IVE Jang Wonyoung is once again the center of discussion over an online community forum. There, the young idol is claimed to be of Chinese descent. But why is it a hot topic?
IVE Jang Wonyoung is Chinese Descent— Why Is It Hot Topic?
On July 10 on the online community Nate Pann, an internet user wrote:
"Jang Wonyoung's father is Chinese?"
As soon as the post circulated online, the post amassed about 240,000 views, which also encouraged a debate among K-pop fans.
In particular, the news about Wonyoung having Taiwanese blood has been going on for four years since she joined Mnet's "Produce 48" in 2018. This is after it was revealed that the female idol has a Chinese name, which is Chang Yuang Ying.
ALSO READ: Is IVE Jang Wonyoung Chinese? Idol's 'Real' Nationality Sparks Suspicion
Upon digging into her family background, fans found out that Wonyoung's grandfather is a Chinese immigrant, while her father is a Taiwan-born Korean. Her mother is actually said to be part-Taiwanese, making their family "Hwagyo" (Taiwanese/Chinese-Korean immigrants).
As soon as people found out, haters began accusing her of being a "fake" Korean and called her names. Some also bluntly showed sinophobia, a fear or dislike of Chinese, China culture of China in general.
Nevertheless, Korean fans came to Wonyoung's by counterattacking the idol's haters' sinophobia with other xenophobic remarks.
"Jang Wonyoung is legally Korean, her mind is Korean, her blood is Korean. If after all those proofs, you still believe she's Chinese, then start insisting that you're Chinese."
"Which Chinese people in the world wear hanbok and cheer for our national team players in the Olympics?LOL If the Chinese thought of Jang Wonyoung as a Chinese, they would have gone crazy at that time. They are more tired of Chinese history than Korea. The Chinese don't think so either, but the anti-Chinese were trying to frame the Chinese."
"Wow, I'm really going to break it's really breaking... I can't believe a Chinese was the one who drew all the attention of the 4th generation."
When this discussion reach global fans, a lot expressed their sentiment and commented:
"Why is this a big deal? Her popularity doesn't have to do anything with being a Korean or Chinese."
"Is her ethnicity or nationality a problem here? Clearly, it's Korean's xenophobic attitude (sarcasm)."
"She's not even a full Chinese or Taiwanese, so why is she a target of hate?"
What are your thoughts on this?
Reason It Is Big Deal IVE Jang Wonyoung is Chinese
As the discussion grew, people shared their opinions as to why this is a big deal for both Korean and Chinese.
One fan discussed that although some Koreans wouldn't mind Wonyoung's nationality, some wouldn't criticize her due to Korea's political discord with China. They also noted that Wonyoung might be a full target of racism in the country.
Furthermore, the "ELEVEN" singer might potentially face backlash from the Chinese as well. China denies Taiwan sovereignty by shouting the slogan "One China." The idol's alleged Taiwanese blood may not sit well with other fans.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
