A recent event in China has captured widespread attention and sparked a flurry of reactions online. Last week, the Chinese media outlet NetEase posted a story about an unusual auction. An unnamed individual auctioned off three strands of hair belonging to IVE‘s Jang Wonyoung. Conducted on an online platform, the auction attracted over 1,200 viewers, showcasing the high level of interest in the item.

The unnamed individual claimed to have personally collected the hair during a concert. To address those doubting the item’s authenticity, he suggested that a DNA test would prove its legitimacy. Despite questions about his credibility, the auction went on as scheduled.

The bidding started at a staggering 99,999 CNY (approximately 18.47 million KRW or 13,862 USD). This illustrates the lengths some fans are willing to go to own a piece of their idol, in this case, quite literally. Subsequent bids drove the price up to an astonishing 103,662 CNY (approximately 19.15 million KRW or 14,373 USD).

Get ready with Jang WonYoung in Paris 💖💄

Jang Wonyoung deserves privacy and respect

As news of this auction spread, netizens expressed their disbelief and criticism. Comments ranged from shock—”Are they really selling that?”—to outright condemnation of the act as absurd, even if the hair genuinely belonged to Jang Wonyoung. The sale raised concerns not just about the ethics of selling personal items of celebrities but also about the implications for their privacy. Many found it disturbing that someone would sell another person’s hair, and equally strange that there was a market for such items.

Furthermore, this incident has prompted discussions about the boundaries of fan culture and the invasion of privacy of public figures. Some netizens condemned the auction as a gross invasion of the artist’s personal space, calling for respect and privacy for celebrities.

In other news, Jang Wonyoung and the other members of IVE—An Yujin, Gaeul, Leeseo, Liz, and Rei—are gearing up for their second fan meeting in South Korea. Titled MAGAZINE IVE, it’s set to take place at the Seoul Olympic Handball Gymnasium on March 9 at 6:00 PM and March 10 at 5:00 PM. Their agency, Starship Entertainment, recently released a set of concept photos for the fan meeting, heightening fans’ excitement. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This news begs the question, ‘How did the unnamed individual get Wonyoung’s hair?’ Source: Vogue Korea.