The K-pop sensation and IVE member, Wonyoung, has found herself at the center of a digital storm after attending Samsung's highly anticipated Unpacked event on July 26, 2023.

Controversy Surrounds Wonyoung's Choice of Phone at Samsung's Unpacked Event

The event, showcasing the latest ZFlip5 and other cutting-edge products, saw Wonyoung seated in the front row and even featured in a special show-and-tell segment by the popular actress, Sydney Sweeney.

Celebrities at the Samsung event today:

Stray Kids
BTS' Suga
IVE's Wonyoung
TWICE's Jeongyeon
Anitta
Sydney Sweeney pic.twitter.com/Roqnrtal1s

— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) July 26, 2023

 Following the event, Sydney Sweeney shared a selfie she took with Wonyoung, highlighting the innovative selfie mode on the new Flex window display.

The young idol subsequently reposted the photo on her Instagram story, which set off a wave of controversy when Korean media outlet Herald Corp noticed that Wonyoung appeared to be using an iPhone in the picture.

Notably, the presence of a black heart emoji, exclusive to Apple devices, further fueled the speculation.

In a headline that read, "'We Thought Wonyoung Was A Samsung Fan.' She shows no mercy after the event ends," the media outlet criticized the idol for seemingly using an iPhone despite attending a Samsung-sponsored occasion.

However, Wonyoung's legion of devoted netizens was quick to come to her defense, providing crucial context to the situation. Contrary to popular belief, Wonyoung is not a Samsung Galaxy model.

Instead, she is associated with SK Telecom, one of South Korea's major telecommunications companies. Thanks to SK Telecom's frequent collaborations with Samsung, Wonyoung has featured in several Samsung campaigns by extension.

READ ALSO: IVE Wonyoung Revealed To Have Been Injured - You Won't Believe How Many Stitches She Got! 

Public Reactions and Expectations 

Netizens' reactions were a mix of understanding and support for the young star. While many emphasized that Wonyoung's endorsement ties were with SK Telecom and not Samsung Galaxy, others acknowledged that being seen using an iPhone after attending a Samsung event might have appeared careless.

There were those who urged the public to consider the perspective of the celebrity's PR team and staff in such situations.

Wonyoung's significance as an influential idol was highlighted, with fans pointing out that her appeal spans across various demographics, from elementary school children to women in their 20s. With such widespread influence, expectations have naturally been placed on the young star to act and behave in accordance with certain norms.

It is important to note, however, that Wonyoung is under no legal obligation to exclusively use Samsung phones or any other specific brand. As a private individual, her personal choices in technology should not be conflated with her professional endorsements.

As the digital discourse rages on, the incident serves as a reminder of the immense scrutiny that public figures endure in the age of social media. While netizens may express their opinions freely, it is crucial to remember that celebrities, like Wonyoung, are entitled to their individual preferences, even amidst high-profile events.

READ MORE: Justice for IVE Wonyoung: Starship Entertainment Faces Backlash For 'Neglecting' Idol 

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.

KpopStarz owns this article.