Profile Jang Wonyoung: From IZ*ONE to IVE – Exploring Her Rise to Stardom (2024 Updated)

Who is Jang Won Young?

Wonyoung, whose real name is Jang Won Young (장원영), was born on August 31, 2004, in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. She is a singer, songwriter, rapper, and MC from South Korea under Starship Entertainment. Currently, Wonyoung is a member of the girl group IVE and holds the position of sub-vocalist.

Wonyoung officially debuted at the age of 14 while still a middle school student, taking on the role of Center in the group IZ*ONE. With a remarkable height of around 1.73m and captivating charisma, she always becomes the center of attention in the media whenever she appears. To date, Wonyoung has achieved remarkable success in the Idol industry. Additionally, she is a representative face for the fashion brand MiuMiu and serves as the muse for the brands Innisfree and Kirsh.

Wonyoung is the 3rd member of the girl group IVE officially announced by the company and holds the position of Sub Vocalist. She also participated in the survival program “Produce 48” by Mnet in 2018, where she excellently secured the first place in the final night of the program. Furthermore, Wonyoung appeared in the MV “Love It Live It” by YDPP. Currently, she is studying at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) specializing in applied music.

Jang Won Young’s Biography

• Birth Name: Jang Won Young (장원영)
• Stage Name: Wonyoung (원영)
• Chinese Name: Zhang Yuan Ying (張員瑛)
• Position: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Center, Maknae
• Birthday: August 31, 2004
• Zodiac Sign: Virgo
• Height: 171 cm (5’7″)
• Weight: 47 kg (104 lbs)
• Blood Type: O
• Instagram: for_everyoung10

Wonyoung’s career journey and notable songs and MVs:

Participation in Produce 48 and Debut with IZ*ONE from May 2018 – April 2021: Wonyoung was revealed as a contestant on the survival show “Produce 48” by Ment on May 11, 2018. In the final episode of the show, she excellently secured the first place, thus becoming a member of the girl group IZONE on August 30. The group officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with their first Mini Album titled “ColorIZ” and the title track “La Vie en Rose”. Until April 29, 2021, when the special contract with Off the Record Entertainment expired, IZ*ONE officially disbanded. Afterward, Wonyoung returned to Starship Entertainment as a trainee.

Wonyoung’s Debut with the girl group IVE: On August 22, 2021, Star New revealed that Wonyoung and Yujin would become members of the upcoming girl group under Starship Entertainment, set to debut in the second half of the year. Additionally, Wonyoung was announced as a new MC for the music program “Music Bank” on KBS with Sunghoon from Engypen on September 27. Her first appearance on the show took place on October 8.

On November 2, the company officially revealed the debut group’s name and logo, confirming that both idols would make a comeback as members. Wonyoung was officially announced as the third member of the girl group IVE on November 5. The group made their public debut on December 1 with their first single album titled “Eleven”.

Become MiuMiu Ambassador in 2022: At the beginning of 2022, the fashion brand Miu Miu officially announced on their Instagram account the appointment of Jang Won Young as their brand ambassador. Prior to being bestowed with this title, Jang Won Young had a long-standing association with the Miu Miu brand through various collaborative projects. Even during her time as a member of the group IZ*ONE, she had been entrusted by the Italian fashion house to wear their latest dresses, handbags, accessories, and more in different collections. With her beautiful face and captivating charisma, Jang Won Young even earned the nickname “Miu Miu’s Muse” from fans. Everything she touched became a hot trend and sold out quickly. Moreover, in 2021, Jang Won Young also received invitations to participate in Miu Miu’s Spring Summer 2022 fashion events.

Collaboration Single “Blue & Black” in 2022: On June 6, 2022, it was announced that members of IVE, OH MY GIRL, and CRAVITY would collaborate for the release of a digital single as part of Starship Entertainment’s collaboration project with Pepsi. This collaboration single titled “Blue & Black” was officially released on June 28.

Departure from Music Bank in 2023: Until September 1, Wonyoung had renewed her contract as an MC for the Music Bank program. This was also the first time in the show’s history that an MC had been offered a contract extension. On October 8, 2021, she officially became the 37th MC of the weekly music program Music Bank on KBS TV alongside Park Sung-Hoon.

Additionally, on December 2, 2021, she and Leeteuk became the hosting duo for the Asia Artist Awards 2021. This was the youngest hosting duo in the history of the awards. On December 13, 2021, Wonyoung continued to host the Asia Artist Awards 2022 with Leeteuk.

However, after nearly a year on September 23, 2022, the duo Jangkku ended their 37th term on their show. Wonyoung continued her 38th term on September 30, 2022, with co-host Lee Chaemin. Until January 11, 2023, Starship Entertainment confirmed that Wonyoung would leave her position as an MC on the weekly music program Music Bank after two years. Her final broadcast as a Music Bank MC was on January 13, 2023.

Scandals/ Controversy:

Jang Wonyoung, while a talented idol, has faced some criticism and controversies throughout her career. Here’s a breakdown of some instances:

IZ*ONE era:

1. Pushing Sakura’s shoulder: Wonyoung sparked a controversy when she pushed Sakura’s shoulder. While the group was lining up for Korean media to take photos, Wonyoung reached her left hand backward and touched Sakura’s shoulder, causing the Japanese idol to become unbalanced and slightly stagger. Many opinions were raised, suggesting that Wonyoung had a bad attitude towards Sakura because even though both of them were equally popular, Sakura always received more attention and sometimes even invited to film her own shows.
2. Showing displeasure towards Yujin: In one episode of the reality show dedicated to IZ*ONE called IZ*ONE Chu, Won Young made many people uncomfortable when she frowned and showed signs of annoyance while Yu Jin, was sharing her story.

IVE era:

1. Lack of respect for IU, not interested in BTS’s video at MMA 2022: In November 2022, IVE attended the MMA awards and won the Daesang with “Love Dive”. On the sidelines of the victory, netizens spread a video clip capturing the moment when Jang Wonyoung sat under the stands, showing indifference and not applauding when IU’s video was played on the big screen. Many criticized Wonyoung for lacking respect for IU, and Rei and Liz were also scrutinized for their behavior towards their senior. Subsequently, IU fans spoke up to defend Jang Wonyoung. According to them, the circulated moment was edited and not reflective of the truth. In the full clip showing IU’s VCR being played, Jang Wonyoung indeed clapped to cheer for her senior.
   
   However, the controversy escalated when in other moments, people noticed that Jang Wonyoung also showed disinterest in BTS’s video. While all the idols were attentively watching and applauding BTS, Jang Wonyoung was seen joking and chatting with fans. Despite fans’ efforts to clarify and defend their idol, Jang Wonyoung still garnered anti-fans.
   
2. Did not greet seniors, Jang Wonyoung “sneaks glances” at TWICE members: In the early stages of her debut with IVE, Jang Wonyoung has been criticized several times for not greeting her seniors. A prominent example is during the encore stage for “ELEVEN”, where Jang Wonyoung and IVE members got criticized for not bowing to Jaemin (NCT), Lee Know (Stray Kids), and Kim Minju.
   
   Similarly, while hosting Music Bank, Jang Wonyoung was accused of ignoring NCT 127 despite her seniors bowing. It was also during this time that the female idol sparked controversy by giving a sideways glance to TWICE senior member Jeongyeon. At that time, due to health reasons, Jeongyeon had to sit for an interview, and Jang Wonyoung’s indifferent gaze prompted TWICE fans to object.
   
3. Bad attitude towards a young fan: In 2023, Wonyoung faced criticism on a forum called “Mom Cafe.” The incident involved a boy around 10 years old who approached Wonyoung, reaching out to touch her as she was entering a coffee shop. Wonyoung seemed surprised and stepped back before a staff member in her entourage intervened to stop the boy. This fleeting moment unexpectedly sparked a debate on the forum. Many criticized Wonyoung for behaving coldly toward a child, suggesting that the boy simply wanted to greet her because she looked beautiful. Others opined that while Wonyoung might have been surprised, the boy was just a harmless fan, and Wonyoung should not have reacted unfavorably like that
   
4. Singing Skills: Audiences commented that Jang Won Young only focuses on her appearance, always striving to look the most glamorous when appearing, but refuses to practice and improve her singing.
   Notably, IVE’s lip-syncing performances, where they seem to mumble and whisper, have been criticized several times. However, Jang Won Young and Leeseo’s performance sparked intense controversy. The two idols performed IU’s song “Strawberry Moon” at the MBC Gayo Daejeon 2022 stage. But even though they were only sitting and singing without having to perform choreography, Won Young and Leeseo still lip-synced. Moreover, audiences noticed that the two idols used the old recording from a previously posted cover video, instead of a new recording for the program.
   
5. Being considered to have poor EQ: A scene during a live broadcast of IVE sparked controversy. Accordingly, Jang Wonyoung questioned whether her groupmate, Leeseo, was wearing the same shirt she had worn before.
   Upon seeing the shirt Leeseo was wearing, Wonyoung suddenly emphasized that it resembled the one she had worn during a previous filming. The idol continued to inquire whether the group member had bought it herself and unexpectedly reached out to check the shirt’s label.
   The incident only concluded after Wonyoung and Yujin confirmed that the two shirts were different. Upon witnessing this series of actions, many netizens expressed discomfort with Wonyoung’s behavior.
   
6. Accused of hiding her Chinese/ Taiwanese heritage: Specifically, Jang Wonyoung has been exposed by many for being of mixed Chinese-Korean heritage. The family of the IVE member’s father is originally from China and migrated to Korea, holding various important positions in the overseas Chinese community. Many comments also assert that Jang Wonyoung attended a school for overseas Chinese and appeared in the active Chinese Artists Museum in Korea.
   
7. Phoenix hairpin: Won Young stirred another controversy by sharing that she had personally chosen a hairpin with a phoenix design to promote Korean culture at a fashion event. This angered Chinese netizens, who heavily criticized the female idol, accusing her of appropriating culture. A series of angry comments from Chinese fans flooded the posts under her Instagram account.