Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE, recently found herself in the midst of a controversy. The issue arose when she used an iPhone-exclusive emoji on Instagram after attending a Samsung event. This seemingly innocuous act sparked a wave of criticism from netizens and media outlets alike.

On July 26, Samsung held their Unpacked event in South Korea. Wonyoung was not only a celebrity attendee but also ended up in the front row. She was even featured in a show-and-tell segment by American actress Sydney Sweeney, showcasing Samsung’s new ZFlip5 phone. The two young ladies took a selfie together with the new device, which Wonyoung later reposted on her Instagram.

However, the controversy erupted when observant netizens noticed she used a black heart emoji in her post, an emoji exclusive to the iPhone. Consequently, some accused her of being disloyal to the brand whose event she attended.

Fans defend Wonyoung

Nevertheless, a section of the public has come to her defense. They argued that Wonyoung isn’t an official Samsung endorser, so she’s under no obligation to use their products exclusively. Also, it’s worth noting that she has been featured in campaigns for Samsung, but this was due to her role as an endorsement model for SK Telecom, not Samsung directly.

This incident comes on the heels of another controversy involving her, where she was criticized for reacting poorly to a child approaching her. Despite the backlash, she continues to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. In fact, IVE is getting ready for an October comeback. 

The controversy surrounding Wonyoung‘s iPhone use after the Samsung event is a perfect example of the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities in the digital age. Something as small as an emoji kicked up a storm on social media, underscoring the delicate balance between an idol’s personal choices and the public’s expectations. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Before the controversy erupted, Wonyoung was a beautiful sight to see on the red carpet. Source: Twitter/@IVEstarshipNews’ Twitter account.