Jang Wonyoung Kickoff Outfit Sparks Controversy Despite Stunning Visuals
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung turned heads at a recent soccer ceremonial kickoff, but her bold outfit has ignited heated debate online. The star appeared in a customized team uniform transformed into an off-shoulder mini dress—so short that she reportedly wore additional shorts underneath. While her elegant visuals impressed many, the response from fans has been divided, with criticism aimed at her styling choices for the public event.
Chinese Fandom Issues Strong Statement
On July 31, Jang Wonyoung’s Chinese fan community released an official statement addressing the controversy:
“Jang Wonyoung is a female idol under the age of 21 who has always embodied self-love, confidence, and a healthy image, serving as a role model for countless young girls,” the statement began.
“However, the outfit Starship dressed her in for today’s event has caused strong anger among fans. The clothing was excessively tight and overly revealing, severely restricting her ability to move naturally during the ceremony. The essence of stage outfits is to help idols perform comfortably and confidently—not to compromise their dignity or safety.”
K-Netizens React to Jang Wonyoung Kickoff Ceremony Outfit Controversy
@joufulll
“Even the fans hate this. Maybe try bringing back her old classy vibe. Nobody likes idolizing sexualized concepts.”
@oioioxs
“Last year, NewJeans and TWICE performed at halftime shows wearing sporty outfits like soccer jerseys or long pants… Starship really dropped the ball.”
@julieahhn
“Seriously, even Ronaldo wouldn’t be able to score a goal wearing that outfit.”
@0502_lone
“Stop pretending your idols are innocent. They’re adults who read books and know exactly what kind of harm and misogyny this perpetuates. They’re consciously standing at the forefront of that culture to make money.
Blaming the staff is pointless—they’re in a powerless position. Even if idols slapped them, they couldn’t say a word. The only ‘fault’ of staff is doing what they’re told.”
The Ronaldo comment alone has been retweeted over 35,000 times, emphasizing how inappropriate the outfit seemed for a soccer pitch. Many reactions focused less on tearing down a single female idol and more on calling out systemic issues and protecting women’s dignity, which continues to fuel the discussion.
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