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Who is Jang Wonyoung?
Wonyoung, whose real name is Jang Wonyoung (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. Prior to this, 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. Currently, she is studying at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) specializing in applied music.
Jang Wonyoung’s Biography
- Birth Name: Jang Wonyoung (장원영)
- Stage Name: Wonyoung (원영)
- Position: Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Center, Maknae
- Birthday: August 31, 2004
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 173 cm (5’8″)
- Blood Type: O
- Instagram: for_everyoung10
Jang Wonyoung’s Career
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 Wonyoung as their brand ambassador. Prior to being bestowed with this title, Jang Wonyoung 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 Wonyoung 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 Wonyoung 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.
Now in 2025, Jang Wonyoung still maintain a top-star status, not only as a member of IVE but also as herself. She consistently nail new endorsement contracts and enjoy high praise from many people in the industry.
Jang Wonyoung’s Controversies
Jang Wonyoung, while a talented idol, has faced some criticism and controversies throughout her career. It is important to note that more of the controversies stem from overreaction from netizens or have been disproven, sans certain instances. Here’s a breakdown of some controversies:
IZ*ONE era:
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.
Showing displeasure towards Yujin
In one episode of the reality show dedicated to IZ*ONE called IZ*ONE Chu, Wonyoung made many people uncomfortable when she frowned and showed signs of annoyance while Yu Jin, was sharing her story.
IVE era:
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.
Did not greet seniors, “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.
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
Singing Skills
Audiences commented that Jang Wonyoung 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 Wonyoung 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, Wonyoung 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.
Strawberry eating:
Back in 2022, Jang Wonyoung became a topic of controversy for a ridiculous reason – eating a strawberry with 2 hands. At the time, many people criticized the females idol for acting overly cute on camera, to the point the her strawberry-eating scene became an Internet meme. In 2025, a member of Starship’s new girl group, KiiiKiii, even came under fire after she was accused of mocking this controversy of Jang Wonyoung.
Poor EQ Allegation
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.
Hiding Chinese/ Taiwanese heritage allegation
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.
Phoenix hairpin
Wonyoung 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.
Jang Wonyoung’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Jang Wonyoung’s net worth is reported to fall around over 6 million USD, as she not only excels in the music industry, but also works as a model for various brands. While there’s no reports on the female idol’s net worth in 2025, the true number of expected to have long surpassed 6 million USD, as Jang Wonyoung’s popularity and influence has only soared over time.
Lucky Vicky Syndrome
Years after her debut, Jang Wonyoung has maintained a strong standing in the entertainment industry, not only for her popularity, but also for her professional and positive mindset, known as “Lucky Vicky”. Coined from “Lucky” and “Vicky” (Jang Won-young’s English name), this mindset represents the attitude of seeing disappointing events as a stroke of luck instead – believing that fortune comes from a positive attitude.
“Lucky Vicky” has since became a popular term not only in Korea but also among other countries and K-pop fan communities, with many admiring Jang Wonyoung for a mature perspective despite her young age.
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