Jang Wonyoung / SNS
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung is in hot water in China after calling Hong Kong a “country” in a YouTube video.
What Happened: Jang Wonyoung’s “Hong Kong Country” Comment
IVE member Jang Wonyoung recently appeared in a behind-the-scenes video for MAMA 2025, uploaded to the group’s official YouTube channel. During casual conversation backstage, she expressed excitement about the Hong Kong event, saying:
“I like Hong Kong. It’s one of my favorite countries.”
This comment, while seemingly innocent, triggered a wave of backlash from Chinese netizens who interpreted it as a violation of the “One China” principle.
Jang Wonyoung / kpopbreaking.com
Chinese Netizens React: Hashtags and Boycott Threats
Weibo Uproar
Chinese social media platform Weibo saw a surge in hashtags such as:
- #JangWonyoungHongKongCountry
- #IVEGetOutofChina
- #KoreanIdolsHistoryEducation
These tags reflect growing frustration among Chinese users, some of whom called for a boycott of IVE and demanded apologies.
Media Amplification
Chinese media outlets quickly picked up the story, framing the remark as a “sovereignty insult”. Although the video’s Chinese subtitles translated “country” as “region,” many viewers referenced the original Korean audio to support their criticism.
Cultural Sensitivity
This incident highlights the tightrope K-pop idols walk when engaging with international audiences. Even offhand remarks can be politicized, especially when they touch on territorial or national identity issues.
Impact on IVE and Jang Wonyoung’s Image
Brand Risk
Jang Wonyoung, known for her global brand endorsements, may face commercial repercussions in China. Brands often react swiftly to political controversies to avoid consumer backlash.
Fan Division
While Korean and international fans largely defended her, Chinese fans expressed disappointment, potentially affecting IVE’s fanbase in the region.
Idol Diplomacy
K-pop idols are increasingly seen as cultural ambassadors, and this incident underscores the need for media training and geopolitical awareness, especially when addressing sensitive topics.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Global Communication
Jang Wonyoung’s “Hong Kong country” remark serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between K-pop and geopolitics. As idols gain global influence, their words carry weight across borders. (wordpopkorea@gmail.com)
💗 Follow Kpopbreaking.com for more breaking K-pop updates
Comments