member of the group UNI.T. However, this venture was short-lived, with the group disbanding after just five months.
While Hyunjoo continued her endeavors in acting, 2021 saw her name embroiled in a major controversy. Rumors began circulating that she had been a victim of bullying during her time with APRIL. These allegations, initially brought to light by her older brother on an online platform, pointed fingers at her former APRIL co-members as the perpetrators. This led to a series of events, including legal battles between the parties involved. The aftermath saw APRIL disbanding in 2022, with the case eventually being dropped without any charges.
Despite the lack of a definitive conclusion regarding the bullying allegations, Hyunjoo chose to move forward, channeling her energies into her acting career. In 2023, she inked a deal with STUDIO 1952, signaling the resumption of her activities in the entertainment world. Apart from her acting projects, she has also been exploring writing and painting, aiming to hone her skills as an actress.
Hyunjoo's past works include roles in K-dramas like "My Father Is Strange," "Hanging On," and "Summer Guys." She has also been a part of web dramas such as "Legally, Dad" and "College Life That Everyone Wants." Fans can look forward to her upcoming web drama, "I Like It The Way It Is," though a broadcast date is still pending.
Interestingly, Hyunjoo has expressed a desire to pen a book, drawing from her personal experiences and reflections. She has been maintaining diaries since her school days and has been writing essays as an adult, capturing her thoughts and stories.
In May, Hyunjoo reconnected with her fans through a solo fan meeting titled "Hyunjoo's Forest." Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for her time as an idol and voiced her hopes for fans to remember her in her current avatar, as a 26-year-old actress showcasing a mature side.
Hyunjoo's story is a testament to resilience and the ability to reinvent oneself amidst challenges. As she continues to carve a niche for herself in the entertainment industry, fans and well-wishers eagerly await her next move.
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