She is reportedly facing calls for a boycott.
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IVE member Wonyoung has become the subject of unexpected scrutiny in China, after she was allegedly caught referring to Hong Kong as a “country” in a backstage video.
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung | for_everyoung10/Instagram
Chinese entertainment outlets reported on the controversy, which stemmed from behind-the-scenes footage recorded during the 2025 MAMAs in Hong Kong. In the clip, Wonyoung allegedly said that Hong Kong was one of her favorite countries. The wording rubbed Chinese netizens the wrong way due to China’s official position that Hong Kong is not a sovereign state.
The remark spread across Chinese social media platforms, with netizens labeling it as “provocative” and accusing the idol of undermining China’s sovereignty. Many defended Wonyoung, claiming that the word she used could also refer to a “place” or a “region.” However, others argued that the Korean word she used, “nara,” specifically referred to “country.” Some also pointed out that the Chinese subtitles on the video translated the remark as “Hong Kong is one of the places I like,” which implied that the agency was already aware of the term’s sensitivity, yet still chose to release the footage.
The situation intensified after users reportedly noticed that posts criticizing Wonyoung or calling for boycotts against her were getting removed from online platforms, leading to accusations against IVE’s agency for silencing valid concerns.
Wonyoung had previously received positive attention from Chinese audiences during activities connected to the MAMA Awards in Hong Kong, including public gestures of solidarity following a local fire incident. That earlier goodwill has made the current backlash more pronounced. The situation has also prompted renewed scrutiny of how South Korean entertainment companies navigate political sensitivities in the Chinese market, where public reaction can quickly turn against celebrities perceived as showing disrespect toward China. As of publication, neither Wonyoung nor her agency has issued a public response to the allegations, and the controversy continues primarily online, with sharply divided reactions between critics and fans.