As debate over IVE member Jang Won-young’s airport demeanor rages on, a video filmed from a different angle has surfaced, splitting public opinion even further.
On May 30, Jang departed through Gimpo International Airport with her IVE members for a schedule in Shanghai, China. A short clip showing her from behind during the departure screening spread across online communities and social media, triggering the controversy.
In the first video, Jang appeared to be standing before an airport staffer with her arms crossed. There was also a brief moment showing her complying with an ID check for her mask and cap, followed by a shot of her taking her passport with one hand and moving on. Some netizens reacted, saying, "She should have been more polite to the airport staff," and, "Her attitude looks insincere."
The controversy spilled over to Jang’s social media. While her posts usually drew comments cheering on her visuals and activities, after the clip spread, comments like "A cooperative attitude is basic during departure screening," "It’s disappointing because it feels unlike her image," and "She needs to be a bit more humble" began to appear.
However, the mood shifted after a video from another angle was released. In that footage, when it was her turn, Jang is seen handing over her passport to the airport staffer with both hands and complying when asked to show her face, prompting pushback that it’s hard to judge her attitude based on a single short clip.
As for the arms-crossed moment, some argued it was simply a brief posture while the staffer scanned her passport. While it’s true she received the passport with one hand, many said branding her as having a celebrity complex or being rude goes too far.
Public reaction remains split. Some criticized, "Because it’s an identity verification process, she should have been more actively cooperative," and, "Everyone should respond to airport staff requests by the same standard." Others countered, "It’s unreasonable to judge someone’s character from a split second," "After seeing the other angle, the controversy seems exaggerated," and, "Aren’t people applying an unusually harsh standard to Jang Won-young?"
This dispute shows how quickly online judgment forms around a celebrity’s behavior when a short snippet spreads. Even after additional footage emerged, criticism and defense continued side by side, suggesting the debate over Jang Won-young’s airport demeanor will persist for now.
Meanwhile, IVE, the group Jang Won-young belongs to, is meeting global fans on their second world tour, 'SHOW WHAT I AM.' The group is scheduled to meet local fans at Tokyo Dome on the 24th.