IVE's Jang Wonyoung clarifies misunderstanding over Bvlgari event greeting

Jang Wonyoung addressed a controversy on the 4th regarding a video from a Bvlgari event in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, where she appeared to avoid a cheek kiss from Vice President Vincenzo Pujia. The singer explained that she simply missed the greeting due to the hectic photo call following the event held on the 28th of last month.

Jang Wonyoung of the group IVE has directly addressed the controversy surrounding her perceived avoidance of a cheek kiss from a male executive at a Bvlgari luxury brand event. She explained that she simply missed the greeting because the scene was chaotic, rather than intentionally ignoring the individual. Jang Wonyoung, who typically does not respond to every online controversy, drew significant attention by stepping forward to clarify the situation.

On the afternoon of the 4th, Jang Wonyoung shared her position regarding the recently circulated event video via a fan communication platform. "Since it was a photo call at the Bvlgari event, it was so hectic that I missed a cheek kiss from one person, and I suppose that could be misunderstood," she said.

She went on to explain the situation, stating, "We are like family who all greet each other warmly before the event starts." She emphasized that she "obviously just didn't see it," suggesting it is difficult to accept the interpretation that she intentionally refused the greeting.

"Surely no one thinks I didn't do it, right? It would be truly strange if they did," Jang Wonyoung added. Her brief but firm expression conveyed her bewilderment regarding the misunderstandings surrounding her.

The controversy began when a video from a Bvlgari event held in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, on the 28th of last month spread through online communities and social media on the 4th. The video captures Jang Wonyoung performing a cheek kiss greeting with Bvlgari CEO Laura Burdese.

Subsequently, Vincenzo Pujia, Bvlgari's Vice President of Global Sales and Retail, approached Jang Wonyoung to greet her in the same manner. However, the cheek kiss was not completed as Jang Wonyoung pulled her face back and turned her head. The moment became the center of controversy as the video captured the executive appearing to hesitate for a moment following the interaction.

Reactions from netizens were mixed. Some raised issues regarding manners, suggesting Jang Wonyoung intentionally avoided the greeting. Conversely, others argued that the busy atmosphere of the photo call and the context before and after the video should be considered, pointing out that it is difficult to judge an individual's intention based solely on a short, edited clip.

This controversy serves as an example of how a celebrity's brief action can be rapidly over-interpreted online. Particularly at global luxury brand events where many officials move simultaneously, a momentary movement can easily be assigned a separate context. Through her direct clarification, Jang Wonyoung drew a line against the interpretation that she intentionally refused the greeting.

Jang Wonyoung has been active as a Bvlgari brand ambassador since August last year. As she attends official events as the face representing the brand, this video drew public interest beyond a simple on-site mishap. However, according to Jang Wonyoung's explanation, the greeting did not occur not because she ignored the person, but because she missed the moment while focusing on the photo call.

IVE, the group to which Jang Wonyoung belongs, released their new mini-album 'Looks Can Kill' on the 26th of last month and is continuing their activities. While performing on stage with the new song, she sought to correct the misunderstandings surrounding her by directly stating her position amidst the unexpected greeting controversy.

Read the original (Korean)