IVE Jang Wonyoung's reaction after being approached by a kid sparked a debate. But... why is BTS Jungkook being mentioned?

Read on to know the full story.

K-Netz Discuss IVE Wonyoung vs BTS Jungkook's Different Reactions When Kid Approached Them

On July 24, a video featuring IVE Wonyoung became a hot topic on SNS and online communities, where she was seen horrified when an elementary school boy approached her.

In the clip, Jang Wonyoung was on her way to attend a group schedule when a boy wearing a yellow T-shirt, who was presumed to be a fan, walked towards the idol.

(Photo : Jang Wonyoung (Instagram))

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The boy tried to say "hi" and unintentionally brushed her hair instead. The female idol, who was clueless before being touched, seemed uncomfortable and shrank away.

Then, the little boy was grabbed by a female staff and pushed back to stop him.

Before the video ended, it was seen that the child was left with a puzzled look on his face as if he didn't know what he had done.

(Photo : IVE Jang Wonyoung with kid (Wikitree))

(Photo : IVE Jang Wonyoung with kid (Wikitree))

As soon as the clip circulated online, the "I AM" singer drew divided opinions.

While there were fans who said she was just surprised, malicious commenters who claimed that Jang Wonyoung was being "rude" and "disgusting" for reacting that way to a little kid.

Worse, IVE Wonyoung was accused of being a racist and colorist, with haters assuming she wouldn't let the kid touch her because he has a slightly darker complexion.

   @jungkookbosteero  #jungkook #bts #seven #parati #foryoupage #foryou #bangtan ♬ sonido original - sofaso    

Regarding this, a TikTok user compared Wonyoung's reaction to BTS Jungkook's gesture when a black toddler approached him.

In the video, he looked at the kid and shook hands, and the latter happily ran away from him after the interaction.

The video, which has now 10.7 million views and 1.8 million likes, wrote "the difference," portraying Wonyoung in a negative light.

(Photo : BTS Jungkook with kid (TikTok))

(Photo : BTS Jungkook with kid (TikTok))

DIVEs Defend IVE Jang Wonyoung

As netizens continued to praise BTS Jungkook and humiliate Jang Wonyoung, DIVEs (IVE fandom) took to the same platform to defend the female idol.

Watching the two videos, her supporters highlighted that it was seen in the clip that Jang Wonyoung's personal space was invaded, and she was touched without her permission.

DIVEs continued that compared to the second clip, BTS Jungkook wasn't approached abruptly and he consented to shake hands with the kid after noticing him standing and looking at him.

Fans also implied that it's just a natural instinct to react like Jang Wonyoung and try to run away from possible danger when approached by a stranger, regardless of their age.

(Photo : pann.nate)
IVE Jang Wonyoung

• "Why wasn't there a bodyguard?"
• "No matter what, you will be surprised as well when an elementary school students approach you without saying anything."
• "It's normal to react like that these days."
• "I'll be surprised too if I see a child stretch their arms out all of a sudden."
• "I hope the guard is always next to you."

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Written by Eunice Dawson.