IVE's An Yujin and Jang Wonyoung Face Backlash Over High-Priced Joint Media Exhibition
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
IVE members An Yujin (安俞真) and Jang Wonyoung (張員瑛) are under fire from fans following the announcement of their joint media exhibition. The event, titled "An-Young Media Exhibition," has been criticized for excessive pricing, with standard tickets at 30,000 won and VIP passes at 66,000 won. Social media platforms have been flooded with negative comments comparing the exhibition unfavorably to free events hosted by other K-pop artists.
Key Points
- The "An-Young Media Exhibition" runs from September 5 to 27, 2026, at Seoul Museum of Art in Seongdong-gu's Seongsu-dong area
- Regular admission costs 30,000 won (approximately HK$173), while VIP tickets are priced at 66,000 won (approximately HK$381)
- Standard ticket holders receive two photo cards, stickers, and a merchandise order form; VIP pass buyers get a special photo card set, binder, and A3 poster
- Fans online slammed the pricing, noting other idol exhibitions offer free entry with paid merchandise only, and compared it to Jennie's charity-focused 10,000-won event
- Critics questioned why only these two members received an exhibition despite not forming an official subunit, with no group photos displayed
- Separately, Jang Wonyoung faced accusations of lip-syncing during IVE's August 16 performance of new song "I AM" at Everland
- Venue staff denied the lip-sync allegations, explaining the volume differences stemmed from vocal role assignments and microphone settings
Why It Matters
The controversy reflects growing tensions between K-pop agencies and fan communities over perceived cash-grabbing tactics and unequal treatment of group members. As IVE continues to dominate the industry, such incidents could impact brand partnerships and fan loyalty during a critical promotional period for the group .
The controversy reflects growing tensions between K-pop agencies and fan communities over perceived cash-grabbing tactics and unequal treatment of group members. As IVE continues to dominate the industry, such incidents could impact brand partnerships and fan loyalty during a critical promotional period for the group .