SEOUL / BEIJING, El Sky News – As of Wednesday, January 7, 2026, a wave of online debate has emerged within the international K-Pop community following a casual remark by Jang Won-young, a prominent member of the girl group IVE. The situation, which began over the weekend, highlights the complex landscape global artists navigate when everyday expressions intersect with regional geopolitical sensitivities.
The controversy stems from a behind-the-scenes video titled “MAMA 2025 Behind,” recently uploaded to IVE’s official YouTube channel, documenting the group’s participation in the 2025 MAMA Awards held in Hong Kong.
The Context of the Remark In the footage, while preparing backstage, Jang Won-young shared her excitement about the local culinary scene. She was recorded saying, “I really love Hong Kong. There are so many delicious things to eat,” followed by the phrase, “Hong Kong is one of my favorite countries.”
The remark quickly gained traction on Chinese social media platforms, specifically Weibo, where some users interpreted the use of the word “country” (나라 / nara in Korean) as a challenge to the “One China” principle. Under this principle, Hong Kong is recognized as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China.
Digital Reaction and Boycott Calls The reaction from segments of the Chinese netizen community was swift:
- Trending Hashtags: Tags such as #JangWonyoungHongKongCountry and #IVEGetOutofChina began trending shortly after the video’s release.
- Boycott Movements: Some fan communities in mainland China have called for a boycott of IVE’s future activities, including digital streaming and physical merchandise sales.
- Media Coverage: Local media outlets in China, including Sina Entertainment, noted that while the sentiment appeared to be a casual expression of fondness for the city, it touched upon sensitive political narratives.
A Balanced Perspective Conversely, many international fans and cultural observers have come to the artist’s defense, suggesting that the comment was a linguistic slip or a “loss in translation” rather than a deliberate political statement.
- Nuance of Language: Analysts note that in casual Korean, the term nara can sometimes be used broadly to refer to a distinct place or destination, rather than strictly implying a sovereign state.
- Immediate Correction: The IVE management team, Starship Entertainment, acted promptly by making the video private shortly after the backlash began to prevent further misunderstanding.
The Global Artist’s Dilemma This incident is not the first time K-Pop idols have faced scrutiny over cultural or political sensitivities. In 2022, Jang herself faced a separate debate regarding a traditional Korean hairpin (binyeo) worn during Paris Fashion Week.
Experts suggest that as K-Pop continues its global expansion, the need for “cultural intelligence” and political sensitivity in digital content becomes increasingly paramount. “This is a friendly reminder of the immense pressure global stars face,” noted an entertainment analyst. “A simple comment about food can inadvertently become a geopolitical talking point in our hyper-connected world.”
Current Status At this time, neither Jang Won-young nor Starship Entertainment has issued a formal public apology, though the removal of the video is seen as a professional acknowledgment of the concerns raised. Fans are encouraged to view the situation with a balanced perspective as the group continues its 2026 global tour schedule.
(Leakim Otid)
