From Jang Won-young's outfit to Son Heung-min's manners, controversies sweeping the football stadium

IVE's Jang Wonyoung's Kick-off Outfit: 'Inappropriate for the Venue' vs. 'Personal Choice' Debate

On July 30, all members of the group IVE appeared as ceremonial kick-off participants for the first match of the '2025 Coupang Play Series' (Team K League vs. Newcastle United) held at Suwon World Cup Stadium. On this day, Jang Wonyoung showcased a style distinct from the other members, pairing a top that revealed her upper body line with short bottoms.

The outfit sparked a debate online. Some netizens expressed opinions that the stage costume was inappropriate for a stadium setting. In response, member Rei clarified via a fan platform, "We asked to have them reformed so we could wear what we wanted," directly mentioning that the outfits were a choice reflecting the members' own opinions.

Son Heung-min 'Umbrella Manner' Controversy Spreads as Gender Conflict Frame

Controversy regarding the manners of football star Son Heung-min also continued. It began during an interview between Apink's Oh Hayoung, who acted as a daily reporter, and Son Heung-min following the Tottenham vs. Newcastle match held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3. At the time, it was captured that Son Heung-min was not holding an umbrella while Oh Hayoung was holding one herself during the rain.

In particular, the controversy over Son Heung-min's lack of manners spread as a scene was captured showing his Tottenham teammate Ben Davies holding an umbrella for Oh Hayoung. On the 8th (local time), the New York Times (NYT) covered this incident in an article titled 'Should this football star have held an umbrella for a female interviewer?', reporting it as an example revealing South Korea's gender conflict.

Strengthening K-pop Status and Social Perspectives Toward Artists

The background behind these issues gaining attention is that as K-pop has established itself as a global mainstream culture, public interest focused on individual artists has grown incomparably compared to the past. In 2012, Psy's 'Gangnam Style' reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, opening an era where Korean singers conquer the global market.

However, behind this glamorous status exists an environment that constantly evaluates the appearance, clothing, and behavior of artists. Recent issues show a pattern where the every move of K-pop artists expands beyond simple entertainment news into social discourse.