IVE Wonyoung Attitude Controversy Settled

The Korea Airports Corporation plans to improve its departure guidance procedures following a controversy over the attitude of Ive member Jang Wonyoung during immigration checks. The corporation is considering revising its official announcements on its website and other platforms to strengthen guidance procedures for passengers during departure. In particular, following complaints about the ambiguity of identification standards raised by this controversy, all passengers at 14 airports nationwide will undergo identification checks in the same manner, in accordance with the regulation in the Aviation Security Standard Procedure Manual stating, "If the passenger is wearing an item that covers their face, they will be asked to remove it before identification is conducted."

Previously, on the 30th of last month, Jang Wonyoung was embroiled in an attitude controversy when a video of her back during immigration checks at Gimpo International Airport, as she was departing for overseas schedules, spread through online communities and social media. In the video, Jang Wonyoung was seen handing over her passport according to the airport staff's instructions and removing and re-wearing her hat and mask during the identity verification process. However, her pose with her arms crossed and her act of receiving her passport with one hand sparked an attitude controversy among some netizens.

Later, additional videos filmed from different angles were released, and the controversy seemed to be winding down. According to these videos, Jang Wonyoung politely handed her passport to the airport staff with both hands and complied with the request to show her face for identity verification. Furthermore, the pose with her arms crossed was a temporary stance she took while the airport staff scanned her passport, and it was understood that the controversy arose because only the parts that could be misunderstood by those unaware of the process were filmed.

However, the controversy resurfaced recently when related complaints were filed with the Korea Airports Corporation. A complaint was filed requesting clarification of the standards for identity verification procedures and official guidance at the international departure hall of Gimpo International Airport, and the corporation is scheduled to process this complaint by the 23rd. The complainant explained that it was not aimed at a specific celebrity but was a public interest issue raised to confirm the gap between official guidance and actual operating standards, and to clearly refine common standards and detailed guidelines. In particular, the argument was made that confirmation of on-site guidance standards is necessary as celebrities often wear masks and hats when visiting airports.

Meanwhile, there have been a series of cases where celebrities have been embroiled in airport attitude controversies. Webtoon artist Kian84 faced an attitude controversy for refusing to sign autographs after completing a marathon, and actor Park Seo-joon faced a similar controversy for not wearing a headband given by a fan, but the controversies were resolved with further explanations and clarifications of each situation. Additionally, Jang Wonyoung was criticized for stepping back in surprise when an elementary school student suddenly approached her, but the opinion was also raised that it is natural to be surprised in a sudden situation, and it is harsh to demand fan service even in unexpected situations simply because one is a celebrity.