Are K-pop performance outfits going too far? IVE's Jang Won-young stirs debate

IVE member Jang Won-young / Xportsnews

A debate over IVE member Jang Won-young’s outfit during a ceremonial kickoff continues to stir controversy both in Korea and among global fans — even after the group offered an explanation.

On Wednesday, girl group IVE took part in a ceremonial kickoff and performed during halftime at the first match of the "2025 Coupang Play Series" held at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

Wearing customized outfits based on sports uniforms, the members lit up the stadium with a vibrant performance and eye-catching visuals. Their participation in both the ceremonial kickoff and halftime show attracted major attention.

However, some viewers raised concerns about the outfits — especially Jang Won-young’s form-fitting, shoulder-baring top and short shorts. Critics said the outfit was “inappropriate for the occasion” and “too revealing” for a sporting event.

IVE's Jang Won-young, left, and Ahn Yu-jin / Xportsnews

Others defended the styling, saying the performance-focused nature of the event justified the fashion choices and that IVE’s signature flair came through clearly. Supporters also argued that ceremonial kickoffs have evolved into entertainment showcases, and customizing uniforms has long been a way for artists to express individuality.

As the debate intensified, member Rei addressed the issue through a fan communication platform, writing, “Don’t you think our IVE uniforms are cute?” and added, “Each of us asked to have ours customized the way we wanted.”

Still, criticism continued — especially from IVE’s Chinese fandom. On Thursday, one fan group stated, “The outfit Jang Won-young wore sparked strong anger. It was too tight and revealing, restricting her ability to move naturally during the event.”

The controversy reflects IVE’s global influence and the evolving discourse around stage costumes. As public perception of performance wear shifts, discussions over what is deemed appropriate are unlikely to fade anytime soon.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.