On March 21–22, girl group IVE held their two-night fan concert “DIVE into IVE” in Seoul. Among various performances, their cover of Genie by Girls’ Generation quickly became a hot topic online. All six members appeared in military-inspired outfits reminiscent of the original stage, drawing attention for their visuals and cohesive formation. However, controversy erupted when, during the first night (March 21), Jang Wonyoung was the only member wearing a hat.
Not only did she take the center position, but Jang Wonyoung was also given a navy-style hat, setting her apart from the other five members despite their matching uniforms. This detail sparked debate, with some viewers arguing that it reflected clear favoritism from the group’s agency Starship Entertainment. Critics claimed that this styling choice disrupted the visual balance and unintentionally relegated the other members to background roles.
Being both the center and the only member with a standout accessory led to increased scrutiny of Jang Wonyoung’s performance. Some online comments pointed out perceived gaps in her skills compared to her fellow members, including vocals and dance execution. These opinions suggested that while she stands out visually, her performance felt slightly out of sync alongside members known for consistent stage presence.
The controversy quickly escalated, even causing friction within the fandom. On the second night (March 22), all members appeared in fully coordinated outfits, including matching hats. This change only fueled further debate, with some arguing it indirectly confirmed that the previous night’s styling choice had been intentional. The discussion intensified as Jang Wonyoung has already been a polarizing figure due to her prominent “center” image and frequent spotlight moments.
Born in 2004, Jang Wonyoung is widely recognized as a leading figure of fourth-generation K-pop. She first rose to fame after ranking first on the survival show Produce 48, debuting in the project group IZ*ONE from 2018 to 2021. During that time, the group achieved major success with hits like La Vie en Rose, Violeta, and Fiesta, helping her quickly build strong recognition as a center.
Following IZ*ONE’s disbandment, she re-debuted with IVE in late 2021 and maintained her standout presence. The group rapidly earned the title of “monster rookies” with hits like Eleven, Love Dive, After LIKE, and I AM, while securing major awards. With her visuals and established fame, Jang Wonyoung has become one of the defining beauty icons of her generation and a constant topic of discussion online.
Alongside her rising popularity, however, she has continuously faced controversy. From her early days in survival shows to her activities in major groups, Jang Wonyoung has often been scrutinized over her stage expressions, attitude, and interactions with others. Her skills have also been debated, with some critics claiming her singing and dancing do not fully match her level of exposure.
On the other hand, many fans argue that Jang Wonyoung has long been a target of excessive scrutiny. With fame comes heightened expectations, and even the smallest actions are often magnified and interpreted negatively by critics. In the high-pressure world of K-pop, greater popularity often brings greater criticism and for someone labeled the “K-pop princess,” every detail of her performance is bound to be closely watched and debated far beyond the fandom.
Sources: K14
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