IVE Jang Wonyoung is facing backlash after a video of her reaction to a child touching her went viral.
The incident happened while IVE was in Madrid, Spain, attending the KPOP LUX x SUPER SBS CONCERT alongside SHINee, ENHYPEN, and STAYC. Fans captured the moment a child unexpectedly approached Wonyoung and touched her hair.
Wonyoung visibly reacted with surprise before security stepped in to move the child away. The clip quickly gained over seven million views.
Soon after, some accused Wonyoung of racism and colorism based purely on her startled response.
“She’s such a gross person, she probably thinks he’s dirty because of his skin, i always knew this lil girl was extremely colorist, now we know its true… god will not be kind to you miss skeleton” – Twitter user @pyxietardie
“..honestly not surprised she’s a racist and probably colorist she gives off bad energy and this confirms it. imagine how she reacts when she visits 3rd world countries ” – Twitter user @IeedaeuI
Netizens quickly came to Wonyoung’s defense, pointing out that she is known to get easily startled. Clips from horror variety shows showed her reacting strongly to minor noises and movements.
“Non-dives might not know this but wonyoung gets surprised so easily. If you watched their horror eps on variety shows, you can see how she reacts even on the slightest sound or movement. Her immediate reaction would be either shout, or run away just as what she did to that boy” – Twitter user @shino_ive
Fans also shared moments where Wonyoung greeted children who respected her personal space.
“Quotes stop and see how wonyoung initiated greeting these kids who respected her personal space” – Twitter user @shino_ive
Many argued that Wonyoung’s reaction was normal for anyone whose personal space was suddenly invaded by a stranger.
“y’all uncomfortable when the person behind you in line at starbucks is too close but some random child ran up on her and y’all want her to jump for joy??” – Twitter user @computercart
“i pray one day that kpop fans realize that these idols are also human. this is a very acceptable and understandable reaction to a child you don’t know walking into your personal space. like leave this girl alone i beg” – Twitter user @keyboms
The debate continues online, but it’s clear many see Wonyoung’s startled reaction as understandable in the situation.
