IVE Wonyoung Airport Attitude Controversy Sparks Debate

IVE member Jang Wonyoung faced controversy over her attitude towards airport staff while departing for Shanghai, China, through Gimpo International Airport on the 30th of last month. A video that spread online showed Jang Wonyoung responding to a staff member's repeated request to lower her mask and slightly adjust her hat for identity verification. Afterward, she stood with her arms crossed during the identity check, received her passport with one hand, and quickly left the departure hall. Her fellow member Gaeul, who departed on the same day, was seen receiving her passport with both hands and bowing slightly as she left, drawing comparisons.

This video sparked a heated debate online. Some netizens criticized Jang Wonyoung's attitude, commenting, "It seems like celebrity syndrome," and "She looks disrespectful." However, others voiced caution against overinterpreting the situation, stating, "It's difficult to judge someone's attitude based on a few seconds of video," and "It could have been a momentary scene." Furthermore, a point was raised about airport security procedures, with the argument that "celebrities should be held to the same standards as regular passengers during identity checks."

The controversy escalated further when videos filmed from different angles were released. These videos showed Jang Wonyoung handing her passport to the airport staff with both hands when it was her turn, and responding relatively smoothly to requests to show her face. It was interpreted that she crossed her arms only for the brief moment the staff member was scanning her passport, and while she did receive her passport with one hand, some felt the controversy was an exaggeration.

Despite the release of these additional videos, netizens remained divided, with some defending her actions as understandable and others arguing that criticism for such incidents is excessive. Jang Wonyoung's social media received critical comments, with reactions like, "Cooperating during the departure screening process is basic," and "Her unenthusiastic demeanor feels inconsistent with her image."

Meanwhile, Jang Wonyoung's group IVE is currently on their second world tour, 'SHOW WHAT I AM'. They completed their Osaka concert in April and are scheduled to perform at the Tokyo Dome on the 24th. IVE also released their second full album, 'REVIVE+', in February.