Jang Won-young controversy highlights political pressures on global K-pop stars

Jang Wonyoung faces backlash in China

• Jang Won-young called Hong Kong a country, sparking backlash in mainland China
• Chinese social media calls to boycott IVE, criticize Korean idols.
• The video was made private; no statement from Jang Won-young or her agency.

Did our AI summary help?

A storm has broken out online in China after Jang Won‑young, a member of the hugely popular K‑pop group IVE, described Hong Kong as one of the “countries” she likes in a behind-the-scenes video.

What seemed like an offhand comment about the city’s food has quickly turned into a heated discussion about politics, identity, and the challenges faced by global celebrities.

The moment occurred in a video posted on IVE’s official YouTube channel, capturing the group during a visit to Hong Kong for an awards ceremony.

As the members enjoyed the sights and cuisine, Jang Won‑young cheerfully said, “We should eat a delicious dinner,” adding, “I like Hong Kong. There is a lot of good food. Hong Kong is one of the countries I like.”

Although the remark appeared casual and friendly, it did not sit well with many viewers in mainland China. Under China’s One China principle, Hong Kong is considered a special administrative region rather than a separate nation.

Some users interpreted Jang Won‑young’s comment as contradicting this position, and online criticism quickly gained momentum.

Social media platforms in China were soon filled with hashtags like “#JangWonyoungHongKongCountry,” “#IVEGetOutofChina,” and “#KoreanIdolsHistoryEducation.”

Some commentators even suggested boycotting IVE-related content, turning what might have been a simple travel vlog into a political flashpoint.

Local media outlets joined the conversation. Sina Entertainment called the comment “a clear challenge to China’s territorial sovereignty and integrity,” while the Global Times highlighted what it sees as a pattern among Korean idols: benefiting from Chinese fans’ support but failing to recognise political sensitivities.

Also Read: IVE’s Jang Won Young and Lee Jun Young confirmed as hosts for 2025 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan

The outlet added that stars “lack understanding of political sensitivity despite knowing the importance of the Chinese market.”

The video has since been made private, but the debate is far from over. Observers are now watching how public sentiment in China will develop, noting that online reactions can be amplified and do not always reflect broader national opinion.

As yet, neither Jang Won‑young nor her agency have released an official statement.