A Chinese fan of IVE’s Jang Wonyoung is facing severe criticism after sharing a video where the idol unwittingly repeated a derogatory phrase in Chinese during a fan call session on May 14, 2024.
In the video, the fan asked Jang Wonyoung to repeat a phrase under the guise of a compliment. However, instead of translating a positive message, the fan-made Jang Wonyoung says a disrespectful phrase targeting Starship Entertainment.
This behaviour sparked outrage among fans and netizens, who felt that the fan’s actions were inappropriate and disrespectful towards the idol. Many Chinese netizens expressed embarrassment over the incident and urged fellow fans to exhibit more respectful behaviour towards idols.
The incident highlights the complexities of fan interactions and the importance of treating idols with dignity and respect. It also prompts discussions about the responsibilities of fans in upholding positive interactions in the K-pop community and supporting idols in a respectful manner during fan engagements.