IVE member Jang Wonyoung has become the center of an online debate after a video from the airport spread on social media.
On May 30, IVE departed for Shanghai, China, through Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. During the departure process, a clip of Jang Wonyoung at immigration inspection drew attention.
In the video, Jang Wonyoung appeared wearing a black hat and mask. When an airport staff member asked her to show her face for passport verification, she slightly lowered her hat and mask. The staff member then asked her to lower the mask a little more, and she followed the request before completing the identity check.
What drew mixed reactions was her posture during the process. Jang Wonyoung was seen waiting with her arms crossed and later receiving her passport with one hand before leaving the departure area.
Some viewers compared her to fellow IVE member Gaeul, who was behind her. Gaeul removed her mask to show her full face, received her passport with both hands, and bowed her head to the staff member.
After the video spread, some netizens criticized Jang Wonyoung’s behavior, saying, “Receiving the passport with one hand looks rude,” and “The staff must be having a hard time.”
Others also argued that celebrities should follow the same airport procedures as ordinary travelers.
However, many people defended Jang Wonyoung, saying the criticism was too much. Some commented, “This feels like forced criticism,” “It is too quick to judge someone’s personality from a short video,” and “Many ordinary people also receive passports with one hand.”
The issue has now turned into a debate over whether the moment was rude or simply being over interpreted.
Meanwhile, IVE is currently holding their second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM.” After completing their Kyocera Dome Osaka concert in April, the group is set to return to Tokyo Dome on June 24.
