On March 3, media reported that Jang Won Young was facing mounting criticism after a clip of her one-on-one fancall began circulating online. According to reports, the fan in question had spent a significant amount of money to secure the opportunity and was reportedly excited to interact with the star. However, the now-viral video painted a different picture.
In the clip, Jang Won Young appears to look up at the screen for less than a third of the call’s duration, spending most of the time looking down with what some viewers described as an uncomfortable or reluctant expression. Rather than engaging in lively conversation, she responded with short, one-word answers or brief phrases, leading some netizens to accuse her of being indifferent and disrespectful.
While debate was already intensifying over that incident, another fan shared their own disappointing experience involving a signed post-it note.
In a heartfelt online post, the fan expressed deep frustration, writing, “JWY, I really can’t swallow this anymore… The post-it I attached—she just gave a perfunctory answer, and it honestly made me want to cry. I asked which lyric she liked most from this comeback, and she only wrote the number ‘8’—that’s it. It felt like she didn’t even spend half a second on my post-it. Isn’t that a bit too careless? I truly can’t accept this.”
The fan further added that even the small bunny-ear detail typically included in Jang Won Young’s autograph was signed off the edge of the page. “I spent so long trying to get a slot, and this is all I received in the end. I know the solo track repeats the number 8 like a mantra, but was writing just ‘8’ really the only possible answer?” the fan lamented.
As of now, Jang Won Young has not released an official statement addressing the backlash.
This incident has reignited discussions about her past controversies. Back in 2023, the singer faced debate after appearing startled and pulling away when a young boy approached her on a street in Spain and attempted to touch her hair. While some criticized her for allegedly overreacting and displaying “celebrity syndrome,” others defended her, arguing that she was simply startled by an unexpected physical approach from a stranger.
Earlier in her career with IZ*ONE, she was also scrutinized for a moment captured on camera that some interpreted as a glare toward fellow member An Yu Jin. Additionally, she has faced repeated accusations of trying to stand in the center position during group appearances with IVE. Supporters, however, argue that as the group’s official center, her positioning is both natural and professionally designated.
Having debuted at a young age and now approaching nearly a decade in the entertainment industry, many fans had hoped that Jang Won Young would have moved past attitude-related controversies. The latest incident has left some netizens questioning whether she has fully matured in handling public interactions, while others continue to call for a more balanced perspective.
As discussions continue to spread across online communities, all eyes are on whether the idol or her agency will respond to the growing criticism.