IVE Jang Wonyoung Draws Backlash From Chinese Media After Wearing THIS Hairpin

Following dating rumors and attitude controversy, IVE Jang Wonyoung is facing yet another issue after Chinese media criticized the singer for "stealing" culture for wearing THIS hairpin.

IVE Jang Wonyoung Reveals Significant Reason She Wore Silver Phoenix Hairpin in Paris

On October 16, Vogue Korea posted a new vlog featuring IVE Jang Wonyoung's time during Paris Fashion Week. The video follows the concept of taking a peek at the female idol's routine and busy schedule for a whole day in Paris.

On this day, her preparations for the events were unveiled as she roamed the streets and visited landmarks.

In the clip, she shared she worked together with designers and stylists in finalizing her outfit for the FRED Paris event.

A post shared by instagram

As she wanted to showcase Korean beauty, Wonyoung said that she brought a traditional Korean hairpin from the country all the way to France. The phoenix-shaped silver hairpin was made by a Korean jeweler, and a lot of Koreans praised the female idol for her thoughtfulness.

Check out IVE Jang Wonyoung's latest video here:

IVE Jang Wonyoung Accused of 'Cultural Theft' by Chinese Media

Amid praises from Koreans, Chinese netizens and media raised their brows following the clip.

In particular, the Chinese outlet NetEase reported on Jang Wonyoung's phoenix-shaped hairpin shown on the vlog and criticized the female idol, saying:

"I didn't know Jang Wonyoung would claim out loud that the (hairpin) is a Korean fashion style. She must have not known."

The Chinese media pointed out that the phoenix hairpin doesn't represent Koreans because dragons and phoenixes are traditional and symbolic patterns in China. They argued that while Koreans also have their traditional hairpins, the phoenix pattern is unique to China.

In addition of their own insights, NetEase also cited Chinese netizens' reactions and some said:

  • "Isn't it stealing of our traditional culture?"
  • "This is an unbearable problem."
  • "If she didn't know that phoenix hairpin is Chinese style, she should correct it and apologize."

In addition, the outlet insisted on the theory that if Jang Wonyoung is really of Chinese descent, it's a shame she's not aware of the culture of her own origin.

"If Jang Wonyoung is of Chinese descent, there is no way that he does not know that the phoenix hairpin is from China. To say that the hairpin belongs to Korea, she's also forgetting the basics or not knowing the history and culture of her origin country."

The media insisted that Jang Wonyoung's remark is a form of cultural theft, concluding:

"Our history and traditional culture are very old, so we welcome learning, but we never allow stealing."

Earlier, Jang Wonyoung suffered from rumors that she's actually Chinese through a YouTuber and netizens claims.

In response, Starship Entertainment, the agency of the star announced that it already filed a complaint last month against content spreading false information and malicious slander.

READ MORE: IVE Wonyoung Being of Chinese Descent Becomes Hot Topic Again– Here's Why

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KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.

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