IVE Jang Wonyoung became a hot topic once again after people noticed her consistent "refusal" to bow to others. Due to this, people speculated that this action was rooted in something BIGGER. What it is about?
IVE Receives 3 Trophies From 2022 Asia Artist Awards (AAA)
IVE continues to establish their status in the music industry as "4th-gen representative" after bagging three trophies from the recent Asia Artist Award (2022 AAA), held on December 13 in Nagoya, Japan.
The six-member group - comprised of An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz and Leeseo - received the awards for "Hot Trend" in the singer category, the "Rookie Artist," trophy as well as a Daesang (Grand Prize) "Song of the Year" award.
Despite the precious moment, IVE, following the event, absurdly received various criticisms, especially Jang Wonyoung.
One of the reasons they sparked discussion was their outfit during the red carpet and main event, wherein MC Jang was in her red dress that stood out - it looked like the other members were only her "backup dancers".
Jang Wonyoung Raises Speculations About Her Nationality After Not Bowing During Ceremony
RELATED ARTICLE: 'Jang Wonyoung & Friends'? IVE Outfits For 2022 AAA Draw Divided Opinions
Aside from their outfits, the "ELEVEN" singer also became controversial for not bowing to others along with IVE during their acceptance speech.
In a viral post in an online community, the author wondered about this and wrote, "Jang Wonyoung tells (us) why she doesn't bow."
The post then contained a couple of GIFs proving that Jang Wonyoung doesn't bow to others. In context, it is only natural to bow in Korea to show respect, especially to seniors and elders.
The author then raised speculations that rather than the idol's attitude, Jang Wonyoung refused to bow because she's Chinese.
"It's because of Chinese education. She grew up being taught not to bow down to others. This is also the reason why Chinese members don't bow down to greet each other."
The author continued to explain the difference in culture between Koreans and Chinese and added:
"That's why Chinese members have a lot of risks. In conclusion, rather than personality problems, it is because of the influence of Sino-centrism education.
So when Jang Wonyoung must bow down, she keeps pretending to read the script or touch the mic, pretending not to see, etc. trying not to bow consciously."
Even before her initial debut in IZ*ONE through Mnet's "Produce 48," people already speculated that she was of Chinese descent.
But if Jang Wonyoung is really Chinese, why is it big deal?
ALSO READ: IVE Wonyoung Being of Chinese Descent Becomes Hot Topic Again– Here's Why
According to internet users, if Jang Wonyoung is Chinese, it wouldn't much affect her popularity, but she could become a target of xenophobic remarks from Koreans. The netters emphasized that it was only a rumor yet the female idol was already being called names and was accused of being "fake" Korean.
She will also be affected by the political discord between the two countries, given her influence and impact.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time that a K-pop idol was embroiled in a bowing controversy. In the past, aespa NingNing was also targeted by malicious comments, as well as EVERGLOW Yiren.
READ MORE: From SEVENTEEN Jun to aespa NingNing: Chinese Idols Continue to Draw Flak for Not Doing Korean Bow
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
