Controversy is rapidly escalating in China after Jang Won-young, a member of K-pop girl group IVE, referred to Hong Kong as one of the “countries” she likes in a recently released behind-the-scenes video.
The remark appeared on IVE’s official YouTube channel, filmed during the group’s visit to Hong Kong for an awards ceremony. In the video, Jang casually said, “We should eat a delicious dinner. I like Hong Kong. There is a lot of good food. Hong Kong is one of the countries I like.”
🇭🇰 Comment Sparks Political Sensitivity Debate
Following the video’s release, some Chinese netizens strongly objected to Jang’s wording. Under China’s One China principle, Hong Kong is classified as a special administrative region, not a country. Her comment was interpreted by critics as contradicting that stance, quickly igniting backlash online.
On Chinese social media platforms, hashtags such as “#JangWonyoungHongKongCountry,” “#IVEGetOutofChina,” and “#KoreanIdolsHistoryEducation” began trending, with some users calling for a boycott of IVE-related content.
Chinese Media React Strongly
Local media outlets amplified the controversy.
Sina Entertainment described the remark as “a clear challenge to China’s territorial sovereignty and integrity.”
Meanwhile, Global Times criticized Korean idols for benefiting from Chinese fan consumption while allegedly failing to respect political sensitivities, adding that such figures lack sufficient awareness despite understanding the importance of the Chinese market.
Video Made Private, Fallout Continues
In response to the growing backlash, the video has since been made private, but criticism continues across Chinese platforms. Attention is now focused on how public sentiment will evolve and whether the controversy will impact IVE’s activities or brand presence in China.
As of now, no official statement has been released by Starship Entertainment regarding the incident.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
This controversy highlights the fragile line K-pop idols walk as global figures navigating politically sensitive regions. As K-pop’s influence expands, even offhand remarks can trigger international repercussions — reminding the industry that global popularity comes with global scrutiny.
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