Jang Won-young of K-pop group IVE. [Yonhap]
Jang Won-young of K-pop group IVE. [Yonhap]

Jang Won-young of K-pop group IVE has found herself at the center of another attitude controversy.

The IVE members visited Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on July 1 to promote "ForEVER IVE," a collaboration project with the theme park.

The project lets visitors experience IVE-themed content at various locations throughout Everland.

On the project's opening day, the members toured the park in person, riding attractions and interacting with fans.

The controversy erupted after videos of the members taken at the venue that day spread on social media.

In footage apparently shot by visitors on their phones, Jang and her fellow members listened to an explanation from an Everland staff member. Unlike the others, however, Jang kept her arms crossed throughout the briefing and did not uncross them while walking alongside the staff member.

Some online users who saw the video criticized her behavior, with comments including "She's crossing her arms while someone is talking to her," "It's fine in everyday life, but you should uncross them when a staff member is speaking — that's basic courtesy," and "Crossing your arms during a conversation is rude."

The backlash has been amplified by the fact that many fans have not forgotten a separate attitude controversy involving Jang at Gimpo Airport last May. Some online reactions included remarks such as "She's really gotten on people's bad side" and "It's tough being a celebrity."

In that earlier incident, criticism emerged while Jang was going through airport security ahead of her departure to Shanghai, China. Videos circulated showing her standing with her arms crossed, failing to fully remove her hat and mask, and accepting her passport with one hand. The episode escalated into a broader debate over preferential treatment for celebrities, ultimately prompting Korea Airports Corporation to tighten its identity verification procedures.


jshan@heraldcorp.com