IVE's Jang Wonyoung Sparks Online Discussion After Removing Hat During Airport Identity Check

IVE member Jang Wonyoung is drawing diverse reactions regarding her appearance as footage of her removing her hat to reveal her face during the identity verification process at the airport has spread online.

On the 2nd, Jang Wonyoung departed through the international terminal of Gimpo International Airport for her schedule in Japan. While she arrived at the airport wearing a hat, she was seen removing it to have her identity verified during the departure procedures. This process was captured by cameras and citizens covering the scene, and the related videos and photos spread rapidly across social media (SNS) and online communities.

In the released video, Jang Wonyoung appeared natural, seemingly with minimal makeup, before moving toward the departure gate after completing the identity check. In some scenes, she was also captured lightly touching the area around her eyes.

This appearance garnered even more attention as it was the first departure scene revealed since the controversy regarding airport departure procedures raised last May. At that time, while departing Gimpo International Airport for a schedule in Shanghai, China, Jang Wonyoung was seen briefly lowering only her mask while still wearing a hat, leading to questions online about whether the identity verification process was being conducted appropriately.

Following that, allegations of so-called 'preferential treatment' spread through online communities and SNS, though no official confirmation of specific regulation violations or preferential treatment was found. Nevertheless, the controversy expanded into issues regarding Jang Wonyoung's personal attitude, leading to various interpretations and criticisms.

In this recent departure, although the scene of her completely removing her hat during the identity check was revealed, the focus of the controversy shifted from procedural compliance to evaluating Jang Wonyoung's appearance. Online reactions varied, with comments such as "She looks natural even with almost no makeup," "She looks tired," and "Her face looks a bit swollen," while some posts contained comments that excessively judged her appearance or included personal attacks.

On the other hand, some expressed concern over the phenomenon where even routine scenes of the airport departure process become subjects of excessive interest and evaluation. Reactions included, "It is excessive to judge even a moment captured briefly at the airport," and "It is unfortunate that whether she follows the rules or faces allegations of not following them, it all becomes a controversy."

While airport departure scenes involving celebrities have become content repeatedly consumed under high public interest, recently, discussions regarding privacy protection and excessive appearance commentary have been steadily raised as private moments, such as identity verification procedures and movement processes, are filmed and spread. In particular, social considerations regarding how to balance the public activities of public figures with individual portrait rights and personality rights continue to persist.

IVE continues to meet global fans through domestic and international activities, and they departed through Gimpo International Airport on this day for their schedule in Japan.