Jang Won-young of IVE Receives $365,000 Worth of Birthday Gifts, Sparking Controversy

Jang Won-young, a prominent member of the girl group IVE, has ignited fervent discussions online after it was disclosed that her birthday gifts amounted to an astonishing ₩500 million (approximately $365, 000).This revelation came as her fans celebrated her special day, particularly her Chinese fan community who are well-known for their extravagant displays of affection.

Celebrating her birthday on a recent Sunday, Jang received an impressive array of gifts that showcased the lavish tendencies often associated with fan culture. The extensive gift list featured a range of luxurious items including high-end handbags, apparel, footwear, headwear, fragrances, accessories, cameras, gaming consoles, and an assortment of character-themed merchandise. Smaller personal items, such as custom phone cases and comfortable pajamas, were also included.

The collection of gifts for Jang also highlighted pieces from esteemed brands like BVLGARI and Van Cleef & Arpels, stylish apparel from Miu Miu, and even a Nintendo Switch 2 console, as reported by HYPE.

The Cultural Debate

The staggering value of these gifts quickly attracted widespread attention, igniting a conversation about the practice of “jogong”—a traditional Korean custom of providing support packages to celebrities on their birthdays. Historically, fandoms often shared comprehensive lists detailing the gifts given to idols for comparison.

However, perceptions appear to be evolving. Many individuals now express concerns about the appropriateness of gifting high-value items to celebrities who are already financially well-off. As a result, numerous entertainment agencies have initiated policies to discourage extravagant gifts, advocating instead for fans to pledge their support through handwritten notes or philanthropic efforts.

An article by KoreaTimes captured various online sentiments regarding this trend. Some commenters voiced their confusion, asking why agencies do not intervene to halt such practices. Conversely, others defended the actions of fans, asserting, “She didn’t solicit these gifts, ”and “Fans choose to express their affection in this way.”

Agency Responses to Gift-Giving Trends

In light of growing apprehensions about extravagant gifting practices, several entertainment agencies have taken a stand against accepting costly presents. While some restrict fan contributions to modest, symbolic tokens, the extravagant support given to Jang on her birthday has reignited the discussion around celebrity gift-giving, underscoring the clash between traditional fan engagement and shifting societal values.

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